Touching moment cabin crew cry as they announce Queen's death to passengers

Those flying in the air without access to the internet would have been oblivious to the huge breaking news on the ground concerning the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Outpourings of love and affection came from all corners of the globe for the United Kingdom’s longest-ever serving monarch, and a British Airways pilot went beyond the call of duty to inform his passengers of the tragic news:

Her Majesty’s incredible 70-year reign came to an end on Thursday, and her passing sent shockwaves of sadness and disbelief across the world.

Buckingham Palace announced in a statement on Thursday: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

"The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

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

YouTube/Storyful

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.

Laerke Christensen shot the clip, and it documents the feelings of sadness and shock at the time.

newsphoto / Alamy Stock Photo

Preparations are now underway for the Queen’s funeral, and includes a number of coded operations that are now in place as we continue to mourn as a nation.

Arguably the most well-known is Operation London Bridge, which details the 10 days up to the funeral and the accession of Charles to the throne.

Thursday, the day which the monarch passed is known as 'D-Day', while today (Friday) is known as ‘D+1’, with each passing day been known as ‘D+2’ and so on.

The next milestone day will be on Wednesday 14 September, or ‘D+5’, when the Queen’s lying in state will begin in Westminster Hall – known as Operation Marquee – following a ceremonial procession through London.

The Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct a short service as the coffin arrives, before hundreds of thousands of people will be able to visit the coffin and pay their respects in person.