THE Royal Family this evening confirmed the death of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II.

A short statement stated the longest-reigning monarch passed away, aged 96, peacefully at Balmoral.

It read: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

"The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

Hearts announced a minute's silence with players of both clubs wearing black armbands in a "mark of respect" after the news of The Queen's passing.

The club confirmed the acts of tribute after the news of The Queen's passing was confirmed at half-time during the Europa Conference League match against Istanbul Basaksehir.

The match was played to a finish with other European fixtures going ahead after the Royal Family announcement this evening.

Now, it's unclear whether upcoming fixtures in Scotland will go ahead with Operation London Bridge coming into effect.

The plans - which have been in place for decades - outline how the public are notified and what happens next.

It's reported plans - devised in the 1980s - are in place across UK sport.

While there has been no confirmation, it's reported the plans may include a ten-day period of mourning for the Queen's passing.

It's thought sports events could be postponed throughout the UK under Operation London Bridge - however this has not been confirmed.

The Times writer Henry Winter tonight shared an EFL statement which suggests English fixtures will be discussed with the Government and sport sector before any announcement on possible postponements.

Concerning matches in England, the statement reads: "Consideration in respect of EFL fixtures will be discussed with the Government and the wider sport sector during the period ahead and an appropriate announcement will be made at the earliest opportunity."

On the news of The Queen's passing, SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan said: "The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II marks the end of a glorious, momentous reign.

“Our thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences go out to the Royal Family as we give thanks for the selfless contribution of our country’s longest-serving monarch.”