Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II

Her Majesty the Queen, the longest serving British monarch in history, has died at the age of 96.

Buckingham Palace announced the news today, 08 September 2022.

The Mayor of the Borough of Melton, Councillor Alan Hewson said, “It is with great sorrow that I must address the recent and sad news of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has dedicated her life to the service of our country and the rest of the Commonwealth. Throughout her reign Her Majesty had provided our country with a strong and stable presence through some significant and challenging times, adapting to the ever-changing world around us. Her loss will be felt around the world and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and those closest to her.

At 10am on Friday morning, the Leader of the Council and I will be laying a floral tribute outside the Parkside Council Offices on the grassed area near the flagpoles, I invite anyone who wishes to do so to come and lay floral tributes of their own.”

Leader of the Council, Councillor Joe Orson said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. As our longest serving monarch, she dedicated her life to the service of her country and was patron of over 600 organisations. This is a loss that will be felt deeply, not only in the United Kingdom but throughout the Commonwealth and the world. As a mark of respect, during the period of mourning, the flags at Parkside Council Offices will be flown at half-mast.”

A Book of Condolence will shortly be opened at the council’s Parkside offices which will be available between the hours of 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. A virtual book of Condolence is also available online on the Leicestershire County Council website.

Residents wishing to lay floral tributes are invited to lay them on the grassed area at Parkside, near the flag poles. We ask that any tribute left are not wrapped in paper or cellophane. The Mayor of the Borough of Melton and the Leader of the Council shall be laying their own floral tributes tomorrow (Friday 09 September) at 10am.

In addition, individuals may wish to make a donation to one of Her Majesty The Queen’s many patronages or a charity of personal choice. A list of the patronages, and how to donate, can be found on the Royal Website.

The Proclamation of the new King is due to be read outside St James Palace over the coming days. The day following this, there will be a local proclamation reading at 2pm at Parkside Council Offices, by the Mayor of the Borough of Melton accompanied by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant. Further details are due to be announced from the Palace and will be published on the Melton Borough Council website and/or social media channels when they are available.

Further announcements may be made by the Royal Family in due course via www.royal.uk

More information about what is happening in Leicestershire can be found on the Leicestershire County Council website, including information on the period of mourning, the bank holiday and planning a local event in memory of The Queen.

We will keep this page updated with the most current information we have available.

~ends~

08 September 2022