A massive two gigawatt power drop - the equivalent of 200 million lightbulbs being turned off - was reported as millions of people switched from what they were doing to watch the Queen's funeral.

Energy usage gradually increased by another 500 megawatts over the course of the ceremony as people started to resume their normal activities - such as putting on the kettle, according to the National Grid.

But, during the two-minute silence, energy levels plummeted again, by 500 megawatts, as people stopped what they were doing.

A National Grid spokesperson said: "At around 10.30am people stopped what they were doing, hoovering or whatever, to turn on the television which uses a lot less energy.

"It stayed around that level at the start of the funeral, but picked up another 500 megawatts as the ceremony went on because people will have got up from their seats to put the kettle on.

"They then dropped again during the two minute silence, when everyone stopped what they were doing.

"After that it picked back up to normal levels."

The spokesperson added: "Demand was right around where are expectations were."

SWBNsurge - by Pol Allingham