North East pays tribute to Her Majesty the Queen
Queen Elizabeth II passed away yesterday
Last updated 9th Sep 2022
Organisations and people across the North East are paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on the 8th of September 2022.
Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University, Professor Chris Day who is also the Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear said: “The University community joins the Royal Family and the nation in mourning Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“We express our deep and lasting gratitude for Her Majesty’s devotion to duty in the service of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth throughout her extraordinary reign, from a young girl who did not expect to be Queen, to an iconic and celebrated figure who became Britain’s longest reigning monarch.
“Remarkable in her sense of duty and devotion to a life of service, she was an important figurehead for the UK and the Commonwealth during times of enormous social change.
“For every generation, she provided an example and continuity that unites us today in offering our heartfelt condolences.”
Books of Condolences will be opened across the region, including at Newcastle Civic Centre, Darlington, Stanley and more.
Flags are being flown at half mast from official buildings and many building have been lit in purple overnight as a mark of respect.
Political leaders across the world have been paying tributes to the Queen, including former Prime Minister, and County Durham MP Tony Blair.
Mr Blair met with the Queen many times in his role as Prime Minister, and before he took office - at a visit to the Thorn EMI Factory in Spennymoor, in 1995.
Her Majesty opened several landmarks across the region, including the Tyne Tunnel in 1967 and the Tyne and Wear Metro in 1981.
She also officially opened Kielder Water in Northumberland, in 1982, and the Riverside Cricket ground in Chester-Le-Street, the Sunderland line of the Metro and the Millenium Bridge between Gateshead and Newcastle.
The Queen also visited many North East sites including Gosforth Park Racecourse, The Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade Watch House, The Sage, Gateshead and Gateshead International Stadium.
Councillor Anne-Marie Curry, Mayor of Darlington, said: “I was greatly saddened to hear the news of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. My thoughts and those of my family are with the new King Charles III, the Queen Consort and the wider Royal Family at this sad time.
“It will take some time for us all to process this loss, as while very few of us had the opportunity to meet Her Majesty in person, she touched all of our lives in one way or another over the years. We will always remember her enormous contribution to our country.”
Her son, now known as King Charles the Third, will return to London today with Camilla, Queen Consort.
He's due to hold his first audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss, and is expected to address the nation this evening.