Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral Castle at the age of 96. The news was announced by Buckingham Palace on 8 September at 6.30pm and ends the longest reign in British history.

Members of the Royal Family gathered at Balmoral on the day of the Queen’s death. It is reported that Prince Charles and Princess Anne were at their mother’s bedside when she died, while other family members travelled to get there. The Duke of Sussex arrived in the early evening to join his brother the Duke of Cambridge; Prince Andrew; Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex, who arrived earlier in a car together.

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.” and that “her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country.”

King Charles III and the Queen Consort Camilla had confirmed they would stay overnight at Balmoral and return to London on 9 September.

Thousands of people gathered at Buckingham Palace to pay their respects to a dear Queen who was much loved by her people and those around the world.  Mourners are laying flowers in tribute at all Royal residences.

A double rainbow appeared above Buckingham Palace and a rainbow appeared at Windsor Castle as the Queen’s death was announced.

It is thought the State Funeral of Her Majesty is expected to take place within the next two weeks.

PM Liz Truss said the Queen was “the rock on which modern Britain was built” and that the Queen “leaves a great legacy.” Liz Truss ended her tribute with “God Save the King.”

Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England said: “I know I speak on behalf of the whole NHS when I say how incredibly saddened we are by the news Her Majesty The Queen has passed away.

“The Queen dedicated her life to public service and it was our proudest moment when she awarded NHS staff the George Cross earlier this year, for their compassion and courage over the last 74 years but particularly during the pandemic.

“My heartfelt condolences are with the Royal Family at this time.”

Chief Constable Scott Chilton of Dorset Police said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has been a guiding light and source of inspiration for millions of people across the world over her exceptional reign of 70 years.

“Her extraordinary reign began after the death of her father, King George VI in 1952 and she has ruled for longer than any other monarch in British history, becoming a much loved and respected figure across the world.

“With an unwavering devotion to public duty, she has undertaken many historic overseas visits and has been an important figurehead for the UK and the Commonwealth during times of enormous social change.

“Police officers take an oath to serve the Queen and the entire police family joins the nation in mourning this sad news.

“We will be flying our flag at half-mast at Dorset Police HQ in Winfrith and our police stations in Weymouth and Bridport to mark the national period of mourning.

“Memorial plans will be announced by local councils and we ask the public to follow local authority websites for further information.

“Her Majesty’s death may affect many people across Dorset and we urge anyone who is feeling particularly saddened to seek support from one of the many agencies who can provide a listening ear or advice.

“We are now preparing to support our communities over the coming days as we come together to remember Her Majesty and mark this historic moment in time.”

Angus Campbell, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Dorset said: “The country is in deep mourning following the loss of Her Majesty. All our thoughts are with the members of the Royal Family at this most difficult time.

“Whilst still a princess, on her twenty-first birthday, Her Majesty broadcast a declaration to the country and the Commonwealth which included the words:’I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.’

“Those words encapsulate the love, service and pure strength of character with which Her Majesty has led the monarchy of Great Britain and the Commonwealth over her extraordinary seventy-year reign. It is so special to see the words of a twenty-one-year-old Princess so perfectly foreshadowing her long life of dedicated service to us all.

“We have all lost a unique, loving and determined monarch who has, over seventy years, not only delivered the extraordinary, devoted service and support she promised at such an early age, but given us so very much more besides.

“Our loss is incalculable.”

Councillor Val Pothecary, chairman of Dorset Council, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and the country as we mourn the loss of Her Majesty, and I would like to offer them our heartfelt condolences.

“We give thanks for her wonderful life and years of devotion to serving the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She has been an inspiration to us all.”

Councillor Drew Mellor, Leader of BCP Council, said: “This is a very sad time for the entire country and our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family at this very difficult period.

“We have lost one of the most important figures from British history, who never wavered from her dedication to public duty and who served this country with courage and grace.

“Her Majesty The Queen has been a constant throughout our lives, and I am personally very saddened by this news, having always had a deep respect for her. I know that residents who have met her were always moved by her words of comfort or touched by her warmth.

“Books of condolence will be opened so residents and visitors can pay their respects locally. It is important that people have an opportunity to give their sympathies. I encourage those who would like to, to take the opportunity to write down their memories of Her Majesty The Queen, so we can all collectively share this time of mourning.

“I am proud that all three of our towns have been visited by Her Majesty The Queen; her place in our history will never be forgotten.”

Cllr Nigel Hedges, The Chairman of BCP Council has expressed his sadness at the death of Her Majesty The Queen. The Chairman said: “The people of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and all of us at the Council will mourn the loss of Her Majesty The Queen and I know that their thoughts are with the Royal Family at this exceptionally sad time.

“We share fond memories of Her Majesty’s visits to Bournemouth, including Bournemouth Gardens in 1966, The Police Station in 1979 and King’s Park and the Seafront in 2004. As part of her visit in 1966 she visited Christchurch Priory and contemporary photographs show The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh being driven along the High Street which is filled with huge crowds.

“In 1969 she opened Poole’s new hospital and in 1995 awarded Poole’s Ryvita factory a Royal Warrant. The 2004 visit that began in Bournemouth continued with a visit to Poole’s Lighthouse and tour the new RNLI training college. Thousands lined Poole Quay as the royals left on a lifeboat.

“Many local people will have attended these historic events and will treasure their own recollections of those days.”

Dorset Chamber president Caron Khan said: “All at the Dorset Chamber are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal family at this time of such great sorrow.

“The profound loss we now feel is mirrored by thanks for her life of exemplary public service, including her support for business as patron of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

“Her Majesty performed her duties with such dignity and calm assurance during a remarkable reign, which has served as an inspiration and example to so many.

“Elizabeth II is the only monarch many of us have ever known and she has remained a constant presence as a symbol of unity through good times and bad.

“Although this is a very sad day, her legacy will live on through her family and the country she has helped to shape with such wisdom and leadership over so many years.

“On behalf of our members in the Dorset business community, we pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen.”

An online book of condolence will be available on the Buckingham Palace website royal.uk. Books of condolences will also be available for people to sign across Dorset. Please visit Dorset Council’s website dorsetcouncil.gov.uk for more details and bcpcouncil.gov.uk. BCP’s condolence books will be available from 11am today, 9 September, at Bournemouth and Christchurch Libraries as well as Poole Museum.

Flags will be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect, except during the Proclamation of the new King. Following the proclamation, the flags will again be flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period.

Update: 2pm 9 September 2022

Following the announcement yesterday of the death of Her Majesty The Queen, an online book of condolence is available on the Buckingham Palace website. Books of condolence are also available during opening hours at County Hall, Dorchester and in all Dorset libraries.

Dorset Council has invited people to leave flowers at the Memorial Corner to the front of County Hall, Dorchester. They will remain in place until 5pm on the day after the funeral of Her Majesty. In the event of continued inclement weather, they may be removed earlier. The council has requested that any flowers are unwrapped, and no non-compostable items are used.

Charles III, The Queen’s eldest son, is now the King of the United Kingdom and will address the nation this evening, Friday 9 September.

This post was edited on 12 September. Editor