Story by Rory Poulter

Bells will ring out at noon, church services will be held and several local events have been cancelled as the nation enters a period of 10 days of mourning.

The Richmond Society has postponed several events, Kew Gardens will close its doors today and police in the area have cancelled community meetings.

Officers in the area were alerted to the Queen's death yesterday with a coded message to all radios that said simply 'London Bridge has fallen'.

Chairman of The Richmond Society, Barry May, remembered a visit made by the Queen in 1988 when she came to open the Riverside development.

"I well remember the Queen's visit more than three decades ago to Richmond, which had been home to some of her Tudor predecessors including Elizabeth I four centuries earlier," he said.

"It was on 28 October 1988, a Friday, and she had come to formally open the Richmond Riverside Development designed by Quinlan Terry, Prince Charles' favourite architect.

"She unveiled a plaque commemorating the occasion. The neo-Georgian Riverside has since become a cherished and iconic landmark, and a favourite spot for residents and visitors alike.

"The Queen also opened the Museum of Richmond in the Old Town Hall adjacent to the Riverside.

"The streets thronged and it seemed the whole town had come out to welcome her.

"We mourn the passing of our country's longest-reigning monarch."

Mr May said that, as a mark of respect, a vintage Routemaster bus tour led by Sir Peter Hendy, due to take place this evening – Friday – has been postponed. Separately, a talk with Michael Billington, Britain's longest serving theatre critic will be rearranged to a later date.

Kew Gardens said: "All of us here at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew are incredibly sad to hear the news that Her Majesty The Queen has passed away aged 96. May she rest in peace.

"We are closed – September 9 - to respectfully mark the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. We will open again on September 10."

The RNLI in Teddington added their tribute, saying: "On behalf of everyone involved with the RNLI, we send our heartfelt condolences to The Royal Family on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"The Queen dedicated 70 years as Patron of the RNLI. Her Majesty's support for our lifesavers and our cause will never be forgotten."

The Skylarks charity said: "We are devastated to hear of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

"She has spent a lifetime highlighting the lives and needs of some of the most disadvantaged children.

"We send our deepest condolences to all members of the Royal Family at this time."