Floral tributes have been left in Newcastle for the Queen following her death.
Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, on Thursday afternoon. The 96-year-old was on the throne for more than 70 years and is Britain's longest-reigning monarch.
Heartfelt condolences have been paid by people across the North East. On Friday morning floral tributes were being left on Ceremonial Way outside of the Civic Centre in Newcastle city centre.
A flower card attached to one of the tributes read: "Grief is the price we pay for love". Another message attached to separate bunch of flowers simply said: "Thank you for your service".
The Civic Centre and the Millennium Bridge on the Quayside were lit up purple to remember the monarch on Thursday night and will be lit up for the entirety of the mourning period. Union Jack flags at the Civic Centre and Newcastle Castle are being flown at half mast.
Books of condolence have been opened in memory of the Queen at the Civic Centre and at the City Library. Members of the public are being invited to record their thoughts and sympathies in the books.
The Lord Mayor and the Leader of the Council were the first to sign and pay their respects.
On Twitter, Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Coun Karen Robinson, said: "It is with great sorrow and sadness we hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty lived her life in service to us all here in the UK and the Commonwealth. She has touched many, many lives and she will be mourned and missed by all.
"Our sincerest condolences and thoughts go out to all of the Royal Family. On behalf of Newcastle upon Tyne I'd like to say 'Thank you Ma'am now rest in peace, your service is done'."
Leader of the Council, Coun Nick Kemp, added: "For many of us she was the only monarch we ever knew. She was truly a global figure and that's demonstrated in the messages being sent far and wide, globally and close to home. She lived through times of immense social change, always demonstrating a commitment to duty.
"My thoughts and the thoughts of the city are given to the Queen's family and all those who mourn her."
People can sign the Book of Condolence at Newcastle Civic Centre between 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
The Book of Condolence at the City Library can be signed between 8.45am and 4pm on a Saturday, 7.45am and 5pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 7.45am and 7pm on Tuesday and Thursday.
An exhibition of photography of Her Majesty’s visits to the city will be on display near to the Book of Condolence in the City Library for the official period of mourning.
Newcastle City Council has asked people to lay flowers as a mark of respect on Ceremonial Way. It said that flowers laid at other locations will be moved to the Civic Centre.
People can also choose to sign the e-book of condolences on the Royal Family’s official website.
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