The BBC has suspended its regularly scheduled programming on its flagship channel to present live updates on the health of Queen Elizabeth II as news broke that she has been placed under medical supervision.
The special form of coverage, reserved for breaking news events, has not been seen since the announcement of the death of the queen's husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in April 2021.
The broadcaster has blocked out all regular shows from its BBC1 schedule until 6 p.m. GMT tonight.
News broke at lunchtime in Britain that, following the cancellation of an official video conference meeting with her privy council on the advice of doctors on Wednesday night, the 96-year-old monarch's medical team now considered there to be cause for concern.
An official statement from Buckingham Palace on Thursday read:
"Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral."
Royal author Phil Dampier previously told Newsweek that this kind of statement was rare.
"The fact that they put out this statement is deeply concerning," he said. "They don't normally do this."
As the announcement from the palace was being prepared, newly-appointed Prime Minister Liz Truss, who had an in-person meeting with the queen just two days ago, was informed of the news. Truss had been in the House of Commons with members of her government and the opposition Labour party where she was announcing her plan to tackle Britain's energy crisis.
The usual business in the House of Commons stopped as the prime minister left and the speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle read an official statement.
"I wish to say something about the announcement that has just been made about her majesty," he said.
"I know I speak on behalf of the entire house when I say that we send our best wishes to her majesty the queen and that she and the royal family are in our thoughts and prayers at this moment."
Britain's politicians lead messages of well wishes to the 96-year-old queen and members of the royal family.
Truss posted to Twitter: "The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime.
"My thoughts - and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom - are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time."
The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime.
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) September 8, 2022
My thoughts - and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom - are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time.
Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour party, said: "Along with the rest of the country, I am deeply worried by the news from Buckingham Palace this afternoon.
"My thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time, and I join everyone across the United Kingdom in hoping for her recovery."
Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister for Scotland also sent her wishes, writing: "All of us are feeling profoundly concerned at reports of Her Majesty's health.
"My thoughts and wishes are with the Queen and all of the Royal Family at this time."
All of us are feeling profoundly concerned at reports of Her Majesty’s health.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) September 8, 2022
My thoughts and wishes are with the Queen and all of the Royal Family at this time.
The queen is currently in Scotland at her Balmoral estate. Members of the royal family are traveling to be with her, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
About the writer
James Crawford-Smith is a Newsweek Royal Reporter, based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on the British royal family ... Read more
