How Manchester will pay its respects to the Queen - and celebrate the life of a remarkable monarch

Mancunians are mourning the loss of our Queen this evening. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral aged 96, Buckingham Palace announced earlier today (Thursday).

The Queen’s four children – Charles, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex – rushed to join the monarch - along with the Duchess of Cornwall, the Countess of Wessex, Prince William and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Her death was later confirmed by Buckingham Palace.

READ MORE:Queen Elizabeth II, United Kingdom's longest ruling monarch, dies aged 96 - latest updates

The United Kingdom's longest-reigning monarch, she became Queen on February 6, 1952, following the death of her father George VI.

She is the only British monarch to have celebrated a Platinum Jubilee. Her reign has stretched from the post-war years into a new millennium and a radically altered 21st century.

Her husband and consort, the Duke of Edinburgh, died in April 2021. They had been married 73 years.

Manchester council bosses have confirmed that St Ann's Square will become the focal point for tributes in the city.

"Residents may wish to lay flowers to mark Her Majesty’s death. You can lay flowers at St Ann's Square," a statement read.

"We would ask anyone laying floral tributes to remove any plastic/cellophane wrappings and anything that is non-biodegradable. This will ensure that when collected, all of the flowers can be composted."

The flag at Central Library has been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect, the town hall added. The flag will remain in place up to 8am on the day after the State Funeral.

The Queen’s Books of Condolence will be opened tomorrow (Friday) at Manchester Central Library. The Books of Condolence will be open to visitors from