LONDON: Charles, Britain's new king, released the following statement on Thursday after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth.

"The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.

"We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.

READ: Britain's Queen Elizabeth dies peacefully at Scottish home aged 96

"During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held."