Crowds have gathered outside Buckingham Palace to pay their respect to the Queen who died aged 96.
Tributes started to pour in from all around the world after Buckingham Palace announced her death.
Britain's longest-reigning monarch and the nation's figurehead for seven decades passed away this afternoon at her Scottish home of Balmoral.
Announcing her death, Buckingham 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."
There was an audible gasp as the Union flag above Buckingham Palace started to be lowered.
One woman immediately sobbed loudly. Others ran towards the front gates to get a better view as they realised the historic enormity of what they were witnessing.
Barely an hour earlier, a brilliant double rainbow had lit up the sky in front of the Palace.
Royal fan Ellen Matthews, 69, said: "She’s gone - the Queen has died, that’s a sign of transformation."
An hour later she was proved right.
As the Union flag came to a halt halfway down the mast the crowd, now numbering several hundred, quietened.
The excited chatter stopped.
One man started singing the National Anthem.
As he sang the first line "God save our Gracious Queen" he put a particular emphasis on the word "Queen" and many others joined in - ending in a spirited round of applause.
Phil Corbett, 50, said: "It's such a sad day - the end of an era … almost all of us have never known life without her as our monarch."
Phil, from Brighton, is the award-winning author of the Kitty Quest children's book series.
He currently lives in Montpelier, south France but was back in the UK on business.
He said: "Britain will never be the same again."
As he spoke, two Mexican tourists laid down their Union Jack umbrellas they had bought at St Pauls earlier in the day.
Luis Sanchez, 27, said: "It's a simple mark of respect."
As news of the Queen's death spread, tourists were joined by hundreds of distraught Brits.
Jochem Verstraaten, 30, and girlfriend Wendy Herman, 27, from Holland had only arrived in London earlier in the day.
He said: "We had tickets to tour Buckingham Palace.
"We were so excited and we came out to fund the Queen has died. It's so very sad."
Wendy said: "The Queen was very popular in the Netherlands. People had an enormous amount of respect for her."
Chris Peters, 31, was on his way home to Finchley, north London from his job in St James’ Park.
He stood videoing the stunned crowds on his mobile phone.
"This is a day we never thought would happen," he said.
"I can't believe I'm actually here as the flag was lowered. It's a moment of history."
During the afternoon, there were only 200 or so people outside the Palace despite the growing rumours of the Queen's death, but after 6.30pm the numbers swelled immediately.
There was a sombre tone.
Many people took videos on their phones but others stood in silence. One woman knelt and prayed.
Some parents brought their school-age children to "witness history."
Other people arrived on "Boris Bikes" tried to get too close to the entrance and were shouted away by an increasing police presence.
Helicopters hovered overhead and TV stations from around the world clamoured for space.
Spanish tourist Estefani Sanchez, 35, said: "We have a monarchy too but yours in the United Kingdom is much more respected than ours.
"I was walking across Green Park and I heard what had happened and I came to pay my respects."
There was a huge range of mourners. The Ulster Gaelic football squad arrived. A Scotsman wearing a kilt and a sporran cycled by.
Japanese tourists, still wearing covid protection masks, stopped and bowed their heads respectfully.
Taxi driver Philip Elias, 76, from Harrow, north west London said: "This is such a sad day for London and the country.
"I’m old enough to remember the assassination of John F Kennedy in Dallas and the funeral of Winston Churchill here in London.
"They were both massive events but this will be bigger.
"Everyone loved the Queen."
Royal Family tributes
Charles, who became King on the death of his mother, said: "The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.
"We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
"During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held."
Clarence House confirmed Charles will be known as King Charles III.
Prince Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson paid tribute to the monarch on Instagram, writing: "I am heartbroken by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.
"She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy: the most fantastic example of duty and service and steadfastness, and a constant steadying presence as our head of state for more than 70 years.
"She has given her whole life selflessly to the people of the UK and the Commonwealth.
"To me, she was the most incredible mother-in-law and friend. I will always be grateful to her for the generosity she showed me in remaining close to me even after my divorce. I will miss her more than words can express."
Politicians
British Prime Minister Liz Truss hailed Queen Elizabeth as the "very spirit of Great Britain" and the rock on which modern Britain was built.
Speaking outside her Downing Street office and residence, Truss said the monarch had been "a personal inspiration to me and to many Britons".
"Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built. Our country has grown and flourished under her reign.
"Britain is the great country it is today because of her," she said.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "Today, we mourn the passing of a remarkable sovereign.
"It is a deep, private loss for the Royal Family and all our thoughts are with them at this time. The nation shares in their grief.
"We will always treasure Queen Elizabeth II's life of service and devotion to our nation and the Commonwealth; our longest-serving and greatest monarch.
"Above the clashes of politics, she stood not for what the nation fought over, but what it agreed upon. As Britain changed rapidly around her, this dedication became the still point of our turning world.
"So as our great Elizabethan era comes to an end, we will honour the late Queen's memory by keeping alive the values of public service she embodied.
"For seventy years, Queen Elizabeth II stood as the head of our country. But, in spirit, she stood amongst us."
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said the Queen's death is a "terrible loss for us all", adding: "We will miss her beyond measure."
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly tweeted: "My sincere condolences to the royal family on the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
"She will be remembered for her dedicated service at home, across the Commonwealth and around the globe. Her extraordinary service fostered peace and friendship worldwide."
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said the Queen had been a "steadfast and unshakeable head of state".
Wales' First Minister has paid tribute to the Queen and her "long and exceptional life".
Delivering his statement on the steps of the Welsh Government buildings in Cathays Park, Cardiff, following the death of the Queen, Mark Drakeford said: "It is with great sadness that we learn today of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"She has been the only monarch that most of us remember and today the country feels an immense loss.
"Throughout her long and exceptional life, as our longest-reigning monarch, Her Majesty firmly upheld the values and traditions of the British monarchy.
"On behalf of the Welsh Government and people in all parts of Wales I offer our deepest condolences to all her Majesty's children and their families on this sad occasion.
"She will be sorely missed by the many organisations in Wales she championed and supported, over so many decades, as patron or president."
Sajid Javid MP tweeted: "After a lifetime of service, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II now rests. A lifetime of devotion and extraordinary service which will forever be remembered. May she rest in peace."
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "The nation and the world mourns today in recognition of the extraordinary service of our Queen - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She served for 70 years with unrivalled grace, dignity and purpose.
"Throughout a period of unprecedented transformation, she was a source of great stability, inspiring hope during the most testing of times and exemplifying the best of what it means to be British.
"I'm proud to have served as Mayor of London while Queen Elizabeth II was our monarch. I know Londoners, and people across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, are immensely proud and grateful for what she achieved for us all over so many years.
"I offer my condolences to the Royal Family at this difficult time."
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Queen Elizabeth had been loved and respected across Scotland and her death was an acute loss that marked the end of an era.
Reading a statement on television, Sturgeon said the queen had been a constant in national life for more than 70 years.
"She has inspired us, on occasion comforted us and always personified values we hold dear. Throughout her reign she performed her duties with exceptional wisdom, dedication and fidelity," she said.
Former Prime Ministers
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the Queen had "modernised the constitutional monarchy" and "produced an heir to the throne who will amply do justice to her legacy".
Mr Johnson said: "This is our country's saddest day. In the hearts of every one of us there is an ache at the passing of our Queen, a deep and personal sense of loss - far more intense, perhaps, than we expected.
"In these first grim moments since the news, I know that millions and millions of people have been pausing whatever they have been doing, to think about Queen Elizabeth, about the bright and shining light that has finally gone out.
"She seemed so timeless and so wonderful that I am afraid we had come to believe, like children, that she would just go on and on."
Theresa May said: "Her Majesty witnessed tremendous change, moving adroitly with the times but always providing stability and reassurance.
"She was our constant throughout this great Elizabethan era. It was the honour of my life to serve her as prime minister.
"Our thoughts and prayers now are with her family. God Save The King."
John Major called Queen Elizabeth "selfless and wise, with a wonderful generosity of spirit."
"For 70 years Her Majesty The Queen devoted her life to the service of our nation and its wellbeing," he said in a statement on Thursday.
"In her public duties she was selfless and wise, with a wonderful generosity of spirit. That is how she lived and how she led."
Gordon Brown said the monarch served the "country to the last" as he offered his condolences to the royal family.
"The United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the entire world are joined together in mourning this evening," Brown said in a tweet.
International tributes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky extended condolences to Britain and the Commonwealth on Thursday following the death of Queen Elizabeth.
"It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the Ukrainian people, we extend sincere condolences to the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss," Zelenskiy wrote on Twitter.
European Council President Charles Michel tweeted: "Our thoughts are with the royal family and all those who mourn Queen Elizabeth II in the UK and worldwide.
"Once called Elizabeth the Steadfast, she never failed to show us the importance of lasting values in a modern world with her service and commitment."
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen tweeted: "It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"She was the world's longest-serving head of state and one of the most respected personalities worldwide. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the royal family and the British people."
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, tweeted: "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered as a stalwart of our times.
"She provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people. She personified dignity and decency in public life. Pained by her demise.
"My thoughts are with her family and people of UK in this sad hour."
The President of the Irish Republic, Michael D. Higgins, issued a statement voicing his "profound regret and a deep personal sadness" at the Queen’s death.
He said: "On behalf of the people of Ireland, may I express my heartfelt sympathy to His Majesty King Charles and to the Royal Family on their very great personal loss. May I offer my deepest condolences to the British people and to the members of the Commonwealth on the loss of a unique, committed and deeply respected Head of State.
"Her Majesty served the British people with exceptional dignity. Her personal commitment to her role and extraordinary sense of duty were the hallmarks of her period as Queen, which will hold a unique place in British history."
Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, said: "As the United Kingdom's longest-lived and longest-reigning Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II was widely admired for her grace, dignity, and dedication around the world. She was a reassuring presence throughout decades of sweeping change, including the decolonization of Africa and Asia and the evolution of the Commonwealth.
"Queen Elizabeth II was a good friend of the United Nations, and visited our New York Headquarters twice, more than fifty years apart. She was deeply committed to many charitable and environmental causes and spoke movingly to delegates at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow.
"I would like to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II for her unwavering, lifelong dedication to serving her people. The world will long remember her devotion and leadership."
US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said in a statement: "In a world of constant change, she was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her.
"Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world."
US Vice President Kamala Harris tweeted: "Queen Elizabeth II lived an incredible life of service and had a profound impact on countless lives and historic events.
"We send our condolences to the royal family and join the people of the United Kingdom and all those around the world who mourn her loss."
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the Queen as "a constant presence in our lives".
"Her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country's history," he wrote.
"As we look back at her life and her reign that spanned so many decades, Canadians will always remember and cherish Her Majesty's wisdom, compassion, and warmth. Our thoughts are with the members of the Royal Family during this most difficult time."
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern added: "I know that I speak for people across New Zealand in offering our deepest sympathy to members of the Royal Family at the passing of the Queen.
"To us she was a much admired and respected monarch, to them she was a mother and grandmother."
Pope Francis said he was deeply saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth II and offered his condolences to her family and her successor, King Charles.
"I willingly join all who mourn her loss in praying for the late Queen's eternal rest, and in paying tribute to her life of unstinting service to the good of the Nation and the Commonwealth", Francis said in a telegram to King Charles.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he was saddened to learn of Queen Elizabeth's death and sent his deepest condolences to the royal family and the people and government of the United Kingdom.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also extended his condolences to Britain for the "irreparable loss" of Queen Elizabeth, Russian news agencies said.
In a message to Charles, he said the Queen "rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage".
He added: "I wish you courage and resilience in the face of this difficult, irreparable loss. May I ask you to pass on sincere condolences and support to members of the royal family and the entire people of Great Britain."
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: "My condolences to the entire Royal Family, the government and the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
"A figure of global significance, witness and author of British and European history."
French President Emmanuel Macron also paid tribute, saying: "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation's continuity and unity for over 70 years. I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted Queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century."
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi added: "Queen Elizabeth was a major player in world history over the last seventy years. She represented the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth with balance, wisdom, respect for institutions and democracy.
"She has been the most beloved symbol of her country and has garnered respect, affection and warm feelings everywhere.
"She ensured stability in times of crisis and kept the value of tradition alive in a society in constant and profound evolution."
Celebrities
Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig and Sir Elton John have led tributes to the Queen and her "incomparable legacy" following her death.
Dame Helen, who portrayed the Queen on the silver screen and on the stage, described the monarch as the "epitome of nobility".
In a post on Instagram, the Oscar-winning British actress said: "I am proud to be an Elizabethan. We mourn a woman, who, with or without the crown, was the epitome of nobility."
James Bond star Craig said the Queen leaves "an incomparable legacy and will be profoundly missed".
In a statement, he added: "I, like so many, was deeply saddened by the news today and my thoughts are with the royal family, those she loved and all those who loved her."
Sir Elton said the Queen had been a huge part of his life "from childhood to this day" in his own online tribute.
"Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's passing," Sir Elton wrote.
Sir Mick Jagger reflected on how the Queen had "always been there" throughout his life as he recalled watching key moments.
The Rolling Stones also offered their "deepest sympathy" to the royal family following the news.
Piers Morgan was among celebrities paying tribute to Her Majesty, as he tweeted: "BREAKING NEWS: RIP Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 96. The greatest Monarch in history, and the greatest of Britons.
"Dignified, humble, wise, stoic, and dedicated to duty & service to the country she loved. Thank you for everything, Ma’am. We will be forever indebted to you."
TV presenter Rylan Clark wrote: "God rest her soul x."
JK Rowling described the monarch as "a thread winding through all our lives" during her seven-decade-long reign.
The Harry Potter author said the Queen had been an "enduring, positive symbol of Britain all over the world” and had “earned her rest."
"Some may find the outpouring of British shock and grief at this moment quaint or odd, but millions felt affection and respect for the woman who uncomplainingly filled her constitutional role for seventy years," Rowling wrote on Twitter.
"Most British people have never known another monarch, so she’s been a thread winding through all our lives.
"She did her duty by the country right up until her dying hours, and became an enduring, positive symbol of Britain all over the world.
"She's earned her rest."
Former Great British Bake Off host and TV presenter Sue Perkins tweeted: "What an extraordinary life.
"A fixed point, seemingly unchanged by the whirlings of history around her. So strange to be suddenly without."
Sir Elton John described the Queen as an "inspiring presence" and said he would "miss her dearly".
The musical megastar said the Queen had been a huge part of his life "from childhood to this day" in his own online tribute.
"Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's passing," Sir Elton wrote.
"She was an inspiring presence to be around, and lead the country through some of our greatest, and darkest, moments with grace, decency and a genuine caring warmth.
"Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly."
You can leave your tributes to Queen Elizabeth II here
