After the sombre news from Balmoral, much of national life will now be put on hold in the days ahead.
Television schedules will be cleared to reflect the scale of the historic moment. MPs will pay tribute to the Queen and will take an oath to King Charles. Flags will be lowered to half-mast on official buildings, there will be church bells tolling and gun salutes.
Local and national organisations and charities will organise their own ways to pay their respects, with commemorative events and books of condolences.
This will all lead up to the state funeral of the Queen, which is expected to take place in the next two weeks.
The tone of public life might feel like a national pause for thought, with people considering their own memories of the Queen’s long reign.
That doesn’t mean it will be a complete shutdown. Public transport and public services will continue. Schools, shops and businesses will stay open, at least until the day of the state funeral.
But even if business carries on, it’s unlikely to be business as usual.
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