Official Royal Family website changed to mark death of the Queen

The official Royal Family website was changed to mark the Queen's death on Thursday.

The homepage on www.royal.uk was updated on Thursday after the announcement to a holding page showing the Queen at her coronation at Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953 with the words "Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022" in white text against a black background.

The site has now been changed to a close-up, full screen image of the monarch on the day she was officially crowned Queen, at the age of 25.

The website also includes a statement from the King, paying tribute to his "beloved Mother".

King prepares for first nationwide address - latest updates

It also provides details about the Queen's life and reign, including her state duties, patronages and achievements as Head of the Commonwealth.

An online book of condolence allows people to send messages of sympathy to the Royal Family.

Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts

The website says: "A selection of messages will be passed on to members of the Royal Family, and may be held in the Royal Archives for posterity."

Biographies of the King and the Queen Consort are also now featured on the website.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have also changed the homepage of their Archewell website to a black backdrop with the words "In loving memory of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II 1926 - 2022".

Harry was among members of the Royal Family who rushed to Balmoral after doctors expressed concern for the health of the Queen.

She died peacefully at her Scottish estate on Thursday afternoon, Buckingham Palace announced.

A period of national mourning has now begun. The date of the Queen's funeral will be confirmed in due course, the palace said on Friday morning.