The Queen has died, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Elizabeth II, 96, was the nation’s longest-reigning monarch, serving as head of state for more than 70 years.

Read more: The Queen has died Buckingham Palace has announced

She died peacefully surrounded by her family at Balmoral.

Tributes have been flooding in from across the world to the long-serving monarch.

The Northern Echo has opened a book of condolence so you can pay your tributes here. 

Community answers

BOOK OF CONDOLENCE: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

"If you met Her Majesty The Queen - Queen Elizabeth II - and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here."

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Shirley Wells

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.She visited Hove as Princess Elizabeth with her sister Princess Margaret and they toured in open topped Rolls Royce. My mum stood on one corner, holding me up, and as they went by she waved to me.

From Ruth Whitfield

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.Rest in peace your Majesty, a lifetime of service.

From Ruth Whitfield

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.Rest in peace your Majesty, a lifetime of service.

From Ruth Whitfield

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.Rest in peace your Majesty, a lifetime of service.

From Ruth Whitfield

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.Rest in peace your Majesty, a lifetime of service.

From Abigail peacock

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.Rest in peace your Majesty May you live on in our hearts

From Abigail peacock

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.Rest in peace your Majesty May you live on in our hearts

From Dawn Richardson

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.I never met the Queen but just wanted to say how much I felt she was part of everyone's life, Always there always reliable and a fantastic leader to not only our country but the commonwealth. She was an inspirational iconic lady Rest in peace and rise in glory xxx

From Nicola Silva

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.We would like to express our sincere condolences to the Royal Family. We are very sad that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away. She was highly respected and loved by people all over the world. Her memory will live on for the rest of our lives. Rest in Peace Queen Elizabeth II. Yours sincerely, Nicola and Stella Silva

From Tim Jones

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.Will miss Queen Elizabeth II so much as she was such a wonderful woman that always smiled and never complained about anything Plus she would light up a room everywhere she went but now she has gone and left a hole in people's lives.R.I.P. now you are reunited with Phillip

From Susan baxter

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.Just had a little weep Although I never knew her I felt I knew her all my life x Always in our presence A rock beneath us all Elizabeth alexandra Mary She wasn't meant to reign She led us all for 70 years We wont see the like again She fulfilled her duty to the end And now may She rest In peace Rip ma'am Philip is waiting xxx

From Sherryl King

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.I had the great honour to work for the Queen from 1986/1998 at The Royal Mews, Windsor Castle. I have so many incredible memories and I feel like I have lost a piece of my heart, she was like a Grandma I'd never had, I will miss that incredible smile.

Do you have any photos of The Queen that you would like to share?

The Northern Echo: The Queens Mount was Sanction and mine was Centennial, Windsor Castle. I can only thank her for giving me such a wonderful opportunity, she will be deeply missed by so many xThe Queens Mount was Sanction and mine was Centennial, Windsor Castle. I can only thank her for giving me such a wonderful opportunity, she will be deeply missed by so many x
The Northern Echo: Riding along the River Dee, Balmoral Castle.Riding along the River Dee, Balmoral Castle.

From Community contributor

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.Thank you for you unwavering lifetime of dedication to your country and your people RIP your Majesty. God save the King

From Kelly Fletcher

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.My deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this incredibly sad time. The Queen was a remarkable woman, stoic, determined, resilient and an inspiration. She will be deeply missed by us all.

From Anne Gooljar

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.Condolences to the King Charles III and members of Royal Family. We loved HM Queen Elizabeth II and will cherish the memories we have of her.

From Community contributor

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.I did see the queen on two occasions in Darlington but the most special was at Buckingham Palace where a friend received an OBE - so close so small but such a powerhouse. We will miss her as a special loyal person who gave everything for her people. I can’t pretend to have been a friend but she felt like one. RIP your Majesty x

From Yvonne Wilkinson

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.A gracious and respected lady who will be greatly missed. End of an era, re-united with her beloved husband. RIP

From Raymond Thompson

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.Rest in Peace your Majesty you served our country with such honour

From John Scott

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.What a wonderful Monarch. Her Majesty devoted her life to her country , Realms and Commonwealth. God Save The King.

From John Scott

If you met The Queen and would like to share a memory, or would simply like to pay your respects, please leave your message here.What a wonderful Monarch. Her Majesty devoted her life to her country , Realms and Commonwealth. God Save The King.