Queen Elizabeth II: Latest updates as nation enters mourning following death of The Queen

The Prime Minister made the speech shortly after it was announced Her Majesty, The Queen, had died.

Watch as the Union Flag over Sheffield Town Hall is lowered to half-mast in front of a crowd of onlookers.

In a statement, South Yorkshire Police said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

“The thoughts and condolences of Chief Constable Lauren Poultney and all South Yorkshire Police colleagues are with the Royal Family at this sad time.

“The Union flag will fly at half-mast at each South Yorkshire Police central station as a sign of respect and mourning.”

The Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Sioned-Mair Richards has shared a statement on Her Majesty’s death.

She said: “On behalf of the City Council and the people of Sheffield I want to express our great sadness at the news of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth today.

“Our sincere condolences go to members of the Royal Family at this time of sadness and personal loss.

“Her reign will be acknowledged in history as one of the greatest of all monarchs and, through years of major challenges and difficulties for the country, she retained a true sense of dignity throughout.

“I recall the enthusiastic welcome given by the people of Sheffield when the late Queen visited the city in April 2015. It will be an event that many will remember for the rest of their lives and will always be a significant day in Sheffield’s history.

“As a mark of our respect, flags will be flown at half-mast on civic buildings. Books of Condolence will also be opened in Sheffield and Stocksbridge Town Halls from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday until the day after the funeral. There will also be an eBook of Condolence on the City Council’s website and the Royal website at royal.gov.uk.

“Floral tributes may be laid in a specially designated area of the Peace Gardens in the city centre.”

The Union Flag flying over Sheffield Town Hall has been lowered to half-mast as the nation mourns the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

Her Majesty was dearly loved in and always welcome here.

Queen Elizabeth II has died surrounded by family at Balmoral Castle, the BBC have announced. The nation now enters a period of mourning, after the longest reigning monarch in British history passed away today. Her Majesty’s closest family all travelled to Balmoral Castle in Scotland to be by her side, after doctors became concerned over The Queen’s health. Her Majesty’s son, Charles, will now become King Charles III.

Like the rest of the country, we still await updates from Buckingham Palace regarding Her Majesty’s health.

The latest news was Prince William, Andrew and Edward arriving at Balmoral Castle around 05.20pm today.

Expectation from Royal correspondents at national news organisations is that it would make sense for the Palace to offer an update today, now much of the Queen’s family have joined her.

BBC News anchors recently said:

“the Palace will feel the need to say something.”

We will continue to update this page with the latest as and when we get it.

BBC News anchors today, including Huw Edwards, have changed into black ties this afternoon.