Harry Kane and Anthony Joshua lead sporting tributes after Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96

England football captain Harry Kane and champion boxer Anthony Joshua led the sporting tributes to Queen Elizabeth II after the UK’s longest-serving monarch died at the age of 96.

The Queen reigned for 70 years after coming to the throne in 1952.

Following her death, her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King.

In a statement, Buckingham 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.’

The sporting world has begun paying tribute to the Queen, with England and Tottenham striker Kane calling Her Majesty an ‘amazing inspiration’.

<p lang=«en» dir=«ltr» xml:lang=«en»>My thoughts are with the Royal Family at this very difficult time. The Queen was an amazing inspiration and will be remembered for her incredible years of service to this country. Rest in peace, Your Majesty. https://t.co/Tj0NrDpWBo

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died after 70 years on the throne, with her death announced by Buckingham Palace on September 8, 2022.

She died at the age of 96 surrounded by her family at her home in Balmoral, including her son and heir to the throneCharles, the Prince of Wales, and her grandsons, the Duke Of Cambridge, Prince William and the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry.

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Former England footballer Gary Lineker added: ‘Such a terribly sad day. Her Majesty The Queen has died.

‘A truly remarkable woman who served her country with dignity, loyalty and grace. A comforting ever present in the lives of most of us. Rest In Peace, Your Majesty.’

Brazilian football legend Pele, meanwhile, said: ‘I have been a great