"We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother," King Charles III was quoted in a statement following the death of her mother, Queen Elizabeth II on 9 September at her summer home in Balmoral in Scotland.

She was 96.

"I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world," said Charles in the statement.

Elizabeth II was the United Kingdom's longest serving monarch for 70 years.

Charles, who has now succeeded his mother to the throne, and his wife, Camilla, now Queen Consort, will return to London on 9 September, Buckingham Palace said.