New Zealanders have woken to the news Queen Elizabeth has died, with many taking to social media to share their tributes.
The Queen died aged 96 at her home in Balmoral, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday (local time).
"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," the family said. "The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
The news of Britain's longest-reigning monarch has hit the country hard with New Zealanders sharing moving tributes to her Majesty.
Kiwis Newshub reporter Karen Rutherford spoke to in Cambridge are reacting with a sense of sadness to the news. Some turned out to see her during her 10 Royal tours to New Zealand between 1953 and 2002.
One person told Newshub the Queen had done "an amazing job" and will be missed.
"It's a pretty sad day."
"I'm a little thrown," another added.
Another woman told Newshub when they saw the news on TV they shed a tear.
"It's a sad moment, we all had a little tear," she said.
Another remembered seeing the Monarch when she visited Cambridge many years ago.
"It was nice just to see her in person."
"No one is going to be doing 70 years of service like she did, I don't think ever again and it's going to be a hard act to follow," one man said.
Several New Zealand politicians have also paid tribute including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, National leader Christopher Luxon, ACT leader David Seymour and many more.
Newstalk ZB broadcaster Mike Hosking was also devastated by the news, breaking down and sobbing on air on Friday morning.
Hosking broke down after fellow broadcaster Kate Hawkesby crossed to him on air.
"Very sad day indeed ... the Queen dying at age 96. Mike Hosking - nobody loves the Queen more than you and I," Hawkesby said.
Hosking responded with an audible sniff saying, "Oh don't."
Hawkesby replied: "It's very upsetting isn't it? We're royalists, aren't we? I mean, it's an end of an era."
Hosking can then be heard sobbing softly.
"I don't know that I can - just give me a couple of minutes."
It was a sentiment shared by many Kiwis online with one paying tribute to the "regal, strong, graceful and committed" Queen.
"Thank you for your decades in service to the Commonwealth," another added.
"Rip beautiful lady thanks for everything you have done. Now go be with your loving husband," another person said.
King Charles III is now the Commonwealth's Sovereign - a role he was born into.
