The world of entertainment pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Her Majesty was also a lifelong supporter of the arts, and her coronation was the first to be broadcast on television.

Kay Burley was one of the first figures in the world of TV and entertainment to pay tribute to the Queen, saying: "Long to have reigned over us. May she forever rest in peace with the Duke of Edinburgh, the love of her life. The Queen was 96."

Elton John shared a touching message on his Twitter, commenting: "Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's passing. She was an inspiring presence to be around and led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency and a genuine caring warmth. Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly."

The Beatles front-man Paul McCartney added: "God bless Queen Elizabeth II. May she rest in peace. Long live The King."

England footballing legend David Beckham posted three black and white images to Instagram with the following statement: "I'm truly saddened by the death of her Majesty, The Queen. What an outpouring of love and respect we saw for the Platinum Jubilee for her life of service. How devastated we all feel today shows what she has meant to people in this country and around the world. How much she inspired us with her leadership. How she comforted us when times were tough. Until her last days she served her country with dignity and grace. This year she would have known how loved she was. My thoughts and prayers are with our Royal Family."

The BBC Board has added their condolences on Twitter, saying: "On behalf of everyone at the BBC we offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Her Majesty was the absolute embodiment of public service. She was a unifying figure across generations, communities and borders, who represented the very best of our nation.

"We are grateful at the BBC to have witnessed, recorded and shared so many of the special moments in her long life and reign. She will always be remembered with the greatest affection and admiration."

Stephen Fry took to Twitter to pay his respects, posting: "Oh dear. Oh my. Oh heavens. Bless my soul. Oh lor. Heck. I don’t know why I’m sobbing. Silly really. Oh dear."

Call the Midwife posted a tribute on Twitter, saying: "The entire #CallTheMidwife family - cast, crew, and producers - join the worldwide mourning for Her Majesty The Queen. Her grace, strength and sense of duty will be forever remembered, with love."

Actor Sanjeev Bhaskar tweeted: "I met the Queen numerous times and she was always warm, gracious and humorous, whether briefly at an event or chatting about The Kumars. A life of extraordinary public service."

Alex Mahon, Chief Executive of Channel 4, shared: "On behalf of Channel 4, we are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen and our thoughts and condolences are with her family and the whole country. For over 70 years, she has united this nation, supporting the right of everyone to have the opportunity to succeed and celebrating the rich diversity of our communities."

Astronaut and author Tim Peake commented: "A remarkable woman. Thank you Ma’am for a lifetime of service and dedication. A sad day and our thoughts are with the Royal Family."

BBC sports presenter Gary Lineker added: "Such a terribly sad day. Her Majesty The Queen has died. A truly remarkable woman who served her country with dignity, loyalty and grace. A comforting ever present in the lives of most of us. Rest In Peace, Your Majesty."

Actor Eddie Marsan tweeted: "You were marvellous. Well done and thank you. RIP Ma’am."

A statement was issued by Buckingham Palace on 8th September 2022, saying: "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."