Tributes have been paid across Bath following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II yesterday evening, Thursday 8th September.
Photo © Fred Duval / Shutterstock.com
Flowers are being laid at Parade Gardens in the city centre, and a book of condolence has been opened at the Guildhall in Bath and the Keynsham and Midsomer Norton libraries.
Floral tributes can also be left at Keynsham Memorial Gardens and the Hollies Garden, Midsomer Norton.
A flower bed in Parade Gardens marking The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II | Photo © Bath Echo
The Union Flag is flying half-mast at buildings across the area as a mark of respect.
The Queen visited the city several times during her reign, including in 1973, 1977 and 2002.
Councillor Shaun Stephenson McGall, Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “On behalf of the council, and the people of Bath and North East Somerset, I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Royal Family.
Members of the public paying their respects in Parade Gardens in Bath | Photo © Bath Echo
“We are truly saddened to learn of the death of HRH Queen Elizabeth II who visited our area on a number of occasions and was much admired by the people of Bath and North East Somerset.
“As well as being a respected figurehead locally, nationwide and worldwide, we must remember that at heart, HRH Queen Elizabeth II was a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. And it is with her family that our thoughts lie at this difficult time.
“We hope and pray that they will find comfort and strength in each other and through our own words of respect and remembrance.”
Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “Her Majesty The Queen has been a constant presence during all of our lives and during so many periods of immense change, not just in the West of England and the UK but across the globe.
“She has been an exemplar who always put service first. It is almost unimaginable such a reliable fixture in our lives is no longer with us.
“As so many across the country mourn this huge loss, I send my deepest sympathies and those of residents of the West of England, to the King, the Queen Consort and everyone who loved this most remarkable woman.”
Bath MP Wera Hobhouse added: “This is devastating news for the country. The Queen was a loyal and committed stateswoman who represented the best of the country for 70 years. The reaction shows in what massive esteem the Queen is held.
“Her legacy will live on as a fantastic head of state and the longest serving monarch in the world. The Queen represented duty and courage, as well as warmth and compassion.
“She was a living reminder of our collective past, of the greatest generation and their sacrifices for our freedom.
“My thoughts are with Her Majesty’s family at what must be an impossibly difficult time.”
