Royal mourning announced from now until week after Queen Elizabeth's funeral

A period of royal mourning has been announced from now until seven days after the Queen's funeral.

It said: "During this period, Members of the Royal Family will continue undertaking engagements appropriate to the circumstances. Mourning bands will be worn where appropriate."

A statement confirming her death said the 96-year-old passed 'peacefully'.

It read: "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."

Other members of the Royal Family, including Prince William, Prince Harry, and Prince Andrew, travelled to Balmoral to be with her.

Her death means that Charles is now the country's monarch and will go by the title King Charles III.

In a short statement, he wrote: "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 loss 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."

Crowds of people gathered outside the gates of Buckingham Palace to pay their respects to the Queen last night.

So far, no official details have been announced as to the Queen’s funeral or the coming days, but it is believed that Parliament will be suspended for a period of mourning, and the Queen will receive a full state funeral, as is traditional.

There is also an expectation that her body will lie in state in order to allow members of the public the chance to attend and show their respects.