LIVE: Salisbury reacts to the death of the Queen

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-reigning monarch, has died at Balmoral aged 96 (8th September 2022).

Queen Elizabeth II became heir to the throne after her uncle’s abdication in 1936. Her coronation took place on 2nd June 1953 and she spent over 70 years on the throne.

The Queen was head of state of the UK and 14 other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Jamaica.

During her reign, the Queen visited Salisbury a number of times, including attending Salisbury Cathedral during her Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in 2012 and most recently visiting Dstl Porton Down in October 2020. She had also visited the county for military engagements, including meeting the Royal Welsh Regiment in Tidworth in 2017.

Salisbury pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The Mayor of Salisbury, Councillor Tom Corbin, on behalf of all the citizens of Salisbury, would like to express sincere condolences to the Royal Family, on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The Mayor of Salisbury said, “Salisbury City Council are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of the Queen. She devoted so much time and commitment to her Country and she will be sorely missed.”

Today, (9th September), Cllr Tom Corbin and Mayoress, Cllr Caroline Corbin, Laid a wreath at the Salisbury War Memorial to pay their respects to The Queen.

The Mayor of the City of Salisbury, Cllr Tom Corbin and the Mayoress, Cllr Caroline Corbin laid a wreath at Salisbury War Memorial this afternoon to pay their respects following the death of Her Majesty The Queen. pic.twitter.com/B3dVoJvW3N

— SalisburyCityCouncil (@SalisburyCC) September 9, 2022

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Rose Troughton said, “It is with very great sadness that we have learnt of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

“As HM Lord-Lieutenant and on behalf of the people of Wiltshire and Swindon, I would like to send heartfelt condolences and prayers to Her Majesty's immediate family.

“Her Majesty visited our county many times during her reign; to her regiments based here, to Salisbury for HM’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in 2010 and most recently to Porton Down in 2020.

“Her Majesty's long, unique reign, and her wonderful life of service and devotion to the nation will be remembered with deep affection and gratitude.

“We can of course look forward with confidence to His Majesty The King as her true successor and assure him and his family of Wiltshire's loyalty and support.”

The High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Fiona Lansdowne, expressed her condolences, "It was with the deepest sadness that we heard the news of the death of HM Queen Elizabeth today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family tonight as a nation, and the world mourns the loss of a truly beloved Monarch."

The Office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political Royal appointment for a single year. Duties include supporting the Crown and the judiciary. High Sheriffs actively support and encourage crime prevention agencies, the emergency services and the voluntary sector.

Salisbury's MP, John Glen expressed his condolences with the following message, "Her Majesty The Queen, our longest serving Monarch, dedicated her life to public service. I share in the profound sadness of the country at the news of her death. Never has there been a more selfless champion for Britain around the world. My prayers are with her family."

Today, (9th September) John Glen shared a video message of his condolences outside the Guildhall in Salisbury.

pic.twitter.com/XCGW2ubCyn

— John Glen MP (@JohnGlenUK) September 9, 2022

Salisbury Cathedral has shared a prayer in thanksgiving for Her Majesty The Queen.

He shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. (Micah 5.4)

Majestic God,
whose throne is in heaven,
whose footstool is the earth;
we thank you for your servant, Elizabeth,
your faithful servant,
our beloved Queen.
As we mourn her passing
we give thanks for her witness
of devoted service,
unfailing wisdom,
compassionate generosity,
and faithful dedication
and pray that we may embrace her values
and build your kingdom
today and always.
Amen.

Chairman of Wiltshire Council, Cllr Stuart Wheeler, said, “I, like so many of us, cannot remember a time when Her Majesty The Queen did not sit on the throne. The Queen has led this country setting a shining example of service, dedication and dignity in office, committed to all her subjects and her country. I would encourage those with memories of Her Majesty to join me in writing them down in our online book of remembrance.”

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said, “This is a very sad time for all of us.

“We have lost one of the most important figures of our time who has led our nation with grace and dignity. The Queen never wavered from her dedication to her subjects, to her country and to the Commonwealth.

“I know there is much love for her and her family in this county. I know many people will be in shock and grief at this time and we all share that sadness.

“People can write down their own memories and thoughts in our online book of condolence. I hope people will take a few minutes to put into words what The Queen meant to them so we have a permanent record of the way The Queen touched the lives of people in Wiltshire.”

Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner has offered his condolences.

He said, “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II exemplified public service and the news of her death today will be felt keenly across Wiltshire and the entire nation.

“For more than 70 years she has remained a constant source of stability, wisdom and comfort to the country.

"The Queen was, and remains, an inspiration to us all and my deepest respects and condolences go out to members of the Royal Family during this momentously sad and difficult time.

“Over the coming days, I will work with our Chief Constable to ensure that Wiltshire Police are able to play a proactive role in supporting our communities and keeping them safe during this important time of national mourning.”

Wiltshire residents are invited to share their thoughts and memories of Her Majesty The Queen in a special online book of condolence.

Wiltshire Council will also be providing book of condolence locations, such as at Five Rivers Leisure Centre and in all Wiltshire Council libraries.

There will also be the opportunity to light a candle at Salisbury Cathedral, which will be open at set times for this purpose, and floral tributes may be laid on the Cathedral lawns or in front of the War Memorial in Salisbury Guildhall Square.

The book is available until the day after the funeral. It can be found here.

Image from The Offical Website of the Royal Family.

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