A video has gone viral on social media revealing the moment a British Airways pilot broke the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death in a mid-flight announcement to passengers.
The heartbreaking news was delivered on Thursday (September 8) during the last 40 minutes of the trip from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Heathrow Airport in London.
In a clip posted by Michael Capiraso, who goes by the handle @mcapiraso on Twitter, viewers can hear the pilot saying: "Elizabeth, the queen, passed away earlier today with her family by her side. We have little more information than that at the moment."
"But I thought I should at least tell you that before you arrive at the terminal as I know many will be very, very sad about this," he continued. "It will give you some time to reflect, as I say we have 40 minutes to landing. We'll all be thinking about her family at this time."
Watch the emotional moment below:An air stewardess is clearly devastated by the news as she uses a tissue to wipe her tears. The pilot then tells passengers that if they are "particularly upset" about the passing, they should "be aware that it also has affected some of my crew".
As the camera pans, you can also see a passenger onboard in pure shock as she holds her hands over her face as she listens to the pilot's announcement.
The flight which departed at 7:44AM landed at Heathrow at 7:35PM - just over an hour after Buckingham Palace broke the news of Her Majesty's death at 6:30PM.
As shared by E! News, another British Airway pilot also informed passengers traveling from Miami to London of the news of the longest British reigning monarch's death.
During the emotional moment, the pilot acknowledged the impact the late Queen made on many crew members, saying: "Many of your crew today have fond memories of her travels and these are moments we will always cherish."
"Her Majesty, for so long, has shown immense resilience and encouraged us to stand together to face difficult times," adding, "So now we proudly stand together with the United Kingdom to thank her for her service and bid her farewell."
Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland with her family by her side. Her eldest son, the newly ascended King Charles III, and his Queen Consort Camilla, arrived outside the palace to greet thousands of well-wishers.
The King sorrowfully addressed his nation on Friday (September 9), a day after his "darling mama" passed away after more than seventy years on the throne.
"I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow," the monarch stated. "Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen, my beloved Mother, was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding, and example."
"Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today," he concluded.
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