The news of her death was announced in a statement on behalf of the Royal Family yesterday afternoon.

A 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."

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Police are starting to let members of the public stand at the gates of Balmoral Castle to pay their respects to the Queen.

Several people walked to the entrance of the grounds of the Scottish royal retreat from 6.30am on Friday to lay bouquets of flowers as a tribute to the late monarch.

One woman was spotted lighting a candle while others were seen reading personal notes written on the flowers.

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The area was blocked off for a period on Thursday night when members of the royal family arrived at the castle as news broke of the Queen dying.

Messages of thanks for the Queen and condolences to her family were left among the floral tributes from the public at the gates of Balmoral Castle.