People across our region have been paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth after her death at the age of 96.
Businesses, community groups and individuals flooded social media with messages of shock and sadness after the news was announced by Buckingham Palace on the evening of September 8.
In a statement, HM Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, James Dick, said: “Her Majesty demonstrated extraordinary dedication and commitment to duty throughout her reign, both for her country and the Commonwealth, and did so with a graceful strength and admirable determination.
“She ruled throughout decades of change, from the dark post-war years through to the new horizons of the 21st century, providing essential continuity for the nation.
“This is a period of public grief, when people who do not know each other come together to mourn a national figure who, has been consistent throughout our lives and for whom we have collective affection despite not knowing her personally.”
In a joint statement from East Riding Council, councillor John Whittle, council leader Jonathan Owen and chief executive Caroline Lacey said the Queen had “dedicated her life to serve the people of the United Kingdom”.
The statement said: “We are all deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and send our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to her family. They are all in our thoughts and prayers at this extremely sad time.
“She dedicated her life to serving the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth and has been a beacon of hope, stability and unity and overseen many changes during her reign as Monarch with unwavering grace and poise.
“As the longest serving Monarch she has been an ever-present in most people’s lives and it’s unlikely we will ever witness a reign as long and as glorious again.”
As a mark of respect, the Union Jack will be flown at half-mast on all council buildings until the day after the funeral while books of condolence will be available for people to leave messages of sympathy at the council’s libraries, multi-service centres and customer service centres during usual business hours. People can also leave tributes online via the Buckingham Palace website – royal.uk.
Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart said: “On behalf of the residents of Beverley and Holderness I would like to send my sincere condolences to the Royal Family following the sad death of our Monarch, Her Majesty the Queen.
“Throughout her long and distinguished life of service, she has been a cornerstone and comfort to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She was a wonderful example to us all and I know everyone in Beverley and Holderness will miss her greatly. Long live the King.”
HM Coastguard Hornsea Station said: “We, alongside the rest of the nation and world, are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty the Queen today.
“Our longest serving monarch in British history, her remarkable reign will never be forgotten.
“From everyone within the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Her Majesty’s Coastguard and the UK Ship Register – our thoughts are with the Royal Family.”
Hornsea Inshore Rescue’s tribute read: “It is with deepest sorrow that Hornsea Inshore Rescue learns of the death of our Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Sincere and deepest condolences to all members of the Royal Family. Rest in peace, ma’am.”
Withernsea AFC said: “Everyone associated with Withernsea AFC is saddened to learn of the passing of our Queen, HM Queen Elizabeth II. The thoughts of our volunteers, coaches and players are with the Royal Family at this sad time.”
Her Majesty last visited the East Riding in 2009 when, accompanied by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, who died last year, when she opened the Queen’s Centre for Oncology and Haematology at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham.
But the most memorable visit came in 2002 as part of her Golden Jubilee tour when Her Majesty and the Duke arrived by Royal Train into Beverley and attended a service for rural life at Beverley Minster, followed by a walkabout in Saturday Market.
The couple visited the college at Bishop Burton before attending a lunch, hosted by the council, at Beverley Racecourse and then presented a trophy to the winning female jockey in the Gold Jubilee race.
Picture courtesy of Bishop Burton College
