Massive queues in London as UK reacts to death of Queen Elizabeth II

People are putting holidays on hold and lining up in the rain to pay their respects to the Queen Elizabeth II after her sad death.

Thousands have queued for nearly a kilometre to lay their flowers at Buckingham Palace the morning after Queen Elizabeth’s death.

Those at the front of the line told new.com.au they had waited an hour but it was worth it to pay their respects to Her Majesty.

Briton Emma Kobleck, who brought along her daughter Meadow, was emotional explaining they were there on behalf of Emma’s late nan, Rosemary Nye.

There are large crowds in London as people queue to lay flowers. Picture: Chantelle Francis

It’s an emotional day for many in London. Picture: Chantelle Francis

“My whole family loved the Queen, especially my nan who has passed away, so I’ve come here with a note she would have wanted me to put down,” she said, holding back tears. “We’re going to miss her.”

It wasn’t just Brits who queued in the rain.

Lisette Teut from Denmark put her four-day family holiday on hold and waited an hour to place her flowers at the palace gates.

“Of course we couldn’t do anything else but pay our respects to Her Majesty the Queen,” she said. “It’s a sad day for the English people and the whole world.”

There are lines outside Buckingham Palace.

Despite the rain, people still want to pay their respects.

Queen Elizabeth II, 96, died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland after Buckingham Palace revealed she was under medical supervision amid escalating concerns for her health.

The Royal Family confirmed her death about 6.30pm local time (3.30am AEST).

Earlier in the day, the national broadcaster BBC suspended its regular programming and presenter Huw Edwards appeared on air wearing a black tie - part of the dress code for when a member of the royal family dies as a mark of respect.

People in London react to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: Getty Images

King Charles – who immediately ascended the throne following his mother’s death – issued a statement about the royal family’s devastating loss.

“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,” His Majesty said.

“We mourn profoundly the passing 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.”

King Charles will travel from Balmoral to London on Friday local time.

Originally published as Massive queues in London as UK reacts to death of Queen Elizabeth II