His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco has written to His Majesty King Charles III to express his "profound sadness" at the passing away of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Prince Albert said that "Her Majesty’s unwavering commitment and dedication to duty during Her reign has always been extremely inspiring" and that "she truly represented the unity and dignity of the United Kingdom throughout the last seven decades". The Prince said that his family and the people of Monaco join him in sending their "wholehearted thoughts and prayers".
President Macron has paid tribute to Her Majesty the Queen in a three minute video in English posted on social media today. The President said that the Queen's death "leaves us with a sense of emptiness". He said that she "mastered our language, loved our culture and touched our hearts". He expressed his sincere condolances to His Majesty the King, to the royal family, to the British people and to all those who loved the Queen".
A tribute ceremony has been held today in Nice in remebrance of Her Majesty. The well attended ceremony on the Promenade des Anglais was held in the presence of mayor Christian Estrosi and British Honorary Consul Simone Paissoni. The mayor said on social media that her Majesty's passing deeply saddens the people of Nice. He said that the city wishes to assure British people of the sympathy of all its inhabitants and of its desire to closely maintain the ties which unite us. He said that "we will always be grateful" for the fact that "the most beautiful of our avenues is and will remain the Promenade des Anglais".
In other news, an investigation has been opened by the prosecutor's office into the clashes between OGC Nice and Cologne supporters in Nice yesterday evening. About thirty people suffered injuries at the Allianz Riviera stadium and on the Place Massena, including one person who is in a critical condition. Nice prosecutor Xavier Bonhomme said today that video surveillance images would be used to attempt to identify those responsible.
The A8 motorway was closed for a time early this afternoon following and accident involving two cars between Fréjus Ouest, junction 38, and Les Adrets, junction 39, on the carriageway towards Nice. Emergency services, employees of VINCI Autoroutes and a fire department helicopter all attended the scene.
His Serene Highness Prince Albert II has attended the Global Diwan gathering in Nice. The major economic forum brings together more than 150 leaders, experts and high-level personalities to reflect on topical issues of common interest.
BUSINESS
The Bank of England has postponed its interest rate decision scheduled for next Thursday. The Bank said that in light of the period of national mourning being observed in the UK, the September meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee has been postponed for one week. The Committee’s decision will be announced at 12 noon UK time on 22 September.
Meanwhile, the TUC has postponed its annual congress due to start on Sunday in Brighton as a mark of respect for Her Majesty the Queen. It will be rescheduled for later in the autumn.
Some of London's major stores, including Selfridges and Liberty have closed for the day today.
Several strikes have been called off after the Queen's death. Unions representing Royal Mail postal workers and rail staff said that "out of respect for her service to the country and her family" they had chosen to cancel immediate strike action. Planned industrial action by RMT rail workers on 15 and 17 September has been suspended. Train drivers' union Aslef also postponed a strike planned for 15 September.
SPORT
Various sporting events across the UK have been called off as a mark of respect following the death of Her Majesty the Queen. All English and Northern Irish football and all professional Scottish football has been postponed this weekend. England's National League, FA Trophy and grassroots football is also not taking place. Friday's play at the PGA golf championship was called off, along with all British horse racing and the Test between England and South Africa. British horse racing will remain cancelled tomorrow but return on Sunday. The Test match will resume tomorrow.
Motorsports... Red Bull's Max Verstappen is one of a number of drivers who have been handed a grid penalty for the Italian Grand Prix. The drivers have been penalised for exceeding the permitted number of power-unit elements. Sergio Perez has been handed a 10-place penalty. Lewis Hamilton will also be at the back along with Valtteri Bottas, Yuki Tsunoda and Carlos Sainz. Carlos Sainz was fastest in second practice this afternoon. Charles Leclerc was quickest in first practice.
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