Summary

  • Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-reigning monarch, has died at the age of 96

  • She died peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday afternoon

  • The Crown passes immediately to her son and heir Charles, who will officially be known as King Charles III

  • People across Northern Ireland have been sharing tributes and their memories of the Queen

  • Traffic and parking have been restricted at Royal Hillsborough, but buses are being provided from Saturday for people to pay their respects

  • Some sporting events are cancelled in Northern Ireland and some public buildings will close as a mark of respect

  • Strike action at Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council is postponed while similar action in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon has been eased

  • A Royal Gun salute was fired at Hillsborough Castle at 13:00 on Friday, with 96 rounds

Live Reporting

  1. Books of condolence to open in Belfast and Londonderry

    Queen Elizabeth IIGetty Images

    While Hillsbourgh will be the focus for many wishing to mourn the Queen, books of condolence will open at Belfast City Hall and at Londonderry's Guildhall for people to pay their respects.

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Sandra Duffy paid: "I wish to send my sincerest condolences and sympathies to the Queen's family at this sad and difficult time.

    "My thoughts and sympathies are with the many people in our city and district, especially people from the unionist tradition and the people of Britain, who will feel her loss deeply."

    Belfast Lord Mayor Christina Black says the Queen "made a valuable contribution to building peace and strengthening reconciliation between people on these islands".

  2. Hillsborough this morning

    Kevin Sharkey
    BBC News NI

    Flowers

    There’s a major security operation here in Hillsborough.

    The castle's grounds are in partial lock-out and a one-way traffic system is in place in the County Down village.

    Visitors and mourners can only access the castle grounds via a shuttle bus from the grounds of the Maze.

    The village of Hilsborough was granted royal status in 2021- it was the first village or town in Northern Ireland to ever be granted the title.

    The castle is the Queen's official residence in Northern Ireland.

    Hillsborough

  3. 'As a woman she is just so inspirational'

    Stephen Gilmore

    Stephen Gilmore described Queen Elizabeth as a "tremendous woman of faith and of leadership"

    There were emotional scenes at Hillsborough Castle - the Queen's official residence in Northern Ireland - as news of the monarch's death spread.

    Within minutes of the annoucement, flowers were being left at the gates.

    Many people came to pay their respects and share their stories and thoughts.

    Stephen Gilmore told BBC News NI he was very shocked by the Queen's death "because we saw her on the TV appointing the new prime minister".

    "Yes, she was frail but she looked in good health," he said.

    Mr Gilmore described Queen Elizabeth as a "tremendous woman of faith and of leadership".

    Laura Porter

    Laura Porter described the Queen as "inspirational"

    Laura Porter said: "She's been the longest-reigning monarch and as a woman she is just so inspirational.

    "She was a mother and she had a full time job as well. Many women can relate to that.

    "And she was our servant too. I just heard that she signed off in all her communications as 'Your servant' and that just means a lot to me."

    Hear what other people had to say about the Queen here.

  4. 'Great heartbreak but also immense pride'

    Mary Lou McDonald

    Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald says the Royal family will be feeling a "mix of great heartbreak but also immense pride".

    "I have no doubt that she was a most beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and I have no doubt that the pain the family is feeling is very very deep," she tells Good Morning Ulster.

    Ms McDonald acknowledged the real sense of loss that will be felt from those in the unionist community on the island at this time.

    "For our purposes here in Ireland, I think in particular of unionists, of those of a British identity, on our island, who will feel this very very acutely."

    "It is important for me as an Irish republican, as a nationalist, as a united-Irelander, as a person from a very different tradition and experience, to acknowledge that with sympathy and condolences because it truly is the end of an era - of that there is no doubt."

    Sinn Fein's President shares her thoughts on the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

  5. 'Marvellous, wonderful Queen'

    Sir Jeffrey DonaldsonEPA

    Tributes are being paid across the world to Queen Elizabeth II.

    Over the course of her seven decades in public service, the Queen made numerous visits to Northern Ireland.

    DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson describes the passing of the Queen as "the saddest news" and says "our hearts are breaking".

    "Her Majesty The Queen was a wonderful lady and I had the privilege of meeting her many times including here at Hillsborough Castle.

    "People right across Northern Ireland will be deeply sorrowful for the loss of this marvellous, wonderful Queen."

    Michelle O'NeillReuters

    Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O'Neill says it was with "deep regret" that she learned of the Queen's death.

    "The British people will miss the leadership she gave throughout her 70 years as monarch."

    Read more of the tributes here.

  6. Welcome

    Queen Elizabeth IIPacemaker

    Welcome to BBC News NI's continous coverage following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

    The UK's longest-reigning monarch died peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday afternoon. She was 96.

    King Charles III, who became the new monarch immediately, said his mother's death was a moment of "greatest sadness for me and all members of my family".

    We’ll have all the latest reaction from across Northern Ireland throughout the day.