Her Majesty died this afternoon peacefully in Balmoral, Scotland, aged 96.

She became Queen in February 1952 following the death of her father George VI.

Brighton and Hove Museums has lit up the Royal Pavilion in her memory.

A spokeswoman for the organisation said: "We’re deeply saddened following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

Picture from Simon Dack (Image: Simon Dack)

“We have been fortunate to welcome her to the Royal Pavilion on several occasions in 1951, 1962 and 2001.

"We were happy to share the work we do with her and to show her around our historic former Royal Palace.

“We also owe her a great debt for her generosity and kindness in allowing us to display over 120 items from the Royal Collection Trust while Buckingham Palace was being restored.

Queen Elizabeth died this afternoon (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

"It was a huge pleasure for us to see items bought by George IV back in the Royal Pavilion after 170 years.

“We are also honoured to have a number of items on long-term loan from HM The Queen on display in the Royal Pavilion.

“We send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and those closest to her.”