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CNN Live Event/Special

King Charles to Succeed Queen Elizabeth II's Throne; Thousands of People Mourn for Their Queen's Death; World Leaders Extend Their Condolences to Britain; Royal Family and the World Mourns for Queen Elizabeth II's Passing; EFL Postpone Their Game; World Leaders Remembers Queen Elizabeth; Queen Elizabeth the Apple of the Eye of Every Artist. Aired 3-4a ET

Aired September 09, 2022 - 03:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[03:00:00]

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BECKY ANDERSON, CNN ANCHOR: Hello. I'm Becky Anderson at Buckingham Palace in London. It's 8 a.m. here in the U.K. where many people will have been waking up with the profound sense of sadness that comes with knowing that things will never be quite the same.

For the first time in more than seven decades, this country is without its queen. A period of mourning is underway for Britain's longest reigning monarch, Elizabeth the Second.

These are live images from the palace where crowds have been gathering since the news broke on Thursday. Memorials to her late majesty, the flowers, and candles, personal messages outside of the grounds here of Buckingham palace.

Well, symbols of the nation's immense grief also decorate the gates of Windsor Castle, as well of those Balmoral, the queen's beloved Scottish retreat where she passed away peacefully at the age of 96. Just two days after appointing her 15th prime minister, while appearing very frail.

Elizabeth the second's coronation was held in 1953. No date has been set yet for the coronation of her eldest son. The new king, Charles the Third is expected to give a televised address in the coming hours.

The king released this statement earlier. 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.

Anna Stewart is getting reaction to the queen's death. Nic Robertson, though begins our coverage live from Inverness in Scotland which is very close to Balmoral where we heard the official announcement, Nic, on Thursday afternoon that the queen has passed away peacefully.

She was surrounded by the closest members of her family including Prince Charles now King Charles the Third. What do we know about the circumstances of her death?

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: We really only have the information that was provided in that medical report that said the doctors were concerned about her welfare. It does seem as if King Charles and his eldest sister Princess Anne, were in and around and close to Balmoral in over recent days.

We know that the queen has said that she was not going to attend the Highland games in nearby Greymouth. She said that about a week or so ago. And that Prince Charles was -- then Prince Charles now of course King Charles, was going to go and attend in her state.

So, it appears now as if we can see perhaps there was a greater level of concern that we were aware publicly about the health of the queen. I think the country assumed after she had accepted Boris Johnson's resignation and offered Liz Truss to form a government that although she was frail, that she was working. And therefore, she was OK.

But I think the nation yesterday realized something was very much amiss. Although they still don't know the details when the other members went of the royal family went, close members of the royal to Balmoral, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Prince Andrew, Prince William, Prince Harry later in the day all gathering there. When that began to become (AUDIO GAP)

ANDERSON: OK. Nic Robertson is in Inverness in Scotland. We'll get back to Nic as we can sort out those technical details.

Let's get you to Anna Stewart, though, who has been talking to people here in London. And just taking the temperature of the British public.

[00:04:51]

As people begin, Anna, to come to terms with the death of Queen Elizabeth the Second. The end of an era. An era that she was very much defined. Seventy years on the throne. The longest reigning U.K. monarch. What are people have been saying?

ANNA STEWART, CNN REPORTER: It's been an extraordinary, well not even 24 hours at the stage. When I was here outside of the gates yesterday, really, it was shocking, it was complete silence even as hundreds of people started to turn up at the gates.

Her majesty the queen spoke often about grief, she said, I think after 9/11 that grief is the price we pay for love. And I just want to show you the love that people had for Queen Elizabeth. You can see flowers are now being laid outside of the gates of Buckingham Palace. And lot and lot of letters.

The police allowing space for people to place these flowers. And I would expect actually, Becky, in the days to come that there will be far more in this barrier. It may well be moved back. I'm here with Josh who has come here especially. Josh, tell me why you thought it was important to really be here this morning?

UNKNOWN: Yes. I live nearby, I work nearby. And the queen is the only, she is the monarch I have ever known. She was the only constant in the life of our nation. She served unparalleled in terms of her duty to our country and to many citizens of the world.

And this morning I just wanted to pay my respects and show my gratitude for that service and that duty that she carried out for more than 70 years for our country.

STEWART: And just reflecting, I think on the last few hours, it was probably a bit more of a shock yesterday, despite of course the majesty being 96 years old. But how are you feeling today and how do you think the next few days will feel for the public here?

UNKNOWN: Yes. I mean, of course, and the 48 hours before we got the news that she died, and she was with the new and outgoing prime minister fulfilling her duty right until the very end. So, when the news came that she was ill yesterday, the gravity of it set in. And then the news that she had sadly passed away at dinnertime yesterday, it was just a sheer sense of sadness.

And this morning, I think I woke up like probably most people in this country and probably in many places around the world with a sense of numbness really, we've woken up to a different world, a different world and a world that's just bit sadder because we don't have her majesty in it.

STEWART: Seventy years is a long time. Certainly, longer than either of us have been alive. And you say she's been a constant. And it's not just longevity, is it? There's something about the queen that gave stability even at times it felt very unstable in this country.

UNKNOWN: Yes, I think during the queen's reign we have had what, 13, 14 presidents of the United States. We've had a similar number of ministers that have come and go. That political agendas come and go. World events happen, be that the fall of the Berlin Wall. Be that 9/11, be that numerous stock market crushes. Wars that we fight with our allies around the world.

Throughout all of that, it's the queen. And I'm serving British army reservist doctor and when I signed up to the military, I pledged an allegiance to her majesty the queen. And I was very proud to have worn her colors on my uniform in the few short years that I've been a part of the military.

STEWART: It's an honor to meet you. Thank you for your service and sorry for the loss that you feel. Becky, we'll be here throughout the day, speaking to the people as they lay their flowers, paying their respects, but also expressing great grief at the loss of such an important person in everyone's lives. Becky?

ANDERSON: Anna Stewart is outside Buckingham palace here in London. Anna, thank you. Let's get you back to Nic Robertson who is in Inverness.

So, Nic, the front page of the Times today simply says a life in service. And on the back page, I just want our viewers to see this. This was the queen's Christmas broadcast in 1957. She said, I cannot lead you into battle, I do not give you laws or administer justice. But I can do something else. I can give you my heart and my devotion to these Old Islands. And to all of the peoples of our brotherhood of nations.

What is her legacy as a woman who was not just head of state here in the U.K. but in countries around the world. And what does it mean for her son taking over her mantle in such a very different era?

[03:09:57]

ROBERTSON: The queen visited more than 100 different countries during her reign. She went to Canada 22 times, France 13 times. I was speaking to a group of Canadian ladies here in Inverness this morning who were all expressing their admiration for the queen. For her steadfastness. For her service.

I think these are the -- these are the qualities that people speak about today. I've talked to people here this morning who were just getting ready for their day's work and still clearly grappling with the idea that they have lost their queen. That there is now a King Charles.

There was sadness, there was respect. And I think this is one -- this will be part of her enduring legacy that people respected her. They respected her hard work. They respected the principles through which she lived her life. She -- they respected the moral values that she lived and espoused. She was a figurehead and a compass for people.

So, when we talk to people here this morning and they say they are sad, they're at a loss. It won't be the same again. I think that's very much reflected in what we've heard from international leaders around the world. You know, she hosted here in the U.K., in 1954, for example, Haile Selassie from Ethiopia. In the early 70s she hosted the Emperor Hirohito of Japan. Lech Walesa in 1991, the Polish president.

She was the first British monarch to visit China in 1986. She was felt and understood around the world. Even Vladimir Putin whose values, and most of the world abhors at the moment express his respect for the queen. The reach is so wide.

But I think perhaps one thought that I heard from a young lady who was opening her store here this morning, strikes a chord. She said that her parents have said, you know, when somebody has lived with their spouse for many, many years, and that spouse passes away, it's no surprise that the partner should pass away fairly soon.

And this was how these parents have prepared this young lady for what the country witnessed yesterday. The queen, who was so much in love Prince Philip, lost her husband and her lifelong companion. So, you know, there's a real sense that this was a woman who had all the values that people aspire to. And this young lady clearly felt the same that this was a queen who was in love, you know. And that's really something to be cherished and something that will be part of her legacy.

ANDERSON: Thank you, Nic. Her grandfather ruled over some 25 percent of the world. Queen Elizabeth's reign was marked by turbulent times, not least the end of that British empire. And many will say that that is, was and is a very good thing. We look forward to what the future holds for this country under King Charles III. We will begin to see what that looks like as we hear from him later on today.

Now with a look at the queen's lasting impact on the White House and the tributes pouring in from President Joe Biden and former U.S. leaders, that after this short break.

[03:15:00]

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ANDERSON: Well tributes to Queen Elizabeth are pouring in from current and former United States president. Joe Biden expressed his condolences at the British embassy in Washington on Thursday and later spoke about his time spent with the queen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOE BIDEN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: I've just stopped by the British embassy to sign the condolence book in her honor. I had the opportunity to meet her before she passed and she is an incredibly gracious and decent woman. My thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the people of the United Kingdom and the commonwealth in their grief.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Former President Barack Obama said he was, and I quote, "grateful to have witnessed her majesty's dedicated leadership." Saying, "her legacy was one of tireless dignified public service."

Former President George W. Bush shown here welcoming Queen Elizabeth to the U.S. during his time in office, saying she ably led England through dark moments with her confidence in her people and a vision for a brighter tomorrow.

And former President Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary Clinton said the queen was in sunshine or storm, a source of stability, serenity and strength.

We are now joined by Martin Townsend, the former editor of the Sunday Express newspaper. He is speaking to us from London.

And the words of these former and current presidents of the United States very much echoing the sort of language that we've heard describing Queen Elizabeth II from statesman and leaders from around the world.

[03:20:01]

How would you describe, Martin, her impact on the world stage?

MARTIN TOWNSEND, FORMER EDITOR, SUNDAY EXPRESS: It's been extraordinary. I think unique really. I think her ability to sort of always find exactly the right thing to say. The exactly right -- exactly the right sort of form of words. The exact -- the exact right of emotion in a given time.

People have sort of remark today about her sense of humor. And I think her sense of humor is never far -- was never from the surface either. Which, I think puts people at ease. You know, there wasn't a feeling of being amongst, you know, with someone who was, sort of, very stiff and official, she was always ready to smile and to laugh.

And often, it would be, you know, if something went slightly wrong, or you know, something along those lines. So, I think she had this ability, if you like, to make even the most official occasions something that people would enjoy but without losing the way it's in statue of that occasion. But she would just inject some humanity into those occasions.

So, I think that's what she did whenever she went. She had this remarkable ability to communicate, this remarkable feeling of humanity about her. And so that's her legacy. I don't think anyone else has ever managed to do that quite so -- quite so brilliantly over such a long period.

ANDERSON: She was criticized in the days following Princess Diana's death in 1997 for staying away from London, from not addressing the nation. She did come back to London eventually and did pay a personal tribute to Diana.

But her reign over 70 years, and let's be quite frank, that is an extraordinary amount of time. But it was dogged at times by scandal and controversy. Not at least the allegations that her second son sexually abused a teenager who was trafficked by, or say she was trafficked Jeffrey Epstein.

How did she cope with the darker periods of what was this 70-year reign. Because frankly, we knew very little about Queen Elizabeth II. In the end, she was a very, very private person.

TOWNSEND: Yes, she was a very private person. I think she would not act without taking advice. She would always listen to those around her. She would take the best advice from those around her. And then she would make up her own mind. And that's the key thing here. She had an extraordinary instinct with the Diana situation, I think like the rest of the nation, and I think people tend to forget this, she was in a state of shock just the same as anybody else.

It was completely, completely unexpected and appalling tragedy. And I think if it seemed as if there was hesitation or if there was missteps there, I think it's perfectly understandable at a time when it was just the most extraordinary tragedy. I mean, nobody -- nobody could've prepared themselves for that.

I think at other times, you know, when there have been challenges to her, again, she's taken time to try and understand. That's the key to the queen really, is she always tried to understand, she didn't just make a decision. She wasn't aloof in that way. She tried to understand these positions from other people's points of view and to do the right thing as the queen.

And she knew that whatever she did, whatever she said, whatever she did, whatever action she took would have enormous consequences and be remembered for years and years and years. And so, she was cautious in what she did, but always she would -- she would do the right thing, for many, always did the right thing.

ANDERSON: Well, she will certainly be remembered by so many for a long life devoted to duty, family, faith and service. Martin, it's good to have you with us. Thank you very much indeed for joining us.

TOWNSEND: Thank you.

ANDERSON: Leaders in a Middle East reacting to the queen's passing. Jordan's Queen Rania said that the late monarch embodied the traits of a faithful and devoted sovereign.

Saudi Arabia's king called her a model of leadership that will be immortalized in history. He also said that his country appreciated her efforts to strengthen their bilateral relationship.

In Iraq, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi tweeted that Queen Elizabeth was respected and cherish the world over. He also extended his condolences to King Charles.

And more from the Middle East and around the world as we continue our special coverage of the death of Queen Elizabeth, which continues after this short break.

[03:25:08]

Coming up, how Britons are coping with the loss of their monarch who touched the lives of so many.

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[03:29:59]

ANDERSON: You're looking at live images from Balmoral where we've been witnessing an outpouring of grief over Queen Elizabeth II's death. It was sudden and shocking, if perhaps not entirely unexpected. The royal family says she died peacefully in Balmoral in Scotland at the age of 96.

In the coming hours, the success of the new King Charles III will address this country and may provide some clues as to what happens next. Well, further tributes prayers and salutes are expected today. Queen Elizabeth II was Britain's longest reigning monarch, spending seven decades on the throne.

CNN's Nada Bashir is with me here at Buckingham Palace. And for that reason, for so many people in this country who have known nobody else as their monarch head of state, some real sense of loss and shock maybe, although ultimately, Queen Elizabeth II was an older lady. But there is a sense of grief of loss, isn't it? NADA BASHIR, CNN REPORTER: Absolutely. And you know, the royal family

isn't without its controversies, there are different opinions around the rule of the monarchy in society today. She has of course, been in power for 70 years, but the queen has always been a sort of unifying figure. She hasn't been polarizing, she's isn't very political.

And she has been a symbol of stability, of continuity for many people in the country, and of course, as you mentioned for many, she is the only sovereign that they have known. So, it is a real moment of mourning for people up and down the country.

And that's exactly what we saw yesterday just here outside the gates of Buckingham Palace. Crowds coming out even in the rain, staying out all night. To really sharing that mourning together. And we've seen that up and down the country around royal residences as people leaving flowers for the queen, letters, messages at those gates.

Much in the fashion that we saw with Princess Diana of course who is deeply popular with the British public. And the queen, similarly is of course deeply popular, not only in the United Kingdom but as you mentioned earlier, across the globe. And we've seen that outpouring of grief and reverence for the queen and her legacy. But also, around the service that she has given to the country, to the globe, to the commonwealth.

And despite those controversies that you touched on a little earlier, she has remained that sort of unifying figure and has maintained that popularity. And of course, we are seeing the grief from members of the public but we're also seeing that from institutions across the country.

People will be going into mourning. We're seeing events being canceled, shops closing in respect of her passing. And this will continue to be the trend for the next two weeks or so as the sort of finer details of the state funeral are played.

ANDERSON: That's right, over the next couple of weeks. What we will do today is to get the opportunity to hear from King Charles III whose mother really very much and this has been said about her by so many people, defined the modern era for Britain. This was the demise of the British empire which many people around the world will have applauded. And some very, very turbulent times.

The question will be how does Prince Charles take on this role, make it his in a country that is hurting at present, as so many are around the world.

BASHIR: Yes, absolutely, you heard from the newly appointed prime minister, Liz Truss yesterday describing the queen as the rock upon which modern Britain was built. She has been through and seen the country through so many moments of crisis, of turbulence and turmoil, the question now is whether Prince -- King Charles now coming into this position will be able to carry that same sort of stature through within the royal family.

The position of the monarchy has changed, it has evolved over the last seven decades. And King Charles now comes into the monarchy in a very different period. But of course, the country still facing crisis. Many people in the country deeply suffering, because of the cost-of-living crisis, because of the difficulties that we are facing. Because of the turbulence that the government has been really pulled into.

And of course, this is happening all at the time when we are seeing a new prime minister coming into power. The question now is how King Charles III will define his monarchy, his reign of the British monarchy.

ANDERSON: What we do know about Prince Charles III is he will not be on the throne as long as his mother was, because at 73 years old, 70 years, which is an awfully long time for him.

Thank you very much indeed. Nada Bashir is with me outside of Buckingham Palace here.

Well, normal life in the U.K., I would say has come to a complete standstill by any stretch of the imagination. But there is a sense today that Britons are mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth.

The English Football League announced that two matches scheduled for today have been postponed until further notice. Horse racing also put on hold. The queen, an avid fan of the sport owned a stable of thoroughbreds.

[03:35:03]

The racing association counted her as one of their biggest supporters, and said racetracks will be idle today. And Selfridges, one of Britain's oldest department store says it will close its doors today out of respect for the queen.

Well, joining me now from Los Angeles, royal correspondent Sandro Monetti. Sandro, just reflect, if you will, on the legacy that Queen Elizabeth II will leave. Both in terms of the work that she did and her position here in Britain but around the world as well.

SANDRO MONETTI, ROYAL CORRESPONDENT: She has shown the template for what great leadership should be. And anyone who wants to take on any leadership position, whether it's in business, whether it is in politics. Whether it's in a family can learn so much from the queen. She faced so many challenges. She rose to them brilliantly.

You know, she had so many opportunities to mess up but she didn't. And experience and wisdom brings that. And you know, I think her legacy will continue to be felt. Let us build the statues. Let's remember her forever.

ANDERSON: Fifteen prime minister, 14 U.S. presidents. She met 13 of them. It was only Lyndon B. Johnson that she didn't actually meet. You are certainly report on this state as well, based in the states. Just describe to me, if you will, how do you believe the royal family will be perceived going through forward and through which lens. Will it be King Charles III or will it be, for example, Harry and Meghan, the duke and duchess of Sussex? How will that now play out? MONETTI: It all starts today. It's going to be so fascinating to hear

the king's speech. Because Prince Charles here has an opportunity to rally the nation, to bring us altogether when we are hurting just as his mother did. If he stumbles, if you falter, it could be really disastrous for the start of his reign.

It's interesting whether he will have almost a kind of joint leadership. Will he have William at his side at so many events or not. Or will he make wait his turn is really, I mean, I can't predict how it's going to go as royal watchers are completely fascinated.

Now the queen of course has been on the throne for 70 years but Charles, you know, has been around for such a long time as well. He is 73, he is the oldest person ever to come to the crown. And as I've said before, the royal family is the greatest soap opera in the world, I can't wait for the next chapter.

ANDERSON: Sandro Monetti is in Los Angeles; we thank you very much, indeed for joining us. Right.

I'm Becky Anderson outside Buckingham Palace. It's a little cold, a little bit miserable this morning, perhaps reflecting the sense of this nation as it begins the mourning period for Queen Elizabeth II. More from us in the hours to come.

For the time being, let us get it this coverage to Kim Brunhuber in Atlanta, who will get you a sense of the response from around the world.

KIM BRUNHUBER, CNN ANCHOR: All right, thanks so much, Becky. Grief, as you say over the queen's death extends far beyond the U.K. Current and former British subjects worldwide are mourning the loss of the beloved monarch. Wondering what King Charles will be like.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNKNOWN: I think he'll put all his energy into it, will give it a great go. So, long -- long time to wait, isn't it, to be king?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BRUNHUBER: We will have reaction from across the commonwealth coming up. Stay with us.

COMMERCIAL BREAK)

DEREK VAN DAM, CNN METEOROLOGIST: The CNN weather watch in association with visit Maldives.

Look at this incredible photo coming out of Riverside County, California. This is the Fairview Fire, and it is threatening homes across this region and sending plumes of smoke into the atmosphere as well. Degrading the air quality across the region.

[03:39:57] Now here is something you don't see that often. Two tropical systems basically draped across North America. One of the east coast and one just of the west coast. Let's start with what is now tropical storm Kay. And this is going to influence the winds into Southern California. So, making the fire behavior very erratic across the region, picking up from the east, and that will allow for the potential spread of that Fairview Fire I showed you just a moment ago.

Here's the latest. A hundred kilometer per hour sustained winds as it rides parallel with the Baja, California coast, there are no tropical storm warnings in the United States. They extend to just near the border of Mexico and the U.S. as this system is expected to curve away from Southern California but not before bringing impacts including heavy rain, strong winds and the potential for rough surf.

We have flood watches across Southern California, rainfall totals in excess of 150 millimeters across the deserts and into the mountainous regions. And it's also going to help our breaking heat wave.

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BRUNHUBER: Across the globe people are mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II. In New Zealand, trainees with country's defense force formed a Haka tribute to the late monarch. New Zealand is one of more than 50 countries in the U.K.'s commonwealth of nations. And despite the distance the loss still weighs heavy.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNKNOWN: She had such an impact on the country that you can't deny what an amazing woman she was, what an inspiration. Right? If we can be half of that, you know, that's what I'd love.

UNKNOWN: Very sad. Especially considering the amount of service she's given and her commitment to both the Commonwealth and New Zealand. Very, very sad.

[03:45:01]

UNKNOWN: (Inaudible) in my eye. No doubt about that. So, we will miss it, no doubt.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BRUNHUBER: And in Canada, people are paying their respects the only monarch much of the nation has ever known.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNKNOWN: And just that day that we knew was going to come for so long, still feels surreal now that it's here. So, it was shocking, sad, kind of an end of an era.

(END VIDEO CLIP) BRUNHUBER: All right, let's go to two other commonwealth nations. We have Angus Watson in Sydney, Australia, and Vedika Sud in Delhi, India. So, Angus, let's begin with you, Angus. We heard from Canada an emotional reaction from their prime minister.

Australia's prime minister has a very different outlook on the monarchy, but on the other hand, Australia is one of the earliest and original members of the commonwealth. And for many of the emotional ties with Britain are still strong.

ANGUS WATSON, JOURNALIST: That's right, Kim, the prime minister has very much led the nation in mourning today, mourning for our head of state, Queen Elizabeth II, who served this country for over seven decades, as well as of course the other commonwealth nations.

Now the prime minister does believe that Australia should be a Republic, that an Australian should be the head of state of this country. It's a complicated situation though, of course, Kim. In 1999, Australians did get the chance to vote for whether to keep the monarchy or put an Australian in that position. And they overwhelmingly voted to keep the queen.

You just have to look though at the Australian Republican movement to see just how respected the queen was here. The Republican movement said, yes, we want to have another go at creating a republic but we're not going to push for another vote until the end of Queen Elizabeth's reign.

So, today, Australians have really put that politics to one side in order to mourn a queen who is greatly respected here, flags are at half-mast across the country, including on the Sydney Harbor Bridge behind me. And people are fondly remembering the 16 times that Queen Elizabeth visited this country.

For the first time in 1954, a visit that really set the foundation for a positive relationship that the crown had with Australia throughout Queen Elizabeth's range. She visited 57 towns and cities in 1954 in just 58 days. Seventy of Australians turned out to greet her, Kim.

BRUNHUBER: All right. Thanks so much, Angus Watson in Sydney. Now to Vedika Sud in Delhi. Vedika, obviously, India has a complex relationship with the British monarchy. How is the queen being remembered there?

VEDIKA SUD, CNN REPORTER: Before I get to that I just want to let you know, Kim, unlike Australia, India, after gaining its independence was one of the first countries that decided to remain in the commonwealth.

Now, the queen visited India three times though three state visits in the year 1961, in 1983, and then in 1997. For me the most significant of the three was the first visit. It was a maiden visit as the queen of Britain after her father died, who was the last emperor of India as well. And it was during this visit that she was the chief guest for the Republic Day parade along with her husband.

Now, in terms of reactions from the world's largest democracy on her death, newspapers across India have been covering it. India woke up to the news this morning. You had in the Sun Times. And if I may quote their headline, they said the world mourns as Britain loses its longest reigning monarch.

And then the Indian express now top newspaper in India went on to say, Elizabeth the queen who moved with changing world for decades. And then the Times of India that said Elizabeth (Inaudible), Charles as king at 73.

Now the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi says he met the queen twice in the last couple of years. And he has fond memories from the time he has spent with her. In fact, she even showed him a gift that the Mahatma had given her for her wedding.

So, for memories there coming in from the Indian prime minister, but we aren't really seeing scenes of mourning on the streets of India like you're seeing in other commonwealth nations. Kim?

BRUNHUBER: All right. Thanks so much. Vedika Sud in Delhi. I appreciate that. And we'll have more of our continuing coverage of the death of Queen Elizabeth after this quick break.

[03:50:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANDERSON: For decades, Queen Elizabeth has been one of the most photographed people in the world. Her Royal image graced money, stamps, and countless book and magazine covers.

My colleague Nick Glass has a story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NICK GLASS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Once upon a time in a story we had forgotten or some never knew there was a beautiful young princess. At the age of just 27, she was crowned a queen in a fairy tale ceremony.

Long before anyone had heard of Katherine or Diana, there was Elizabeth, a star from the very beginning and a regal unflagging presence in our lives ever since.

DAVID CANNADINE, HISTORIAN: Looking at the visual images of the queen across 60 years, isn't extraordinary to do. I think she is the most visually represented human being ever to have existed in the entire history of the world. I cannot think who the rival is. So that of itself is utterly extraordinary.

GLASS: Alongside of course, all that pageantry and solemnity that comes with being a British monarch. And of course, the occasional revelation that it's raining outside.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II, QUEEN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM: How surprising.

[03:55:00] UNKNOWN: I think her humanity really comes through in a lot of these photographs and also her, her amazing ability to engage with people.

GLASS: The formal image of fairytale princess was established early by Cecil Beaton.

SUSANNA BROWN, CURATOR, QUEEN ELIZABETH II, BY CECIL BEATON: He was very keen to place her in that long and great tradition of fairytale queens and princesses. And so, he uses these beautiful backdrops based on well-known Rococo painting.

GLASS: Time magazine put her on the front cover at age three. And again, in 1947, a diamond princess about to turn 21. They simply couldn't get enough of her. Her face and her stories sold magazines and books.

PAUL MOORHOUSE, CURATOR, THE QUEEN, ART & IMAGE: There was an awful lot of attention on her. I mean, we associate this with Princess Diana, we associate it with Kate Middleton now, but we forget that our queen went through exactly the same process.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Nick Glass, CNN, London.

ANDERSON: I'm Becky Anderson. Our continuing coverage continues after this short break. Stay with us.

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