Floral tributes are now being left at Royal residences across the country following the death of Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral on Thursday. 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. 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.
One said: “Thank you Queen Elizabeth II for your service to our nation.”
Another card said: “Thank you for your dedication, service and reign. You have been a source of inspiration and a calming figure through my life.”
Dozens of bouquets were left by people who braved the heavy rain in north east Scotland to pay their respects.
One tribute came in the shape of a model corgi – the Queen’s beloved breed of dog. Another card was left by pupils from St Roman’s Primary School more than 100 miles away in West Dumbartonshire.
And another message simply said: “Just thanks.”
Members of the public also began to leave flowers at the gates of Buckingham Palace, where officials carried a notice confirming the Queen’s death to the gates and the flag was lowered to half mast.
The Mail reports that people have been encouraged to make a donation to charity in lieu of flowers.
Millions of bouquets, cards and messages were left in tribute at Kensington Palace after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997, with flowers also left for Philip in 2021. Buckingham Palace may issue guidance on floral tributes and cards today, but the public has already begun to leave them at the Queen's London home and at Windsor.
Members of the royal family usually take time to view the floral tributes in person. After Philip's death, new floral tributes at Buckingham Palace were moved to Marlborough House - the home of the Commonwealth Secretariat - in central London each evening.
After Diana's death, the flowers and gifts were given to the sick, the elderly and to children.
Tributes including teddy bears and even bottles of champagne went to residential homes and hospitals, while other toys were sent to toy libraries. Cards and messages were collected and stored for Diana's family, while flowers that were no longer fresh were composted and used to grow new plants and flowers in Kensington Gardens.
