Chief Secretary Eric Chan on Tuesday signed the condolence book for Queen Elizabeth II on behalf of the Hong Kong SAR government.

The government said in a brief statement that Chan went to the British Consulate to express "profound condolences" on the passing of the long-serving British monarch.

The Chief Executive, John Lee, said earlier on Tuesday that the government would send the appropriate representative to offer condolences.

The Consulate, meanwhile, said it's extending the book's opening hours because of what it called exceptional numbers of people wishing to pay their respects.

The signing was due to end on Friday at 4pm, but it said it will now open on Friday from 10am-7pm, and for another three hours the following Monday morning.

The Consulate reminded people to bring water and wear suitable clothing as they could have to wait over three hours to sign.