Tributes Pour In For Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Following Her Death
Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at 96-years of age, a number of public representatives, organisations and agencies, have made statements of condolence.
Prime Minister Liz Truss Speaks on Death of the Queen
PM Liz Truss said: “We are all devastated by the news we have just heard from Balmoral. The death of Her Majesty The Queen is a huge shock to the nation and to the world.
“Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built. Our country has grown and flourished under her reign.
“Britain is the great country it is today because of her. She ascended the throne just after the Second World War.
“She championed the development of the Commonwealth – from a small group of seven countries to a family of 56 nations spanning every continent of the world.
“We are now a modern, thriving, dynamic nation. Through thick and thin, Queen Elizabeth II provided us with the stability and the strength that we needed.
“She was the very spirit of Great Britain – and that spirit will endure.
“The Queen has been our longest-ever reigning monarch. It is an extraordinary achievement to have presided with such dignity and grace for 70 years.
“Her life of service stretched beyond most of our living memories.
“In return, she was loved and admired by the people in the United Kingdom and all around the world.
“She has been a personal inspiration to me and to many Britons. Her devotion to duty is an example to us all.
“Earlier this week, at 96, she remained determined to carry out her duties as she appointed me as her 15th Prime Minister.
“Throughout her life she has visited more than 100 countries and she has touched the lives of millions around the world.
“In the difficult days ahead, we will come together with our friends… across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the world to celebrate her extraordinary lifetime of service.
“It is a day of great loss, but Queen Elizabeth II leaves a great legacy.
“Today the Crown passes – as it is has done for more than a thousand years – to our new monarch, our new head of state: His Majesty King Charles III.
“With the King’s family, we mourn the loss of his mother. And as we mourn, we must come together as a people to support him.
“To help him bear the awesome responsibility that he now carries for us all.
“We offer him our loyalty and devotion just as his mother devoted so much to so many for so long.
“And with the passing of the second Elizabethan Age, we usher in a new era in the magnificent history of our great country… exactly as Her Majesty would have wished, by saying the words, ‘God save the King’.
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Today we mourn the passing of a remarkable sovereign says Keir Starmer
Labour Leader Keith Starmer said: “It is a deep private loss for the Royal Family and our first thoughts are with them at this time. The nation shares in their grief.
“Queen Elizabeth II created a special, personal relationship with us all. A relationship based on service and devotion to her country.
“Nobody under the age of 70 has known anything other than Queen Elizabeth II on the throne.
“For the vast majority of us, the late Queen has been simply the Queen. The only Queen. Above all else, our Queen.
“As we mourn her loss, we should also treasure her life. Our longest-serving and greatest ever monarch.
“Above the clashes of politics, she stood not for what the nation fought over but what it agreed upon. In crisis, she reassured us.
“Reminding us that we are all part of something that stretches back through time. A symbol of the best of us. I saw it for myself when I led the Crown Prosecution Service.
“Every time I had the privilege to meet the late Queen, she would ask the most searching questions because she wanted to understand the lives and struggles of her people.
“And as Britain changed rapidly around her, this dedication became the still point of our turning world. An example that taught us that whatever the challenges we face, the value of service always endures.
“The obvious love the late Queen displayed for Britain, the British people gave back in return. That is why there is such an outpouring of grief across the nation today. As there is across the Commonwealth to which the late Queen was so devoted.
“Around the world, people are united in mourning. And united in celebrating her life. This togetherness is a reminder of what she achieved. A reminder of our shared values. Values which I know will be upheld by her beloved son, Charles, our new King.
“So as our great Elizabethan era comes to an end, we will honour the late Queen’s memory by keeping alive the values of public service she embodied.
“For seventy years, Elizabeth II stood as the head of our country. But, in spirit, she stood amongst us.
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Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Margaret Ritchie Pays Tribute To Late Queen
Baroness Ritche has paid Tribute to the late Queen and has shared memories of meetings over the years
She said: “My deepest sympathies and condolences to King Charles III and to all members of the Royal Family on the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth 11 following her 70 year reign.
“I met Queen Elizabeth on three separate occasions: at the Ulster University, Coleraine in June 2007; at Hillsborough Castle in 2009 on the occasion of a celebration for the Ireland Rugby Team.
“And I met her at her ground breaking visit of reconciliation to Dublin in May 2011 (at Island bridge Memorial and at the State Banquet in Dublin Castle.
“The event was spearheaded by President McAleese and the Irish Government.
“I found her to be a lady of considerable knowledge of the Mournes and she made inquiries about the nature of the issues in the Constituency of South Down.
“Of all these, the most momentous occasion for me was her official State Visit to Dublin and the South of Ireland in May 2011.
“I attended the wreath laying ceremony at Islandbridge and the State Banquet at Dublin Castle where her words of peace and reconciliation.
“There was also a recognition of the challenges and difficulties in British/Irish relations over the years resonated well with the wide ranging audience.
“Undoubtedly, this State visit by the Queen at the invitation of President McAleese represented a consolidation of relations between the two islands.
“It was seen as building on the three sets of relationships and reconciliation as captured in the Good Friday Agreement of 1998.
“The Queen laid a wreath at the Garden of Remembrance and visited Croke Park – both places having special significance for Irish Nationalism.
“The Queen’s words at that State Banquet are as valid today as they were in 2011.
The Queen stated on that occasion: “Indeed, so much of this visit reminds us of the complexity of our history, it’s many layers and traditions, but also the importance of forbearance and conciliation. Of being able to bow to the past, but not to be bound by it”.
“Those words were graciously received by all in that room on that auspicious evening in May 2011.
“It reminded us of the importance of the healing and reconciliation process.
“Also, above all the need to persevere on in the interests of the development of good relations between these islands now and into the future.
“I think in modern day Ireland – North and South – there is a message for all of us that reconciliation and healing should be the guiding lights for the restoration of political institutions and renewed consolidation of British/Irish relations.
“So many lives have been perished during our troubled history including relatives of the late Queen Elizabeth.
“Those words serve to remind us that we must never return to the days of violence and bloodshed.
“All of us must work to better inter community relations across Ireland – North and South and with Britain.
“In the wake of the passing Queen Elizabeth, we all must adopt that mantle of reconciliation which was central to the Good Friday Agreement.
“And it was central to the message of the visit by the Queen to Ireland in May 2011 and the reciprocal visit by President Higgins to London in 2014.
“May Queen Elizabeth Rest in Peace.”
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Health Minister Robin Swann pays tribute to Her Majesty The Queen
Health Minister Robin Swann has paid tribute to Her Majesty The Queen following the announcement of her death.
Mr Swann said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with her family at this time, as they grieve the loss of a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
“This is a very sad and moving day, as we reflect on an incredible life of service, dignity and integrity.
“In July, Her Majesty presented the George Cross to the National Health Services of the United Kingdom.
“That was a very poignant event and a very fitting tribute.
“It also provided yet another example of the great leadership which the Queen provided to the nation throughout her long reign.”
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Education Minister Michelle McIlveen comments on death of Her Majesty The Queen
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has spoken of her sadness following news of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Minister McIlveen said: “I was profoundly saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
“This is a deeply distressing day for our nation as we come to terms with the loss of our monarch.
“Her Majesty was a champion of education and an impeccable role model for children and young people across Northern Ireland.
“She has been a tremendous source of inspiration, hope and joy across many generations.
“This was abundantly clear as schools across the country celebrated and paid tribute to the Queen on the occasion of her historic Platinum Jubilee a few short months ago.
“A most gracious and steadfast leader, we shall miss Her Majesty immeasurably.
“My sincere condolences to His Majesty The King and all our Royal Family as they mourn this terrible loss.
“God save the King.”
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Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots pays tribute to Her Majesty The Queen
Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has paid tribute to Her Majesty The Queen following the sad news of her death earlier this afternoon.
Mr Poots said: “On this sad day for all of us, my thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with King Charles III and with the Royal Family.
“Her Majesty’s passion for our countryside, nature and indeed for farming was clear throughout her life, as was her dedication and unfailing commitment to her role.
“She was truly the embodiment of service and of duty, and a source of inspiration for so many of us.
“A remarkable legacy which will endure for generations to come, but for now we are a nation mourning the loss of our beloved Queen.
“I am proud and privileged to have met Her Majesty on several occasions and delighted that, as Minister, I was able to mark her recent Platinum Jubilee.
“Like so many others, I gain comfort and hope from the deep personal faith that was so evident throughout the life of Her Majesty. Well done, good and faithful servant!
“On behalf of my Department, I send my sincere condolences to our Royal Family at this very sad time.
“God save the King.”
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Alliance MLAs Express Condolences Following Death Of Her Majesty The Queen
Alliance MLAs Nick Mathison and Kellie Armstrong expressed their condolences after Buckingham Palace announced the death of Her Majesty the Queen.
Buckingham Palace announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96 in Balmoral.
“In the first instance, my thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Royal Family at this sad time. They are mourning a much-loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother,” said Mrs Armstrong
“But while they have lost a matriarch, the entire country and indeed Commonwealth has lost a person who has been a figure-head and leader for 70 years.
“Her loss will be keenly felt by many.”
Nick Mathison MLA added: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is one of the figures who came to define the 20th Century as well as a large part of the 21st.
“This was not only due to her longevity but her commitment and dedication to the country and Commonwealth.
“The majority of us have only ever known her in the role of sovereign and it will be incredibly strange to not see her there in public carrying out her duties.
“Throughout her reign, the Queen worked tirelessly in service to the country and Commonwealth.
“She received praise from all quarters for her selfless dedication to the role. That is only one of the aspects of her life which will remain as her lasting legacy.
“I hope it brings her family, and indeed all those grieving, some comfort at this sad time.”
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DUP South Down representative Diane Forsythe expresses her condolences
Diane Forythe said: “I was honoured to lay a floral tribute alongside my Constituency Office staff Richard McKee and Kelly Graham at the Robert Hill Hanna VC statue in Kilkeel.
“Robert Hill Hanna was presented with his VC by His Majesty King George V, Grandfather of our late Queen.
“Just three weeks ago Her Majesty The Queen sent a letter expressing her congratulations and support for the raising of the statue.
“Remembering with deep sorrow Her Majesty the Queen for Her decades of dedication and service inspiring generations.
“She was a constant and steadfast presence in an ever changing world.
“Matthew 5:4”
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TUV Councillor Harold McKee expresses his sadness at death of Queen Elizabeth II
Councillor Harold McKee (TUV) said: “It is with great personal sadness at this time of national sorrow that I extend my deepest sympathy to His Majesty King Charles lll and the royal family on the death of his mother, HRH Queen Elizabeth ll.”
Traditional Unionist Voice Councillor Harold McKee said: “It was such a shock to hear first of the Queens declining health and then death in the space of a few short hours on Thursday afternoon.
“Just two days prior to her death the Queen was in good spirits when she met the outgoing and incoming Prime Ministers at Balmoral.
“In her 70 years on the Throne she carried out her regal duties with dignity and steadfastness as she represented our United Kingdom across the world.
“It was a pleasure as a Newry and Mourne Councillor to represent the people of Mourne at Hillsborough Castle Garden Party in 2014 with The Queen in attendance.
“Also, I attended at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in 2017 following my representation of South Down as an MLA.
“I have also had the honour of being introduced to Prince Charles when he visited Kilkeel in 2011.
“I wish him now, as King Charles III God’s blessings as he goes forward in his new role.”
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Royal Black Institution condolences on the death of The Queen
A statement from the Royal Black Institution said: “The Royal Black Institution is greatly saddened at news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“The Institution wishes to express its sincere condolences to the Royal Family at this very difficult time.
“The Queen was a much loved and respected figure across the world.
“Her devotion to a life of service ensured her presence as an inspirational figurehead for the United Kingdom and Commonwealth during her extraordinary 70-year reign.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family.”
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Inch Flute Band tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
In a Facebook post, David Hamilton, Band Master of the Inch Flute Band marked the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II.
He said: “You will now all have heard of the immensely sad news that her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II passed away earlier this afternoon.
“In death, Her Majesty maintained a promise that she made to the entire Commonwealth when she was just twenty one years old.
“A promise that her whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to the Service of Her Country and to the Service of the Great Imperial Family to which we all belong.
“The Queen first and foremost put the wellbeing of the Country and the wellbeing of others over her own for over seventy years.
“She demonstrated leadership, compassion and most of all traditional Christian moral values while all the time demonstrating the importance of a modern monarchy across a multi-cultural Commonwealth nation.
“When we think of Britain and British values, the Queen is always the first image of pride and security having been our Queen for nearly eight decades and the only Monarch that many of us have ever known.
“As a mark of respect, all band functions will now cease as we mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“After a career of dedication, may she now rest in peace and rise to eternal Heavenly Glory.
“In God We Trust.”
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UFU pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Following the announcement that Queen Elizabeth II has died at Balmoral, aged 96, UFU president David Brown said: “The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of her Majesty the Queen.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Royal family.
“During her reign of 70 years, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II gave remarkable unstinting service to the UK and the Commonwealth.
“She will be a huge loss to the entire country.
“We stand with our fellow UK farming unions in honour of her memory and the inspirational legacy she leaves behind.”
