UK passengers mourn Queen Elizabeth during flight from London to Boston

BOSTON — Passengers on board a British Airways flight from London to Boston mourned Queen Elizabeth II in the air after the pilot announced her death.

Some of those on board British Airways flight 203 told Boston 25 News it was first time they heard the emotional news.

“It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of our majesty. Our thoughts are with her whole family,” said the pilot.

A cell phone video captured by passenger Alex Heron captured the announcement that left people on board with heavy hearts after departing the United Kingdom.

“I don’t know if some of you were aware of the news before or have become aware of the news as you are traveling,” the pilot continues.

Boston 25 News spoke with several travelers from the UK who said they are still having a difficult time imagining a future without Queen Elizabeth.

“It’s not good, especially as I was 40,000 feet in the air,” said Jean Addison of Wales. “It just seems odd that she’s not going to be there.”

Buckingham Palace announced earlier on Thursday that Britain’s longest-reigning monarch died at 96.

Queen Elizabeth had been on the throne for 70 years and was the only monarch most Britons have ever known.

She died at Balmoral Castle, her summer residence in Scotland.

“She’s been through a lot with the family through her ups and downs, but by god has she stood rock solid,” said Mary Oliver of Suffolk, England. “It’s absolutely awful.”

Britain is now in a period of official national mourning that lasts until the queen’s funeral.

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