The day as it happened: tributes, changes and discussions of colonialism as the world learns of the death of Queen Elizabeth

Just two days before her death, the Queen was photographed greeting new British Prime Minister Liz Truss in what appears to be her last official act.

Ms Truss was asked to travel to Balmoral in Scotland on Tuesday (local time) for the official appointment to her new role.

The photo showed the Queen using a walking cane but smiling as she greeted Ms Truss. It was the first time the Queen had been photographed since July.

One photograph of the meeting with Truss sparked alarm, showing a deep purple bruise on the monarch's right hand.

Queen Elizabeth II greets Britain's Prime Minister Liz Truss at Balmoral Castle in Ballater, Scotland, on September 6, 2022, during a visit where the Queen invited Ms Truss to form government. Source: Getty / Jane Barlow/AFP

Two days later, on Thursday, the Palace released a statement saying the Queen's doctors were concerned for Her Majesty's health and recommended she remain under medical supervision.

Just six hours it was announced the Queen had died peacefully at Balmoral.

Parliament will be suspended immediately and flags around Australia will be flown at half-mast as the nation mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

A gun salute will be held at dusk on Friday, with one round fired for every year of the Queen's life.

On Saturday, the Governor-General David Hurley, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other members of parliament will lay a wreath at the Queen's Terrace.

Parliament will be suspended for 15 days and flags will likely remain at half-mast until the day after the Queen's funeral, except for Saturday, when Prince Charles is proclaimed as the new sovereign.

The Australian flag flies at half mast on top of Parliament House in Canberra, Friday, September 9, 2022. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

Both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governor-General David Hurley are expected to fly to London to attend the Queen's Lying in State in Westminister Hall, as well as her funeral in 10 day's time.

A National Day of Mourning will be held following the return of the Prime Minister and Governor-General from London, with a moment's silence to be observed.

Members of the public have been placing flowers outside St Andrew's Cathedral in Sydney, and signing a condolence book there.

A member of the public places a photograph of Queen Elizabeth II at the entrance of St Andrew's Cathedral in Sydney, Friday, September 9, 2022. Source: AAP / Bianca De Marchi

People can also leave a message of condolence at Parliament House, or on the Prime Minister and Cabinet's website at pmc.gov.au, or the Governor-General's website at gg.gov.au

Flowers can also be left at the curved walls outside Australia's Parliament House.

Do you want to send a message to the royal family following the Queen's death?

Australians are being invited to express their condolences through an online form set up by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Your message is limited to 250 words.

Or you can attend Canberra's Parliament House, where a condolence book has been placed for members of parliament and the general public to scrawl a handwritten message to be sent to the UK.

Crowds have been growing outside Buckingham Palace in London as word spreads of the Queen's death.

Just minutes after the announcement of Her Majesty's death around 6.30pm (London time), a double rainbow appeared outside the palace where she reigned for 70 years.

Footage shows people in tears as they pay tribute to the beloved monarch.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to the Queen, describing her reign as historic and her life as one of "devoted to duty, family, faith and service".

"Today marks the end of an era, the close of the second Elizabethan age," he said in a special television address on Friday morning.

"This time of mourning will pass, but the deep respect and warm regard in which Australians have always held for her will never fade,.

"Australian hearts go out to the people of the United Kingdom who mourn today, knowing they will feel they have lost part of what makes their nation whole.

"There is comfort to be found in Her Majesty’s own words: 'Grief is the price we pay for love'."

He expressed his appreciation for the Queen's steadfast support for Australia during times of tragedy and natural disaster. She was the only reigning monarch to visit Australia.

"This time of mourning will pass, but the deep respect and warm regard in which Australians have always held for her will never fade.

"May she rest in eternal peace."

Mr Albanese and Governor-General David Hurley will travel to London in the coming days to meet King Charles and offer Australia's condolences.

You can catch more of the prime minister's tribute here:

READ MORE

'Queen of Australia': Albanese, Morrison among many to pay respect to Queen Elizabeth

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the "last page has been inked on an exceptional reign".

"A Monarch who ruled with an empathetic heart and wisdom both innate and gained from almost a century of life and experience," he said of the Queen.

"Her Majesty was gentle, kind, and much-loved."

In 2000, Queen Elizabeth II received flowers from members of the crowd in Central Park, Bourke, Australia during her tour of the country. Source: AAP / PA / Fiona Hanson

Queen Elizabeth II (who was Princess at the time) pictured giving her corgi a comforting hug at 145, Piccadilly, her childhood home, in 1936. Source: AAP / Illustrated London News Ltd

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was never meant to be Queen, but even in the early days of her reign, it seemed she was fulfilling a destiny.

Her ascent to the throne was sudden and unexpected, but the Queen, who has died aged 96, took to the role with an overriding sense of duty, becoming the longest-reigning monarch in British history.

Have a read of how the Queen's rise to the throne came about - and how she impressed leaders around the world as she assumed the role of the Crown.

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Elizabeth II: The accidental queen who seemed born to rule

The Queen's eldest son Charles, 73, automatically becomes king of the United Kingdom and the head of state of 14 other realms including Australia, Canada and New Zealand. He will be known as Charles III.

In a statement, King Charles said the death of his mother is "a moment of great sadness" for his family.

"We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved mother," he said.

Australia is waking up this morning to the news that Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96.

Her family travelled to be with her in the hours before the announcement of her death. Her eldest son Charles is now king of the United Kingdom along with several realms including Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Tributes are starting to flow in from all over the world, and we'll be keeping you updated on the latest across the day.