RIP, Your Majesty: Region pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
The Queen visiting the East Riding in 2002
By Rick Lyon
The region is paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Royal Family announced Britain’s longest reigning monarch passed away peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
At the age of 96, she was the world’s oldest head of state.
In a joint statement, the Chairman of East Riding Council, Councillor John Whittle, Leader of the council, Councillor Jonathan Owen, and the council’s Chief Executive, Caroline Lacey, paid tribute to Her Majesty, who “dedicated her life to serve the people of the United Kingdom”.
The statement said: “We are all deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and send our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to her family. They are all in our thoughts and prayers at this extremely sad time.
Her Majesty The Queen at Bishop Burton College on her Golden Jubilee tour
“She dedicated her life to serving the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth and has been a beacon of hope, stability and unity and overseen many changes during her reign as monarch, with unwavering grace and poise.
“As the longest serving monarch, she has been an ever-present in most people’s lives and it’s unlikely we will ever witness a reign as long and as glorious again.”
As a mark of respect, the Union Jack will be flown at half-mast on all council buildings until the day after the funeral, while books of condolence will be available for people to leave messages of sympathy at the council’s libraries, multi-service centres and customer service centres during usual business hours.
The Queen visited the East Riding in 2009 when she opened the Queen’s Centre for Oncology and Haematology at Castle Hill Hospital, in Cottingham.
In 2002, as part of her Golden Jubilee tour, she arrived by Royal Train into Beverley and attended a service for rural life at Beverley Minster, followed by a walkabout in Saturday Market.
Queen Elizabeth II unveiling a plaque to open the Animal Management Centre at Bishop Burton College in 2002
She visited Bishop Burton College before attending a lunch, hosted by East Riding Council, at Beverley Racecourse, and presented a trophy to the winning female jockey in the Gold Jubilee race.
In a statement, Bishop Burton College said: “We are greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.
“The Queen has been a steadfast presence in British life for staff and students alike throughout her long reign and we join the nation in expressing our sincere condolences.”
Councillor Christine Randall, Lord Mayor of Hull and Admiral of the Humber, said: “On behalf of Hull City Council and the people of the city, I would like to express our great sorrow at the news of the death of our Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“Her Majesty carried out her duties with distinction across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth and we were honoured to welcome her to the city, most recently during our year as UK City of Culture.
“The council recognises that people will want to express their sadness, affection and gratitude for the lifetime of service given by our longest reigning monarch and books of condolence will be available to sign at venues across the city. We will provide an update on when the books of condolence will be open as soon as possible. Residents can also leave any tributes at the Queen Victoria statue in Queen Victoria Square.
“On Saturday, civic dignitaries, members and officers of the council, and other local public services will be present at the City Hall in Queen Victoria Square to recognise the reading of the Proclamation.”
A statement from Humberside Police said: “It is with great sadness that Chief Constable Lee Freeman shares the news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen.
“The thoughts and condolences of the Chief Constable, chief officers, officers and staff of Humberside Police are with the Royal Family at this sad time.
“The Union flag will fly at half-mast at stations as a sign of respect and mourning.”