“With a heavy heart,” he said quietly, pausing to compose himself, “I am deeply saddened to say that my father, His Majesty King Charles III, has passed away peacefully earlier this morning.”

The announcement marks the end of an era and plunges the United Kingdom and Commonwealth into mourning. King Charles III, who ascended the throne following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, had recently faced several health challenges. Though Buckingham Palace had previously reported he was in stable condition, his sudden passing has left the nation in shock.