Jackie ‘O’ Henderson sobs as she give champagne toast to The Queen

Jackie ‘O’ Henderson sobbed during a champagne toast on Friday morning, as she paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.

Her Majesty died ‘peacefully’ at age 96 at her castle in Balmoral, Scotland, with Buckingham Palace issuing a statement from King Charles III at 4.04am on Friday AEST.

The radio presenter raised a glass to the late monarch and struggled through tears as she delivered a touching tribute live on The Kyle and Jackie O Show. 

‘Even up to your final days you put duty before your own health’ the 47-year-old began. 

‘Our hearts are broken, but even though we grieve we will remember the rich legacy of love, hope and acceptance that you have left for all of us’ she went on, her voice breaking as tears fell. 

‘We will miss you and we will remember you for years to come. So as we raise our glasses and toast Her Majesty, this time we say god take care of our Queen.’

‘Even up to your final days you put duty before your own health’ the 47-year-old began

‘Our hearts are broken, but even though we grieve we will remember the rich legacy of love, hope and acceptance that you have left for all of us’ she went on, her voice breaking

‘We will miss you and we will remember you for years to come. So as we raise our glasses and toast Her Majesty, this time we say god take care of our Queen’ she concluded

Henderson became overwhelmed several times while co-hosting alongside Kyle Sandilands.

As the pair reflected on The Queen’s life and 70-year reign, Henderson noted Her Majesty ‘wasn’t herself’ since her husband Prince Philip died in April 2021. 

‘When you saw her at his funeral sitting there by herself and you just knew…’ she said through tears, referring to the famous scenes of The Queen sitting alone with a mask on at Philip’s memorial, in accordance with Britain’s Covid restrictions at the time.

Australia has joined much of the world in mourning Queen Elizabeth II, as her death prompts the first change in head of state in more than seven decades

‘I knew she would pass soon after that. That was the saddest thing to see when she was at his funeral on her own,’ Henderson added.

Sandilands agreed, but said her death nonetheless came as a ‘shock’. 

Australia has joined much of the world in mourning Queen Elizabeth II, as her death prompts the first change in head of state in more than seven decades.

A statement from Buckingham Palace early on Friday (AEST) confirmed the 96-year-old’s death.

Reflecting on The Queen’s life and 70-year reign, Henderson noted Her Majesty ‘wasn’t herself’ since her husband Prince Philip died in April 2021. (Queen Elizabeth II and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh walk at Broadlands in this picture released on November 18, 2007)

‘The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,’ Buckingham Palace said.

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

Flags will fly at half mast across Australia on Friday as the nation waits to hear how the official mourning process will proceed.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the Queen, who is succeeded by her son King Charles III in a move that is expected to renew Australia’s republican debate.

‘When you saw her at his funeral sitting there by herself and you just knew…’ Henderson said through tears, referring to the famous scenes of The Queen sitting alone with a mask on at Philip’s memorial, in accordance with Britain’s Covid restrictions at the time (pictured)

‘An historic reign and a long life devoted to duty, family, faith and service has come to an end,’ Mr Albanese said in a statement.

‘The government and the people of Australia offer our deepest condolences to the royal family, who are grieving for a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother – the person whom for so long was their greatest inner strength.’

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was queen of the UK and 14 Commonwealth realms including Australia, since her reign began in February 1952. 

The Queen first visited Australia with Prince Philip in 1954, arriving on the SS Gothic which steamed into Sydney Harbour after almost six weeks at sea. She is pictured with Prince Philip at Parliament House in Canberra during that tour