Queen Elizabeth II 1926 – 2022
With deep sadness the nation mourns the death of Her Majesty The Queen, the longest serving monarch in the United Kingdom. Her Majesty was a much loved and respected figure across the world and a dedicated Head of the Commonwealth during times of crisis and celebration.
As the longest reigning monarch in British history, The Queen was heralded for her unparalleled devotion to royal duty during her 70 years on the throne and lifetime of service. Her Majesty Elizabeth II was at the centre of national life, was head of state, head of the Armed Forces, head of the Commonwealth and supreme governor of the Church of England. She became for many a stabilising and constant point in a rapidly changing world, her ability to be at ease with herself and to put others at ease has been an inspiration to us and we are thankful for the time we had in June to celebrate her achievements.
Queen Elizabeth II is succeeded by her eldest son and heir the new King, Charles III who has released a statement following his mother’s death which can be read here. Her Majesty’s death at the age of 96 comes after one of the most challenging periods of her reign in which she rallied the nation during the coronavirus pandemic, and lost her beloved Prince Philip in 2021.
We offer our condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the Royal Family at this time. The country has now entered a period of national mourning that will continue until the end of the State Funeral, to respect and honour the life of Her Majesty.
Image courtesy of Mary Evans: ©Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans