Moment Aussie TV hosts break the news of the Queen’s death

Australian breakfast TV hosts broke the heartbreaking news of the Queen’s death to the country this morning.

Morning television hosts in Australia all wore black as they broke the emotional news of the Queen’s death.

The Queen died “peacefully” at Balmoral Castle in Scotland after Buckingham Palace revealed she was under medical supervision amid escalating concerns for her health.

The royal family confirmed her death around 6.30pm local time (3.30am AEST). She was 96 years old.

Both the Seven Network’s Sunrise program and Nine’s Today show broke the news at 4.30am on Friday.

The Today show hosts wore black.

“Hello Australia you are waking up to the sad news the Queen has died overnight,” David Koch said on Sunrise.

“It’s the day we knew was inevitable but hoped would never come.”

Karl Stefanovic, alongside co-host Allison Langdon, wore black for the special broadcast of the Today show.

During the broadcast he opened up about the special time he met the Queen.

It was a similar theme across breakfast television. Picture: Sunrise

“I had the great privilege of meeting her a long time ago now, about 10, 15 years ago at Kirribilli when John Howard was prime minister,” Stefanovic shared.

“She came in and she was very slight in person, she looked fragile but she was just full of energy.

“Every single person that she met she engaged with.

The Queen and Prince Philip wave goodbye as they board their flight home in Perth in 2011 – it was her final visit to Australia. Picture: Lincoln Baker / POOL / AFP

“I just completely went to water when I shook her hand.”

Stefanovic said she had “unwavering energy” despite the fact that she was already well into her eight decade when they met.

The Queen chats to the official female heads of state in Perth in 2011, including former Australia prime minister Julia Gillard. Picture: Torsten Blackwood/ POOL / AFP

“She gave everything of herself to the public and when you saw her in person, you saw it up close and personal she just had energy to burn.

“Just an incredible woman.”

He shared what he believes to be key to the monarch’s enduring popularity among British citizens and the world.

Queen Elizabeth II during a royal visit to South Australia in 1986. Picture: David Hele

“She‘s obviously the Queen but in person, made you feel very comfortable and I think one of her great skills was that and probably why she was so loved at every facet of society,” Stefanovic said.

The Queen’s son, now King Charles III, has described his mother’s death as a great day of sadness.

Governor-General David Hurley said plans for national mourning will be announced in the coming days.

Originally published as Moment Aussie TV hosts break the news of the Queen’s death