England captain Harry Kane and Tyson Fury lead tributes as sporting world mourns death of The Queen aged 96
TYSON FURY and Harry Kane have led the tributes from the sporting world to The Queen following her death at the age of 96.
In a sombre statement, Buckingham Palace today confirmed Her Majesty Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history, had died - making her son, Charles, King.
Her Majesty, who reigned for 70 years, passed away at Balmoral this evening to trigger 12 days of national mourning.
Members of the Royal Family, politicians, religious figures and celebrities from across the world have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth.
Charles, who became King on the death of his mother, paid tribute to his "much loved mother" and Britain's "cherished Sovereign".
He said: "We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother.
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"I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world."
And a host of sporting superstars, clubs and institutions have joined in paying their own tributes.
The Queen's passing comes as...
- Liz Truss hailed the Queen as ‘the rock on which modern Britain was built’
- King Charles told of his 'greatest' sadness as he paid tribute to his mother
- The Queen went from a shy daddy's girl to a hero who dedicated her life to the country
- The Union flag flew at half mast as the devastating news was announced
- Prince Charles has now become King Charles III
- Prince Harry was pictured holding his head as he travelled to Balmoral to be with his family
- Crowds have gathered at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Balmoral to pay tribute to the Queen
WBC heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury wrote on Instagram: “Thoughts & prayers with my Queen tonight, may God be with you. RIP. may the lord god grant u a good bed in heaven.”
England football captain and Tottenham striker Harry Kane said: “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.”
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Former world boxing champ Anthony Joshua tweeted: “Rest in peace.”
Another English boxing legend, Ricky Hatton, wrote: “So so sad, RIP Your Majesty. RIP You will be missed.”
England football legend David Beckham said: “I’m truly saddened by the death of Her Majesty, The Queen. What an outpouring of love and respect we saw for the Platinum Jubilee for her life of service.
“How devastated we all feel today shows what she has meant to people in this country and around the world. How much she inspired us with her leadership. How she comforted us when times were tough.
“Until her last days she served her country with dignity and grace.
“This year she would have known how loved she was. My thoughts and prayers are with our Royal Family…”
The most successful British track athlete in modern Olympic Games history Mo Farah said: “My condolences to the Royal Family at this very sad time. The Queen was loved all over the world and meant so much to so many.
“Meeting her was one of the greatest honours of my life. We will remember her for her warmth and dedication to the British people throughout her reign.”
Brazilian football icon Pele wrote on social media: "I have been a great admirer of Queen Elizabeth II since the first time I saw her in person, in 1968, when she came to Brazil to witness our love for football and experienced the magic of a packed Maracanã.
"Her deeds have marked generations. This legacy will last forever."
Former England goalscorer Michael Owen said: “RIP to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Thank you Ma’am for your lifetime of service and dedication.”
The Football Association tweeted: “We have sent our deepest condolences to our president, HRH The Duke of Cambridge and the whole of the @RoyalFamily following the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
“We join our nation in mourning her loss.”
The British Horse Racing Authority released a statement that read: “All of British Racing is in mourning today following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
“Her Majesty has been one of the greatest and most influential supporters in the history of horseracing.
"Her passion for racing and the racehorse shone brightly throughout her life, not only through her close involvement in breeding and racing horses, but in her roles as a patron of The Jockey Club and Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and as the figurehead of Royal Ascot.
“From her first-ever winner Monaveen, through stars such as Carrozza and Highclere, to the unforgettable Estimate, Her Majesty The Queen has helped to shape the breed and contributed to moments on the track that will go down in sporting folklore.
“It is right, therefore, that all racing is suspended for today and tomorrow as we begin to grieve Her Majesty’s passing and remember her extraordinary life and contribution to our sport and our nation.”
And BHA Chair, Joe Saumarez Smith, added: “The BHA extends our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and all those affected by this sad news.
“Racing owes an incalculable debt of gratitude, not only for Her Majesty’s dedication and commitment to the sport, but for her public advocacy of it, something that doubtless has driven the sport’s popularity and attracted a great number of fans.
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“There will be many who work in racing who have enjoyed relationships with Her Majesty through the training and breeding of her horses and will be grieving.
“Our thoughts are with them, and of course the sympathies of all associated with racing are with Her Majesty The Queen’s family, on this sad day.”