Emotional Huw Edwards announces Queen's death on BBC News alongside Nicholas Witchell

Huw Edwards appeared emotionally as he announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II, aged 96. The news of the monarch's passing was announced at around 6.30pm on Thursday, September 8.

The Queen was the nation’s longest-reigning monarch, serving as head of state for more than 70 years, celebrating her Platinum Jubilee in June. The Prince of Wales is now King, having acceded to the throne immediately on the death of his mother.

In a short statement, the Palace said: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

READ MORE: BREAKING: Queen Elizabeth II, United Kingdom's longest ruling monarch, dies aged 96 - latest updates

As with Royal protocol, and set out in Operation Unicorn, a plan which sets out all the steps that must be followed following the Queen's death, the announcement was made by Buckingham Palace, which was first given to the Press Association and the BBC.

It was broadcaster Huw Edwards delivered the news of the Queen’s death live on BBC One. After an image of the flag at Buckingham Palace was shown at half mast, he told viewers: "A few moments ago Buckingham Palace announced the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II."

Edwards then read out the statement from Buckingham Palace which announced the news. The broadcaster was dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and black tie, in line with the BBC’s dress code for when a member of the royal family dies as a mark of respect. BBC One then played the national anthem following the announcement, showing a photograph of the Queen, followed by a royal crest on a black background and the words Queen Elizabeth II.

Edwards described the news of the Queen’s