Millions of people across the UK have observed a minute’s silence to remember the Queen ahead of her state funeral.

Big Ben struck once to mark the start of the moment of reflection and afterwards people broke out in applause.

The iconic clock tower will ring at one-minute intervals this evening, as the Queen’s funeral procession departs Westminster Abbey.

Nearly 500 dignitaries from around the world will attend her funeral which begins at 11am (8pm AEST) on Monday.

Image: Getty/Lesley Martin – PA Images