The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all of my family

KING CHARLES AND THE NATION MOURN BRITAIN'S BELOVED MONARCH

AS the nation mourns Her Majesty The Queen, it was announced that her coffin is to lie in state to allow the public to pay their last respects.

Contingency plans put in place in case the Queen died during the pandemic are believed to have included ticketing of the main lying in state, possibly in timed slots an option which could still be employed.

The news the nation dreaded came in a Palace statement yesterday evening: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow." Britain will enter a period of national mourning, as tributes flood in from around the globe, hailing the Queen's unwavering commitment to serving her country and the Commonwealth.

The long-held so-called London Bridge plans for the coming days and the Queen's state funeral will now be put in place, as will the contingency element Operation Unicorn for a death in Scotland.

The Queen is expected to lie in state in a few days' time, with her funeral held in Westminster Abbey in central London in around 10 days.

The new King - Charles - is expected to speak to the nation and lead the tributes to his beloved mother.

The Duchess of Cornwall is now Queen, and as a Queen Consort, will be crowned at Charles's side at his eventual coronation.