Residents have begun laying flowers and signing books of condolence to pay their respects to the Queen.

The statue of Her Majesty in St Andrew's Gardens, Gravesend, was covered in flowers this morning.

A statue of Her Majesty in Gravesend

The UK's longest-reigning monarch died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on Thursday afternoon at the age of 96.

As dawn breaks, thousands of people across the country are continuing to leave flowers and tributes outside palaces and churches.

Also in Gravesend, a black flag and wreath have been hung outside Thames House in Royal Pier Road.

King Charles III has addressed the nation at 6pm and a service of prayer and reflection for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is being held at St Paul's Cathedral this evening.

At midday, church bells are set to toll across Kent in tribute to the Queen, including Canterbury Cathedral's Bell Harry.

There will also be a gun salute in Hyde Park at 1pm.

Security officer George Taylor, from Gravesend, fondly recalls the time he had a 15-minute conversation with the Queen.

The 22-year-old was aged 10 at the time he attended the opening of Haig House, Poppy Appeal London's headquarters.

He said: "Her Majesty was an incredible figure. In person, she commanded the room without having to state her authority. She was the loveliest, easiest person to talk to. It was like talking to your nan.

"I've always been an out and out royalist, but the respect she showed me at 10 years old, affording me 15 minutes of her time for a conversation, reinforced my admiration and respect for her. She was an incredible woman who gave her life to her country."

In the Canterbury district, scores of mourners have descended on its Cathedral to pay their respects.

People from across the city, Herne Bay and Whitstable visited the historic landmark today to lay flowers and sign its book of condolence.

Visibly upset, many of them believed the monarch would continue to reign past her 100th birthday - while others said her death felt like losing a grandparent.

Local Kirstein Adlington, of Lower Hardres, wanted to thank the royal for being "such a strong role model".

The 52-year-old told KentOnline: "She was very dear to us - she was our Queen.

"She always put the country's needs first, not her own.

"I accidentally flicked over the television and came across the news that everybody was going to Balmoral.

"I sobbed. My daughter came in from work - she's 21- and she welled up.

"I was extremely upset - it's like losing your nan. Talking to friends of the same age, we all feel the same.

"King Charles has got big shoes to fill, and I hope he's half the person she was."

Cards were also left next to the rows of flowers outside the city landmark.

Among them was one penned by Aylesham villager Ivy Spendley, 84, which stated: "Your loss is so sad to my family."

Ms Spendley also expressed pride in having two sons who served in the British Army during her 70-year reign.

Husband and wife William and Joanne Stevenson, from Bedfordshire, learned the sad news as they watched the TV inside a hotel room close to the city.

"We were very low - we had a few little tears," the married pair, aged 70 and 55, said.

"She'll leave a very big hole to fill in the country, as there's no one else who can replace her.

"We'll leave a message in the book of condolence saying she was a lovely lady and that she'll never be forgotten."

Elsewhere, flags at Westgate Towers, Military Road, the bastion in Dane John Gardens, Herne Bay Pier and at Whitstable Castle are being flown at half-mast.

Books of condolence have also been opened at The Beaney, The King's Hall in Herne Bay and Whitstable Castle, and will be available to sign during opening hours until the day after the state funeral.

Anyone wishing to lay floral tributes is invited to do so in the Cathedral Precincts, the Memorial Garden in Herne Bay and at Whitstable Castle.

In Ashford, a 'quiet area' has been marked out in the town centre Memorial Gardens where people are encouraged to lay flowers and reflect.

Council leader Gerry Clarkson and the CEO of Ashford council Tracey Kerly were the first to lay a wreath in the designated area.

It contained a message on behalf of the borough which said: "Ashford Borough Council would like to convey our sincere condolences to the royal family on the sad passing of Her Majesty the Queen."

After laying the wreath, Cllr Clarkson said: "We are saddened to be here today.

"I had the pleasure to meet Her Majesty on one or two occasions and dine on The Royal Yacht Britannia with her.

"Her majesty was gracious, she had a great sense of humour and it was a joy and an honour to be there.

"We are delighted to lay the wreath this morning because we represent what is being said throughout the world at the moment.

"To have had such a wonderful monarch reign for so long, is such a joy.

"The memorial gardens are looking delightful and I just hope people appreciate the gardens and feel they are able to share in this moment of grief in a meaningful way."

The Union Flag outside the Civic Centre building in Tannery Lane is being flown at half-mast.

A book of condolences will also be opened for people to share personal tributes at the Civic Centre.

There will be a service of prayer and reflection for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at St Mildred's Church in Tenterden tonight at 6:30pm, preceded by 30 minutes of silent prayer.

The service will last around 40 minutes and all are welcome.

There is also a book of condolences for Queen Elizabeth II in St Nicholas' Church in New Romney. It is in the Lady Chapel, and the church is open 9am to 5.30pm.

In Swale, Books of Condolence have been opened at Swale House in Sittingbourne, Faversham Town Council Offices and Sheppey Gateway in Sheerness.

People are invited to pay their respects from 10am to 4pm weekdays and 10am to midday on Saturdays.

Floral tributes have been left at the war memorial in Sheerness.

One bouquet had a note saying: One said: "You are now back with the love of your life.

"Thank you for your unwavering service."

A book of condolence is opening at Maidstone Town Hall, Jubilee Square, All Saints Church to pay respects for a moment of privacy and reflection.

The books will be available daily from 9am to 6pm until the day after the funeral at 5pm for people to sign and send their messages to the Royal family. Once complete it will be sent to Buckingham Palace.

Flowers can be laid at Jubilee Square in Maidstone town centre and there will be a vigil at 6pm tonight at All Saints Church in the town with a short reflective service of readings and prayers and a chance to light candles.

In Dartford, books of condolence will open at the Civic Centre and at Dartford Museum for people to sign in the coming days.

Flowers will be laid at the bandstand in the town's Central Park.

A court, which was opened by the late Queen more than 35 years ago stopped today to pay tribute.

Judges, barristers, probation officers, prison staff, police officers, CPS and court staff packed Court Seven at Maidstone Crown Court.

Led by resident judge Julian Smith and senior barrister Philip Bennetts KC, stood for two minutes in her honour.

The judge reminded everyone that it was Queen Elizabeth II who had opened the court on October 31, 1984.

He added: "Her Majesty meant many things to many people but she meant something to everyone.

"She meant something to all of us. She has been a constant in all of our lives and it will be a substantial and profound adjustment.

"We all feel a sense of knowledge and ownership of her which is our right and after so long a reign and it is clear she has always affected and influenced our lives."

The flag outside the court was lowered to half-mast yesterday.

Tributes were also made at Bluewater Shopping Centre, in Greenhithe, with pictures of the queen displayed around the mall.

In Aylesford, Royal British Legion Industries ambassador, Steve Hammond, remembers the importance of serving Her Majesty during his time in the army.

He said: "She was very much in my mind. She was a motherly figure. I've always wanted to do my best for the Queen and country, and she was always at the back of my mind.

"But we never thought she'd die, really. You think she's going to be there forever, but unfortunately she wasn't and it's hard to take."

Meanwhile, people in Maidstone reflected on the death of the monarch.

Simon Winch, 47, from Maidstone said: "It's so sad. She's been such a constant in everyone's life.

"Everyone will remember where they were when they heard the news.

"I had hoped so much that she would live to see 100, but I think she went downhill after the loss of her husband. She was heartbroken."

Nicholette Tomlin, 62, of Maidstone, said: "I went to my own husband's funeral on Wednesday, and now this news.

"It's a very sad time. I think everyone respected the Queen, even if they weren't fond of the monarchy.

"She earned our respect for the brilliant job she did through some difficult times, even difficult times within her own family.

"I'm sure Charles will make a good king, but she will be a hard act to follow."

Glyn Knowlgin of Maidstone said: "It's terrible news, really shocking.

"I did see her quite close up once at a school event - she seemed like a lovely person. She did such good for the country. She was such a moral person and brought so much happiness wherever she went."

Toya Ring, 20, from Maidstone, said: "It seems like only the other day the jubilee happened and now this. I'm really upset. I never met her, but I would have liked to. She seemed like a really nice woman."

Tommy Stewart, 30, of Maidstone said: "I've only just got back from a tour of the D-Day landing sites and memorials in France to come home to this news.

"So it's been a very moving few days for me.

"I'm of Northern Irish heritage. We are loyalists and very much love the Queen. This is going to be very sad news for many members of my family, especially the older generations."

But not everybody felt the same.

Rose Feazey, 18, of Wateringbury, said: "It was going to happen at some stage. We never really knew her as a person, so it's difficult to feel too sad.

"I have nothing against the Royal Family as such, but I don't think we should support them out of taxpayers' money.

"It will be interesting to see if there is a change in people's attitudes now that it's Charles on the throne."

Floral tributes have also appeared opposite Rochester Castle where the flag is being flown half-mast. A special service will also be held at Rochester Cathedral tonight.

Among those to visit Medway to pay their respects were Royalists Andrew and Karen Davison, who had travelled from Biggin Hill, near Westerham, Sevenoaks.

The English Heritage charity members had always wanted to visit the town and believed today was the right time to do so in light of the Queen's passing.

"It has come as quite a shock," said Richard, 66. "They were saying on the news she was ill and they generally would not do that unless it was serious."

"It just seemed quite sudden because she had just met the incoming Prime Minister."

Partner Karen, 62, described the Queen as the "best role model", adding her service to the nation was "incredible".

"She never wavered from her duty and I think it is incredible that someone can serve that long."

Outside the Cathedral, Warren Todd was also reflecting on the role the Queen has played over the last 70 years.

"I have always said that I never really understood what the Monarchy did until recently," the Borstal resident said.

"But now I can see the benefits she brought both to the UK and throughout the Commonwealth."

The 36-year-old also passed on his wellwishes to King Charles III and his son Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge.

A book of condolence has also opened at St Margaret's Church in Rainham where a flag is also flying at half mast.

There will be a special service of remembrance for the Queen at the church in the High Street tonight at 8pm.

The church said: "During this time of national mourning, the church will be open between 8am and 8pm. There will be an opportunity for people to light candles, pray and write in the book of condolence. Outside the church there is provision for flowers to be laid."

Books of condolence will be available across Medway from tomorrow at the community hubs in Chatham, Gillingham, Hempstead, Rochester, Strood and Twydall; and Rainham and Hoo libraries. From Monday there will also be a book at the council's offices at Gun Wharf in Chatham.

All books will remain open until Tuesday, September 20.

Medway residents wishing to leave floral tributes are asked to leave them in Rochester Castle Gardens – stewards will be on hand to direct people where to leave them.

Any flowers left there will remain in place until the day after the funeral.

The gardens will be open for the laying of floral tributes between 7am and 7pm daily.

A local proclamation, announcing the accession of His Majesty The King, Charles III, will be held at 3.15pm, in Rochester Castle Gardens, on Sunday.