Figures across Tower Hamlets are paying tribute 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.

The palace released a statement: "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."

Tower Hamlets mayor

Mayor Lutfur Rahman tweeted: "My sympathies and condolences are with the royal family this evening.

"HM Elizabeth II is the longest reigning monarch in our country's history, and I thank her for her service over the past 70 years."

Rushanara Ali, MP

The Bethnal Green and Bow MP said: "The whole nation is united in grief and sadness by the announcement from Buckingham Palace that Her Majesty the Queen has passed away.

"She will be remembered as one of the most significant figures of modern times. Her reach and contribution has been global, transcending communities, cultures, and nations, including across the commonwealth."

She added: "On a personal note, I had the honour of meeting Her Majesty when she visited my constituency. She was a friend to the East End of London and we will remember her fondly as we all mourn her passing and her contribution across the world. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this very sad time."

Local Government Association

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

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.

East London Advertiser: Queen Elizabeth II wearing the the Coronation dress in the Throne room at Buckingham Palace, after her Coronation in Westminster Abbey in 1953Queen Elizabeth II wearing the the Coronation dress in the Throne room at Buckingham Palace, after her Coronation in Westminster Abbey in 1953 (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

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.”

East London Advertiser: Queen Elizabeth II attending the Queen's Body Guard for Scotland (also known as the Royal Company of Archers) Reddendo Parade in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh on Thursday June 30, 2022.Queen Elizabeth II attending the Queen's Body Guard for Scotland (also known as the Royal Company of Archers) Reddendo Parade in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh on Thursday June 30, 2022. (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Cllr Sirajul Islam, Tower Hamlets Labour Group leader

Cllr Islam released a statement.

He said: “I am very saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and on behalf of the Tower Hamlets Labour Group I send my deepest condolences to the royal family at this sombre time.

“Queen Elizabeth II dedicated her life to our country, spanning 15 prime ministers and seven decades of public service.

"She truly was the mother of our nation, and a calm and reassuring presence to all of us from the challenges faced in post-war Britain to the recent pandemic."

Cllr Islam said he met the Queen when she opened Millwall Fire Station in 2007.

"I was struck by how gracious she was and how she took her time to speak to everyone.

“Queen Elizabeth II will be sorely missed by all of us in Tower Hamlets and across the UK, and she will be remembered with affection.”