Black cab drivers line the Mall to mourn death of the Queen

People have been left extremely moved by a procession of black cabs which are lining the Mall to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen Elizabeth II passed away earlier today, Thursday, 8 September, at Balmoral Castle, Scotland.

She was 96 years old at the time of her passing and had been on the throne for 70 years.

People have since flocked to the streets of London outside of Buckingham Palace to pay their respects, and in amongst the crowds, a group of taxis have lined themselves up on the Mall in tribute to Her Majesty.

Black cabs pay their respect. #QueenElizabethII pic.twitter.com/9rajhevmFi

— Politics Aired (@PoliticsAired) September 8, 2022

People have taken to Twitter to share images of the crowds which have gathered outside the Queen's London home.

One user explained how there has been 'random singing' of the national anthem, 'spontaneous rounds of applause for the Queen' as well as black cabs lining up on the road located between the palace and Trafalgar Square.

A second user noted: "Great tribute as black cabs line up silently on the mall to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth. Sympathies for the loss of a groundbreaking woman."

A third said: "Incredibly moving tribute as black cabs line up silently on the mall to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth."

Black cab drivers are lining the mall to mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth. One told me in tears that he wanted to pay his respects to the monarch who’s “all we’ve ever known”. pic.twitter.com/kfCslgmZQl

— Paul Brand (@PaulBrandITV) September 8, 2022

A tribute from London’s Black Cabs to the Queen as they begin to gather on the Mall pic.twitter.com/iGgv8c2E9v

— James Briggs (@jamescbriggs) September 8, 2022

London’s black cabs line The Mall in a moving tribute for Her Majesty as the heavens open. pic.twitter.com/8UV8cK3thW

— Sophia Alexandra Hall (@sophiassocials) September 8, 2022

The Royal Family announced Queen Elizabeth II's death via its website and social media accounts.

The statement 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."

As well as people having gathered around Buckingham Palace and cabs lining the Mall, there will be a period of national mourning across the country.

The Queen will be taken from Balmoral, Aberdeen to Edinburgh via royal train.

She will also briefly be taken to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and St Giles' Cathedral, before going to London.

The state funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey in 10 days time.

A graveside service will later take place at St George's Chapel, which is located on the grounds of Windsor Castle.

The people of Windsor are gathering outside Windsor Castle to lay flowers following the death of The Queen. pic.twitter.com/3SRB2ZFsNQ

— Royal Central (@RoyalCentral) September 8, 2022

As well as the nation having come together to mourn Queen Elizabeth II and pay their respects, her son, King Charles, has also since released a 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."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677