Buckingham Palace following the announcement of the death of Her Majesty the Queen. Members of the public have been gathering outside the palace to pay their respects.
People had been loitering outside since earlier in the day, as news of her declining situation emerged. After a heavy downpour befitting of the mood, the crowds turned to see the rainbow that broke out when torrential rain finally gave way.The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.Speaking to PA news agency, 31-year-old central London worker Peter Barnes said: “The mood is very sombre here at Buckingham Palace.A huge chinook helicopter has been spotted flying overhead. “Many people in the crowd commented on the rainbow with many taking photos.”The rainbow was seen peeking above some of London's most historic landmarks, including the Elizabeth Tower in Westminster and the Queen Victoria Memorial.At 5pm, the first bouquet was laid, a solemn premonition for what was to come.
Mr Barnes continued: “The crowd is only getting bigger so I imagine it won’t be long until people begin laying flowers.“The Queen means so much to so many people not just here in the UK but around the globe.“The world has lost a bastion of stability and dignity putting country and duty above all else.”Buckingham Palace said: “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.”.