The Royal Family has updated its website, following the news that the Queen has died, aged 96. Alongside a striking picture of Her Majesty, at her Coronation, the black website now informs visitors: 'The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
A statement on the site adds: "The official website of the Royal Family is temporarily unavailable while appropriate changes are made.” Officials have also brought a notice confirming the Queen’s death to the gates of Buckingham Palace.
Crowds broke out into the national anthem outside Buckingham Palace with many weeping after the flag was lowered to half mast.
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A large crowd has gathered to read it, and Royal Parks staff have begun constructing pens from metal barriers to control the public.
The official account of Paddington Bear also tweeted its respects to the Queen.
“Thank you Ma’am, for everything,” the account wrote.
The pair recently appeared in a comical sketch together as part of celebrations for the monarch’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The video showed them sharing tea and marmalade sandwiches in Buckingham Palace.
Broadcaster Huw Edwards delivered the news of the Queen’s death live on BBC One.
After an image of the flag at Buckingham Palace was shown at half mast, he told viewers: “A few moments ago Buckingham Palace announced the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
Edwards then read out the statement from Buckingham Palace which announced the news.
The broadcaster was dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and black tie, in line with the BBC’s dress code for when a member of the royal family dies as a mark of respect.
Meanwhil royal superfan John Loughrey, 67, wept outside Buckingham Palace as he said he “can’t believe” the news and paid tribute to the “inspirational” Queen whose “duty always came first”.
He said he would be camping near the palace for 10 days as a mark of respect for the Queen before lighting a candle for her at Westminster Abbey.
"I met the Queen twice. I gave flowers to her. I can’t believe it,” he said.
"She was inspirational. She served her duty – her duty always came first, her family next.
"She went downhill after the Duke of Edinburgh died. They were like two swans.
"God save the Queen.”
You can leave your tributes to Queen Elizabeth II here
