‘Her Majesty devoted herself unreservedly to life of service’: Tributes pour in for Queen Elizabeth II

PEOPLE from the Henley area have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II who passed away at the age of 96.

They joined many tributes from statesmen and celebrities to ordinary people from around the world for the UK’s longest-serving monarch, who died at Balmoral yesterday (Thursday).  

The Queen’s eldest son, Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King and head of state for the Commonwealth.

In a statement, His Majesty said: “The death if my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.

“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”

All the Queen's children had travelled to Balmoral, near Aberdeen, after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision on Thursday.

Her reign lasted 70 years and spanned 15 prime ministers starting with Winston Churchill, and she appointed Liz Truss to the post on Tuesday.

Today (Friday) some independent retailers in Henley will not open their doors as a mark of respect. 

Henley MP John Howell said: “The death of the Queen is a loss that is unbearable for the country. Her example of service and selflessness are to be admired and followed.

“As we enter a period of mourning let us remember the devotion with which she served this country and the great joy she brought.”

Former prime minister Theresa May, the Maidenhead MP, said: “In the United Kingdom and across the entire Commonwealth we mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“Her Majesty devoted herself unreservedly to a life of service. She was respected and admired not only by her own people but far beyond our family of nations.

“As our longest reigning monarch, Her Majesty witnessed tremendous change, moving adroitly with the times but always providing stability and reassurance. She was our constant throughout this great Elizabethan era.

“On the 75th anniversary of VE Day, Her Majesty reminded us to ‘never give up, never despair’. It was an address that captured not just the national spirit, but Queen Elizabeth’s spirit. A sense of quiet determination of courage, of faith and of hope in the future.

“It was the honour of my life to serve her as Prime Minister. But we should never forget that our Queen was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers now are with her family.

“God Save The King.”

High Wycombe MP, Steve Baker, the minister of state for Northern Ireland, said: “Following the sad news today of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I would like to echo the words of the Secretary of State and other members of the Cabinet.

“Her Majesty was unwavering in her dedication, selflessness and duty to the people of the UK and wider Commonwealth nations during her reign. This was particularly true of Northern Ireland and her efforts to build reconciliation and a better future here.    

“My thoughts today will be with The King and the entire Royal Family and I offer them my sincere condolences.”

Susanna Pressel, who chairs Oxfordshire County Council, said: “It is with great sadness that we hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II which, I am sure, is shared by many of you who will want to remember and recognise the service of our longest reigning monarch.

“We, together with the city and district councils, will be opening books of condolence for your messages. I am sure some of you may also thinking about paying tribute by laying flowers. We will share, as soon as we can, a list of identified locations.

“During the period before the funeral, a period of national mourning will be observed. As part of this, public meetings of the council and other public events will be reviewed and there are likely to be some changes to our meetings schedule. These will be communicated as soon as possible.

“A formal reading of the proclamation of the accession of the new sovereign will take place at Carfax, Queen Street in Oxford. Local readings of the proclamation will then take place around the county at designated times, which will be announced shortly.”

A joint statement was released on behalf of the leaders and chairs of South Oxfordshire district and Vale of White Horse councils.

They said: “It is with great sadness that we join our residents in this period of national mourning following the announcement of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who passed away earlier today. 

“Our leaders and chairs of the councils, councillors, chief executive and officers would like to express their sincerest condolences and sympathies to all members of the Royal Family and everybody touched by the loss of our Sovereign. 

“Her Majesty ruled for longer than any other monarch in British history and served as our head of state with great dignity, composure and compassion. Throughout her reign, she was a strong and reassuring figurehead for the UK and the Commonwealth during enormous social change and demonstrated unwavering support to many through challenging times.  

“She was truly loved, valued and respected by people across the world and her presence will be greatly missed by many in the South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse community.  

“As a mark of respect, the Union Flag is flying at half-mast outside the councils’ office at Milton Park. 

“It is with great pride that we have been able to serve the British public during her reign.”   

A full report of reaction and tributes from the Henley community will appear in next week’s Henley Standard. If you have met or have memories of the Queen, email news@henleystandard.co.uk