Tributes are being paid by figures across Newham to Queen Elizabeth II, who has passed away aged 96.

The Prince of Wales is now King, having acceded to the throne immediately upon his mother's death.

In a statement, the palace said: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and the Queen consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

Newham Recorder: Queen Elizabeth II wearing the the Coronation dress in the Throne room at Buckingham Palace, after her Coronation in Westminster Abbey on June 6 1953Queen Elizabeth II wearing the the Coronation dress in the Throne room at Buckingham Palace, after her Coronation in Westminster Abbey on June 6 1953 (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Rokhsana Fiaz, Newham mayor

Ms Fiaz said: "In this moment of great sadness as we mark the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, profound loss will be felt by millions of people across our nation, the Commonwealth and around the world.

"Her Majesty’s 70 years of unwavering duty and dedicated service to our country will forever be remembered, as will her dignity and grace.

"On behalf of Newham residents, councillors and all at the council, my deepest sorrow and most heartfelt condolences to His Majesty King Charles III and the royal family who are mourning at this moment of profound loss."

Lyn Brown, MP

The West Ham MP said: "I am desperately saddened by the death of her late Majesty our Queen, Elizabeth II, and I know that the thoughts of so many in West Ham will be with the royal family at this very sad time.

"I have thought the Queen to be an absolutely extraordinary woman, steadfast in her love for this nation and resolute in her duty.

"Her service has shaped our lives. She has been a calm, steadfast, timeless presence in our country through many crises; Queen for my entire life. I know for some of us this news is not only sad but very distressing.

"She served for 70 years striving to unite us - with each other, and with so many around the world. She will be deeply mourned in the UK and across the world.

"I believe we can honour her memory and her dedication to this country by striving to make this nation and the world a better place."

Local Government Association

Cllr James Jamieson, chairman of the Local Government Association, which represents more than 350 councils across England and Wales, said it expressed "sincere condolences to the whole royal family".

“Her Majesty’s dedication to every one of us, alongside her continuous hard work and loyalty to her United Kingdom, was clear to see throughout her life," he said. "Her high regard for local government was also truly reflective in her focus and appreciation of councils’ work and determination in her annual queen’s speeches."

Councils will open both public and virtual books of condolence, ensuring flags are flown at half mast, and overseeing arrangements for the laying of flowers in public areas, he said.

London’s transport commissioner

Andy Byford and his team said in a statement: “It is with great sorrow that we have learnt of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. We send our deepest sympathy to His Majesty The King and all members of the Royal Family.”

Newham Recorder: Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, leave Westminster Abbey after the wedding ceremonyQueen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, leave Westminster Abbey after the wedding ceremony (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Newham Council

Newham Council has prepared for residents to leave tributes during the period of mourning.

Books of condolence for residents are available at the libraries in Stratford, East Ham, Canning Town, Beckton Globe, Forest Gate, North Woolwich and Manor Park, and at Katherine Road Community Centre.

The books will be available for tributes between 9am and 8pm each day.

Residents can also post a message on the online book of condolence here: https://www.royal.uk/.