Appearing on the Loose Women panel on Friday, Dame Kelly revealed that she was at a red carpet event when the news broke of the Queen’s death broke before she erupted into floods of tears

Dame Kelly Holmes has recalled the moment she discovered that Queen Elizabeth had passed away this day last year.

Appearing on the Loose Women panel on Friday, Dame Kelly revealed that she was at a red carpet event when the news broke of the Queen’s death. Having heard ‘whispers’ that her Majesty was unwell, Kelly was completely shocked when she was finally told that the Queen ‘was gone’.

The athlete, 53, said that by the time she made it to the end of the red carpet, she was in floods of tears after breaking down over the sad news. Elsewhere, during the Loose Women panel chat about where they all were when they discovered the news, Kaye Adams revealed that she was out to dinner with fellow Loose lady, Nadia Sawalha.

Dame Kelly Holmes broke down on red carpet after hearing of Queen Elizabeth’s death ( 
Image:
ITV)
Kaye explained that she and Nadia were sitting in a busy London restaurant surrounded by people who had not yet heard the news, and as the laughter and conversation continued among others, they felt ‘helpless’. Nadia even felt the urge to stand up and make a speech in a bid to try and let everyone know that the Queen had passed.

On September 8, 2022, the world came to a stand-still when it was announced that the Queen had died at the age of 96. Her reign of over 70 years is the longest of any British monarch and the longest verified reign of any female head of state in history.

Following her death at Balmoral, King Charles – formerly known as Prince Charles – took over the reign amid much family turmoil including his warring sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.

The King paid an emotional tribute to his mother on the eve of the first ­anniversary of her passing, while thanking people across the globe for their support after he took over her role as sovereign. King Charles also reaffirmed his pledge to devote his life to service as King.

The poignant statement from the King read: “In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majesty’s death and my accession, we recall with great ­affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us.

“I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all.”

The King has remained at Balmoral in Scotland, where the Queen died, to spend time “quietly reflecting” on his loss, as well as his first 12 months as sovereign and “looking forward to the future”.