Queen’s loyal public gather outside Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Balmoral to mourn passing of beloved Monarch
CROWDS have been gathering outside Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Balmoral after the death of the Queen was announced.
Mourners began converging at Buckingham Palace around 5pm as concerns about the monarch’s health began to mount and swelled after the sad news of her death emerged.
The flag at the palace was lowered to half-mast at 6.30pm as the news was announced.
As the news of Queen’s death was announced, many among the hundreds of people were gathered outside the gates began crying.
A crowd has also been gathering outside Windsor Castle, where a Union flag fluttering from one of the towers has been lowered to half-mast.
Mourners also converged on Balmoral, where Her Majesty died surrounded by members of the Royal Family.
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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”.
“I met the Queen twice. I gave flowers to her. I can’t believe it,” he said.
The Queen’s passing comes as…
- Liz Truss hailed the Queen as ‘the rock on which modern Britain was built’
- King Charles told of his ‘greatest’ sadness as he paid tribute to his mother
- The Queen went from a shy daddy’s girl to a hero who dedicated her life to the country
- The Union flag flew at half mast as the devastating news was announced
- Prince Charles has now become King Charles III
- Prince Harry was pictured holding his head as he travelled to Balmoral to be with his family
“She was inspirational. She served her duty – her duty always came first, her family next.
“She went downhill after the Duke of Edinburgh died. God save the Queen.”
Mr Loughrey 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.
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Floral tributes have started to be laid outside Windsor Castle to mourn the death of the Queen.
The crowds outside were so big that staff members returning to the castle struggled to drive through the main entrance.
In a sombre statement, Buckingham Palace today confirmed Her Majesty Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history, had passed away – making her son, Charles, King.
Her passing comes after King Charles and Prince William raced to be by the Queen’s side after doctors confirmed they were “concerned” for her health.
The UK was immediately plunged into a state of mourning, with plans for her funeral and a national day of remembrance to be announced in the coming days.
Charles, who will now be known as King Charles III, gave a sombre statement as he led the nation in mourning tonight.
The new King 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.