Kamala Harris has said she is “proud” of her campaign in the US presidential election after losing to Donald Trump, but has told supporters: “We must accept the result”.

In a concession speech in Washington, the vice president said she “will engage in a peaceful transfer of power” and help Trump and his team with the transition.

“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fuelled this campaign,” she added.

“I am so proud of the race we ran and the way we ran it.”

Harris, who smiled and waved as she entered the stage, acknowledged her supporters were feeling a “range of emotions”.

She told supporters “It’s going to be okay,” adding: “Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn’t mean we won’t win.”

“Don’t ever give up,” she added. “Do not despair.”

Harris delivered her remarks at Howard University which she used to attend in the same spot where she hoped to give a victory speech.

She thanked President Joe Biden for his support as well as her running mate Tim Walz, who was in the audience along with Nancy Pelosi, the former House of Representatives speaker.

In a statement, Biden described his vice president as a “tremendous partner and public servant full on integrity, courage and character”.

He said: “Under extraordinary circumstances, she stepped up and led a historic campaign that embodied what’s possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a nation that is more free, more just, and full of more opportunities for all Americans.

“Her story represents the best of America’s story. And as she made clear today, I have no doubt that she’ll continue writing that story.”