Tearful crowds sing 'God Save the Queen' at Buckingham Palace

A billboard with a photo of Queen Elizabeth, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and the nation's figurehead for seven decades, is pictured after the announcement of her death at the age of 96, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada September 8, 2022. REUTERS/Carlos Osorio

LONDON (Reuters) - Thousands of people gathered outside Buckingham Palace in London, shedding tears and singing "God Save the Queen" in an impromptu show of emotion as news emerged that Queen Elizabeth had died.

A double rainbow arched over the London skyline shortly before well-wishers fell into stunned silence as the palace lowered its Union Jack flag to half-staff, signifying the death of the monarch.