Heartbroken nation unites in grief for Queen as crowds shed tears and lay growing mountain of flowers outside palaces

DEVASTATED Brits woke up in a state of mourning today as the nation united in grief to pay tribute to the Queen.

A sea of flowers have been left at the gates of Her Majesty's residences after she died yesterday aged 96.

Stunned members of the public have been gathering at palaces across the UK to pay their respects to Britain's longest-serving monarch.

Many could be seen in tears as they braved the miserable weather.

Others stood silent as the heartbreaking reality began to sink in that the Queen had really gone.

Touching photographs also show mourners embracing each other as they read poems and messages of condolence.

At Balmoral where the Queen passed away peacefully, the grounds have been opened by police for the public to pay tribute.

One woman was seen lighting a candle for the monarch, while others have left personal messages.

Mourners have now been advised flowers will be moved from Buckingham Palace after 12 hours and taken to the Green Park Floral Tribute Garden.

It comes after a tearful crowd yesterday broke into a chorus of God Save the King outside the Palace as the news was announced.

Well-wishers had gathered at the Queen's London home from around 5pm after the Palace revealed she was under medical supervision.

As the royals dashed to be at her bedside, the flag was lowered to half-mast at 6.30pm.

A rainbow then appeared in the sky above Buckingham Palace as the sun broke through the grey clouds.

Emotional Brits branded the Queen "everyone's nan" as a ripple of grief spread throughout the country.

A period of national mourning is now in place with a service of remembrance due to be held at St Paul's later.

A 96-round gun salute will also ring out at London's Hyde Park at 1pm marking each year of the Queen's life.

King Charles will also address the nation today in his first speech since taking the throne.

He yesterday paid tribute to his beloved mum in a poignant statement.

He said: “The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.

“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.”