Pilots were given a transcript mid-flight to let them know the Queen had died

When the Queen died last week, messages were sent out to pilots around the world, informing them of the tragic news.

You will no doubt have seen some of the videos circulating online, which show passengers being told of the 96-year-old's passing while thousands of feet up in the air.

A pilot has now shared the transcript of the message she received on Thursday (8 September), explaining what needed to be said.

Katie took to Twitter and posted a photo of the text she was sent via ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System), the messaging system used between pilots and ground control.

In a post, she explained that she was flying through Europe when the news broke, saying: "I received the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen via acars message somewhere over France.

I received the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen via acars message somewhere over France.

Somewhat surreal and extremely sad moment.

Goodnight your majesty, you will be deeply missed. 💕 👑 pic.twitter.com/R4A4FiyzaQ

— KatiePilot ✈️💕 (@katie_pilot) September 9, 2022

"Somewhat surreal and extremely sad moment. Goodnight your majesty, you will be deeply missed."

The message itself was very brief.

It read: "Attn all aircraft. To be read at your discretion.

"It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.

"Our thoughts are with the royal family at this difficult time."

Despite the note, however, Katie revealed in a reply to the post that neither she nor her team actually told the passengers.

She said: "We elected not to, we had Wi-Fi on board so word had spread around the cabin anyway. A poignant moment for sure."

This comes after footage emerged of cabin crew crying as they learned of the Queen's death.

The plane was just about to land at London Heathrow following a trans-Atlantic flight from New York City, as the pilot made the emotional announcement.

He said: "The Queen passed away earlier today with her family by her side.

"I thought at the moment I should at least tell you that before you arrive at the terminal, because I know many will be very, very sad about this.

"It will give you some time to reflect because we have 40 minutes before landing.

"We will all be thinking about her family in this time."

The news was clearly too much to suggest for some, with footage showing passengers and cabin crew alike shedding tears before the plane landed.

The late monarch's coffin was carried through Edinburgh today, 12 September, as it made its way from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles' Cathedral, where it will lie in state for 24 hours.