Passing of Her Majesty the Queen
As the news travels that HM Queen Elizabeth has died, Cumbria pays tribute to the most remarkable Queen that our country has ever known. As well as being our country’s longest serving monarch, Her Majesty has remained a constant during a period of unprecedented social, technological and cultural change.
A number of flags located around the county will be flown at half-mast until 8am on the day following the State Funeral, except while the Proclamation of the new King is made.
Condolence books will also be situated around the county in key community buildings. The list of locations will be available shortly via the Cumbria County Council website. Condolence can also be left online on the Buckingham Palace e-Book, which can be found on the Buckingham Palace website.
In a moving and heartfelt tribute, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman (The Queen’s representative) said:
“This is a time of national mourning and Cumbria joins the rest of the country, and the world, in remembering a Monarch who has been an inspirational figurehead for so many years. Our sympathy goes out to her family for their personal loss.”
“True to her high moral standards and maintaining her neutrality above the political fray, Her Majesty has been a unifying influence and a constant at times of unprecedented change. She dedicated her life to her people, the countries whose head of state she was, and to the Commonwealth. She never wavered in her duty and despite some difficult and challenging times she still engendered national love and respect.”
“Here in Cumbria we were fortunate to have welcomed her on many occasions and we know that for her, and for her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, Cumbria was a special place. She was always welcomed here by warm enthusiastic crowds wherever she went.”
“Her successor, HRH Prince Charles is also well known to us here in Cumbia, equally warmly received and regarded as our rural champion. He has always supported our county, always being first on hand to visit us and support our communities during difficult times such as foot and mouth and severe flooding. We welcome him as our new Monarch and with that I say ‘God Save the King’.”
High Sheriff of Cumbria, Mr Alan McViety paying tribute said:
“Our sadness at this time is shared by people across the globe, as we remember with affection and gratitude a lifetime of diligent service. HM The Queen’s life was dedicated to the people of Great Britain and she will be truly missed, our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this sad moment.”
Chairman of Cumbria County Council, Councillor Andy Connell today paying tribute to the Queen said:
“'Her Majesty's devotion to duty and quiet understanding of her realm and its people through seventy often turbulent years earned her worldwide love and respect. She will have a monumental place in the nation's history. On behalf of the people of Cumbria, the County Council pays tribute to an extraordinary reign and proffers heartfelt sympathy to Her Majesty's family'.
Leader of Cumbria County Council, Councillor Stewart Young added:
“Her Majesty the Queen will always have a very special place in the hearts and minds of the Cumbrian people. She was a frequent visitor and it was always our great pleasure to welcome her to our County. As well as being our longest reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth has always shown great leadership and courage and always displayed a set of values that we could all aspire to. She was kind, considerate, caring and constant to her own principles in life. She put our country and the needs of its people above all else and as such was rewarded with unswerving loyalty and commitment from those who knew her, those who supported her and even those who were not supporters of the monarchy as even they could not fail to respect her.”
