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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Technology
Amber O'Connor

Google removes sweet royal cartoon from their maps following the Queen's death

A number of things have changed since the Queen died - most notably the UK now has a King for the first time in 70 years. But eagle-eyed royal fans have also noticed a much smaller change that's recently come into play on Google, which might disappoint some.

Google Maps no longer displays a popular feature created in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. The mapping service previously displayed a cartoon version of the Queen when users activated Street View around royal residences. But the feature has been quietly removed following the death of the late monarch on September 8, as Reddit users have pointed out.

The Pegman icon was replaced by a cartoon of the Queen when used around royal residences (Google Maps)

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First introduced in 2015, the Easter Egg was created to mark the occasion of the Queen becoming the longest-serving monarch in UK history.

For years, the quirky feature then continued to delight Google Maps users. Where Street View typically displays a yellow 'Pegman', the Queen's likeness instead appeared when viewers were near Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or Balmoral Castle.

Dressed in a blue sash - to signify the Queen's role as a member of the Order of the Garter - and wearing a crown, the cartoon was affectionately named "PegMa'am".

While the feature proved popular over the years, with many praising the "small detail", some people were surprised to learn of it, as evidenced by responses to the Reddit post highlighting its removal.

Google Maps also features a Loch Ness Easter Egg (Google Maps)

One person wrote: "I didn't even know it did that!" Another said they "had no idea", prompting them to want to check for themselves. And someone said: "They'd better be working on the King Charles version."

While it is not yet known if the feature will be replaced following the Queen's passing, there are several other similar Easter Eggs Google Maps users can enjoy in the meantime.

One popular feature available to people using Google Maps around Loch Ness sees the Pegman transform into the fabled creature.

Alternatively, people viewing Area 51 on the mapping service can expect to see the Pegman replaced by an alien, seated inside a flying saucer.

Have you spotted any more Easter Eggs like this? Let us know in the comments below.

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