Her Majesty last visited Salisbury Cathedral in 2012 as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour, and unveiled a commemoration plaque to mark the occasion.

During her visit the Queen and HRH Prince Philip met the then Bishop of Salisbury, The Right Revd Nicholas Holtam and looked around an exhibition of the county's history and communities on the Cathedral Lawn.

Afterwards they were introduced to the Cathedral stonemasons and met local children working on projects based on Magna Carta.

The Royal visit concluded with a display by the Band of The Prince of Wales' Division, Lucknow Barracks, Tidworth.

Following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the cathedral has entered a period of mourning.

A tribute from the Bishop of Salisbury, The Rt Revd Stephen Lake said: “It is with the most profound sadness that we mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Almost all of us alive today have known only this great monarch as our Queen. Her life of service, of constancy and faithfulness, underpinned by her own very personal faith, has been an inspiration to people across the world. Seventy years ago, the Queen asked us to pray that God would grant her wisdom and strength: these prayers that were answered in abundance.

"Now we continue to pray: for her family and all who grieve, and for all of us as we come to terms with the loss of our Queen. On behalf of all our worshipping communities and schools in the diocese as we commend Her Majesty in prayer into the loving arms of Jesus Christ her Saviour.

"May she rest in peace and rise in glory.”

Books of Condolence are in the North Transept for those wishing to pay their respects and sign it. On Friday, prayers led by The Dean were held to mark the opening of the Condolence Books.

The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's life has been one of extraordinary and exemplary service to the nation and its Church. We give thanks for her selfless example and remarkable witness and join our voices with those of millions of others as we pray for her, and for all those who feel her death most closely and keenly.

We pray for the King, who takes the throne at a time when our nation is experiencing great change and turbulence. We are confident that he will be inspired by Queen Elizabeth II’s example, and that he will reign with the same dedication.”

An area to the left of the visitor entrance has been set aside for those wishing to place floral tributes.