Liverpool has entered a ten day mourning period following the death of Monarch Queen Elizabeth II.
Buckingham Palace confirmed on Thursday, September 8, The Queen died at Balmoral. The palace said: "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. "
It came after Buckingham Palace released a statement stating concern for the Queen’s health. It read: “Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.”
READ MORE: Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96
Liverpool, and the rest of the commonwealth has officially entered a 10-day period of mourning, which will see a number of things change. Union flags above council buildings, royal residences and military bases will be lowered and flown at half-mast.
A number of flags in Merseyside were lowered on the evening of the Queen's death, including Liverpool Town Hall, the Cunard building, Runcorn Town Hall, Widnes Municipal Building and Widnes Masonic Hall. Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens and Wirral also announced all council buildings would have their flags lowered.
Books of condolence open
A number of books of condolence will also be available for the public to sign from today (Friday). Liverpool Cathedral have announced a book of condolences will be opened in the Lady Chapel.
Visitors will be able to access the book daily between 8am and 6pm by entering the cathedral's outside doors of the Queen’s Walk.
The Dean of Liverpool, The Very Revd Dr Sue Jones said: "Alongside the city and nation we mourn the loss of her Majesty. Queen Elizabeth is held in great affection by members of the cathedral company as we remember with fondness her visits to the cathedral, not least when she formally opened the cathedral in 1977. We give thanks for her ministry and pray for the Royal Family at this time."
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Roy Gladden, has also said people wanting to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth will be able to do so at the Town Hall.
He said: "We join with the rest of the nation in paying tribute to Her Majesty The Queen, who has served our nation with selfless devotion. The people of our city will remember her with great fondness and affection, particularly for her many visits to Liverpool during her long reign, which always drew large crowds of well-wishers.
“Over the coming days, we will be giving residents the opportunity to pay their respects and reflect on the Queen’s remarkable reign. It is fitting that our Town Hall–a building Her Majesty always enjoyed visiting–will be one of the places that people can come and pay tribute.”
Both Bootle Town Hall and The Atkinson in Southport will be open from Friday, September 9 between 9am and 5pm for residents and visitors to sign the books of condolence. In the event of large crowds forming, a queuing system will be in place at both buildings.
Knowsley Council said details on its book of condolence will be available soon.
Floral tribute sites arranged
Merseyside Council's have also set aside specific places where mourners can leave floral tributes for the late Queen. Visitors in Liverpool Cathedral will also be able to lay flowers on either side of the Rankin Porch.
They will also have a space for private prayer and the lighting of candles. Areas outside Bootle Town Hall and the Princess Diana Memorial Gardens on Lord Street, Southport have been designated as places where residents can leave floral tributes in memory of Her Majesty the Queen.
Floral tributes at both Southport and Bootle will remain in place until after the state funeral. These will then be sensitively collected and disposed of in an appropriate fashion.
Service of condolence to be announced
Liverpool Cathedral have announced they are planning a special memorial service for Queen Elizabeth and are set to publish full details of this today. In the meantime the Cathedral community will be remembering Her Majesty in their prayers at every service they hold this week.
Church bells to toll at noon
The Church of England has sent out guidance to parish churches, chapels and cathedrals encouraging them to toll their bells or open for prayer or special services following the announcement from Buckingham Palace. Guidance from the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers recommends tolling muffled bells for one hour from noon today.
The online advice highlights protocols to adhere to following the death of a monarch. This includes urging churches with flag posts to fly flags at half-mast until the day of the funeral, other than for a period following the proclamation of the new King.
It also encourages parishes to open books of condolences. Churches are also offered information how to deliver official commemorative services and special prayers.
The Church of England website has opened an online memorial book and encourages people to light a virtual candle for the Queen.
