BBC Radio stations’ broadcasting schedules were brought to a standstill by the announcement that Queen Elizabeth II had passed away this evening.

Earlier tonight, Buckingham Palace announced the sad news that the monarch had passed away at the age of 96 while resting at her residence in Scotland.

An official statement read: “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.”

READ MORE: Buckingham Palace statement in full as Queen dies 'peacefully' at Balmoral aged 96

As per the London Bridge protocol, BBC broadcasts were brought to a halt upon the announcement of the news, and the moment was shared by media journalist Scott Bryan on Twitter.

Popular music station BBC Radio 1 had been playing a song by Londoner Arlo Parks when an announcement interjected: ”This is BBC News. We are interrupting our schedules for the following announcement: Buckingham Palace has announced the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”

The Palace’s statement was then read out by the announcer, and was swiftly followed by a rendition of the national anthem.

The announcer continued: “Normal programmes have been suspended because of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”

The BBC’s television scheduling was also interrupted, with presenter Huw Edwards announcing the sad news in a black tie live on air, before being joined by correspondent Nicholas Witchell in the studio.

Since news spread that the monarch had been placed under “medical supervision” around midday today, members of the public have gathered at Buckingham Palace to pay their well-wishes and respect to the head of state.

Earlier this year, the Queen celebrated becoming the first British monarch to reach 70 years on the throne.

Her Majesty ascended to the monarchy when she was only 25 years-old after the shock death of her father King George in February 1952.

The Queen’s oldest son Charles will now ascend to the throne, becoming King Charles III.

READ MORE:

• Celebrities pay tribute to Queen as UK's longest serving monarch dies aged 96
• BBC's Huw Edwards on brink of tears as he breaks news of Queen's death
• Piers Morgan leads tributes to 'greatest monarch' as Queen Elizabeth dies

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