Queen death: Celebrities pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II from Elton John to Piers Morgan

Sir Elton John, JK Rowling and Paddington Bear are amongst the famous British faces paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and her “inspiring presence” following her death.

The monarch was described as a “thread running through all our lives” during her lengthy reign and an “enduring, positive symbol of Britain all over the world”.

Tributes to the Queen flooded in immediately from all over the world after her death was announced on Thursday evening.

Read more: Queen dies aged 96: King Charles pays tribute as nation mourns

As well as celebrities, British arts and entertainment institutions including the BBC, the National Gallery and the National Theatre, all reflected on the impact the monarch had had on the country.

Sir Elton said the Queen had been a huge part of his life “from childhood to this day” in his own online tribute.

“Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing,” Sir Elton wrote.

“She was an inspiring presence to be around, and led the country through some of our greatest, and darkest, moments with grace, decency and a genuine caring warmth.

“Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly.”

Delivering his tribute to camera on his TalkTV show Uncensored, Piers Morgan paid tribute to the late monarch saying 'a little piece of us all died with her'.

He added in a separate post that it was a 'sad, sad, sad day'.

The official account of Paddington Bear also tweeted its respects to the Queen.

“Thank you Ma’am, for everything,” the account wrote.

The pair recently appeared in a comical sketch together as part of celebrations for the monarch’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, in which they shared tea and marmalade sandwiches at Buckingham Palace.

Sharing her tribute on Twitter, former Spice Girls star Victoria Beckham said: "Today is a very sad day for the entire world. I’m deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Monarch, Her Majesty The Queen. She will be remembered for her steadfast loyalty and service and my thoughts are with the royal family at this time."

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey said: You will be so missed, a truly remarkable woman who gave so much to us all in Great Britain and worldwide. So humble, selfless and giving. Someone who made such an impact on us all over her decades of service. Rest in perfect peace your Majesty."

Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder paid respect with a video of himself toasting the late monarch, raising a glass of wine and saying 'To the Queen!'.

Former BBC newsreader Simon McCoy applauded his former employer's tasteful coverage of the news saying "The worst news. The #BBC @bbcnews at its best."

Other British celebrities paying respects included Stephen Fry, Ozzy Osbourne, Sue Perkins and Sir Philip Pullman.

The author of the His Dark Materials series said the nation had been “very lucky” to have had the monarch.

He said: “I’m just old enough to remember the coronation; she’s been there all my life, and I shall miss her.”

Elsewhere, the 2022 Mercury Prize award was postponed due to the news, which the organisation described as a “time of great national sorrow”.

The prize, which is awarded for the best album released in the UK by a British or Irish act, was due to take place on Thursday evening.

“Tonight’s Mercury Prize event has been postponed at this time of great national sorrow. We know everyone involved in the Mercury Prize will understand,” a statement from the organisation read.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with The Royal Family at this very difficult time.”

It added that an announcement regarding future arrangements would be made as soon as possible.

Watch: King Charles III mourns mother Queen Elizabeth II