The government's plan for a 10-day mourning period after Queen's death - and what Liz Truss does next

The country's 10-day mourning period begins on Friday and is expected to continue until the Queen's funeral is held

The flag flies at half mast over the Houses of Parliament after the death of the Queen (

Image: Getty Images

The nation is entering a period of mourning to mark the passing of the Queen after 70 extraordinary years on the throne.

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the monarch died peacefully at Balmoral Castle this afternoon. His eldest son becomes King Charles III, with his wife Camilla as queen consort.

As tributes pour in from around the world, long-drafted plans to mark the Queen's death are quickly put into motion.

Prime Minister Liz Truss was due to chair a meeting in Downing Street tonight of senior ministers, police and representatives of the royal household involved in planning the aftermath.

The country's 10-day mourning period begins at midnight and will last until the Queen's funeral, with the UK plunged into grief-filled limbo, when the business of government and parliament will change dramatically.< /p>

Liz Truss paid tribute to the Queen in a somber statement to Downing Street (

Picture:

Getty Images)

Here's what comes next.

The government is entering a silent vacuum

Flags will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings and remain so until the funeral, which is expected to take place 10 days later.

Government activities for the public will almost completely come to an end during the period of national mourning.

Ministers will cancel visits, interviews, press conferences and press releases, with only essential activities taking place.

An exception is the package on energy bills, which was announced...