South Wiltshire pays tribute to Her Majesty the Queen
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died aged 96
Last updated 8th Sep 2022
People from across South Wiltshire have been paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II following her death today (8th September).
The Royal Family twitter account confirmed the news saying she died peacefully this afternoon at Balmoral.
Wiltshire Council are inviting residents to share their thoughts and memories of HRH in a special online book of condolence.
The book is available until the day after the funeral and can be found on the Wiltshire Council website.
Meanwhile, a number of dignitaries have paid their respects already.
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.”
Meanwhile, book of condolences will also be available at all Wiltshire Council libraries.
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.”
Salisbury MP John Glen has also tweeted his condolences.
Other MPs from across Wiltshire have taken to social media to post their own tributes, including Andrew Murrison.
Flags will be flown at half mast across the Wiltshire Police estate, while people will be able to lay floral tributes on the Cathedral lawns, or in front of the War Memorial in Salisbury Guildhall.
There will also be an opportunity for people to light a candle at Salisbury Cathedral, with more details on this set to be confirmed.
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.”
Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable have also both paid tribute.
Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said:
“Everyone at Wiltshire Police is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 8th September 2022.
“All of my officers, staff and volunteers send our deepest condolences to The Royal Family at this time.
“I know, like us, our communities will also be feeling incredibly saddened by the passing of our Monarch who has been a source of enduring inspiration throughout her 70-year reign.
“Her Majesty’s death is particularly poignant for us, as Crown Servants, as every officer takes an oath to serve the Queen.
“We will remember her as a guiding light for us all throughout times of prosperity and also through times of uncertainty and challenge.
“We will be doing all we can to support our communities over the coming days as we all come together to remember Her Majesty and celebrate her life and her long and illustrious reign.
“I would urge anyone who is feeling particularly affected by this news to seek support from one of the many agencies who are in place to provide it.”