Speaking in New York, Hillary Clinton – who thought she would wake up Wednesday as the first woman president-elect but crashed to a stunning election defeat to Donald Trump – made her first comments since conceding defeat in the US presidential election.

We must accept this result. Donald Trump is going to be president. We owe him an open mind and a chance to lead.”

Hillary Clinton also said the peaceful transfer of power is a cornerstone of US democracy, and urges her supporters to approach the Trump presidency “with an open mind”.

I hope that he will be a successful president for all Americans.”

She also said, the US owes an “enormous debt of gratitude” to outgoing President Barack Obama and the First family.

She also addresses the women who backed her to become America’s first woman president:

Nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion.”

And to the “little girls” of America, she says:

Never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every opportunity.”