The news broke at half time in Switzerland
Arsenal held a minute’s silence during their Europa League game on Thursday following the news that Queen Elizabeth II had sadly passed away.
Britain’s longest-serving monarch passed away at Balmoral this afternoon, the palace said in a statement.
The palace announced the news shortly after 630pm, saying that the Queen died “peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon”.
The statement continued that the King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London on Friday.
Her eldest son, Prince Charles will now become King having held the position of the Prince of Wales for the longest period in history with his son, Prince William, to adopt his former title.
The news of her majesty’s death was announced at the Stadion Letzigrund in the Swiss capital, where a minute’s silence was held to pay respect to the Queen.
Arsenal’s players then returned onto the pitch in the second half wearing black armbands to show a mark of respect after hearing the news a short while earlier.
It has since been confirmed that Manchester United and West Ham United will continue to play their fixtures as planned despite potential signs that upcoming games this weekend can be cancelled. Both clubs were advised after official direction from UEFA and FA.
Arsenal started off their Europa League campaign with a win. Marquinhos opened the scoring in the 16th minute on his debut for the north London side before Zurich equalised with a penalty moments before the interval.
Eddie Nketiah then put the Gunners back in front in the opening game of Arsenal’s Europa League campaign to win their first game of the Europa League group stage.
Related links:
- Prince Charles issues statement after becoming King
- Tributes pour in for Queen Elizabeth II after she dies aged 96
- Queen Elizabeth II: The life and times of Britain’s longest-serving monarch
