(FILES) In this file photo taken on March 17, 2016 Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II attends the official opening of “The Land Of The Lions” exhibit at London Zoo. – Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history and an icon instantly recognisable to billions of people around the world, has died aged 96, Buckingham Palace said on September 8, 2022. Her eldest son, Charles, 73, succeeds as king immediately, according to centuries of protocol, beginning a new, less certain chapter for the royal family after the queen’s record-breaking 70-year reign. Photo: Leon NEAL / AFP.
Queen Elizabeth II: Monarch’s death sees sporting events suspended
As a mark of respect the third Test between South Africa and England at the Oval has been suspended following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
(FILES) In this file photo taken on March 17, 2016 Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II attends the official opening of “The Land Of The Lions” exhibit at London Zoo. – Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history and an icon instantly recognisable to billions of people around the world, has died aged 96, Buckingham Palace said on September 8, 2022. Her eldest son, Charles, 73, succeeds as king immediately, according to centuries of protocol, beginning a new, less certain chapter for the royal family after the queen’s record-breaking 70-year reign. Photo: Leon NEAL / AFP.
As a mark of respect the third Test between South Africa and England at the Oval has been suspended following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
On top of those announcements, other sporting codes are expected to suspend action for at least this weekend.
Queen Elizabeth II mourned as sport stands still
The ECB confirmed that play would not commence on what would have been day two of the third Test following a rained off opening day.
“Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Friday’s play between England and South Africa Men at The Oval, along with all scheduled matches in the (women’s domestic) Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, will not take place,” said an ECB statement.
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“For fixtures beyond Friday, updates will be provided in due course.”
European golf’s PGA Championship has also been suspended following the news which has prompted national mourning in the United Kingdom.
“Out of respect for Her Majesty and the Royal Family, play has been suspended at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club for the remainder of Thursday and flags at Wentworth Club will be lowered to half-mast,” said a European tour statement.
“Furthermore, no play will take place at the BMW PGA Championship on Friday and the golf course and practice facilities will be closed.
“Further updates on the resumption of play will be provided in due course.”
British horse racing chiefs also suspended events on Thursday while the Premier League are set to make an announcement on the weekend’s matches.
The British Horseracing Authority said the sport was in mourning. “Her Majesty has been one of the greatest and most influential supporters in the history of horseracing,” the BHA said.
“Her passion for racing and the racehorse shone brightly throughout her life”.
A statement from the Premier League read: “The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with The Royal Family and everyone around the world mourning the loss of Her Majesty.”
Matches scheduled for the weekend in the top-flight and lower leagues are expected to be suspended.
