In memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
“I would like to express my great sadness both personally, on behalf of the city council, and the citizens of Southampton on hearing the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“Queen Elizabeth’s sense of duty and grace made her loved and admired by people of all ages not just in this country but throughout the Commonwealth and the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with our royal family at this time.”
– Councillor Jacqui Rayment, The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Southampton
Last updated: 11am, Saturday 10 September
All members of the public are invited to witness The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Southampton, accompanied by the Deputy-Lieutenant of Hampshire, reading the City Proclamation at the Civic Centre Steps at 2pm on Sunday 11 September 2022.
It should be noted that the car park in front of the Civic Centre will be closed in order for the Proclamation to take place. However, alternative car parking can be found at West Park Road.
We raised our flags today, Saturday 10 September at 11am to coincide with the national proclamation of King Charles III. Our flags will remain raised until our city proclamation finishes tomorrow, when they will lowered to half-mast again as the period of mourning resumes.
A wreath laying on behalf of the citizens of Southampton took place at 2pm on Friday 9 September in front of the Civic Centre. This was led by the Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire and the Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Southampton, with the Leader of the Council, the Leader of the opposition and the Chief Executive of Southampton City Council.
Books of condolence will be available to sign in the Civic Centre and Central, Bitterne, and Shirley libraries.
The Civic Centre will be open for signing the book of condolence on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September from 9am to 5pm, and from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm thereafter.
Books of condolence are open to sign during regular opening hours in the Central, Bitterne and Shirley libraries from 10am on Friday 9 September. Please click the following links for library opening times: Central Library, Bitterne Library, and Shirley Library.
There is also a digital book of condolence which you can sign by visiting the Royal Family website.
The car park in front of the Civic Centre is closed and an official area has been set aside for the laying of floral tributes. Flowers and tributes can be laid on the steps leading to the main entrance of the Civic Centre.
All formal council meetings have been postponed until after the state funeral. This includes the Full Council and Cabinet meetings that were due to take place next week. New dates and times are to be confirmed.
Southampton City Libraries will be postponing the planned Summer Reading Challenge Medal celebration at Southampton Central Library on Saturday 10 September. We will advise of a new date as soon as we can. Medals can still be collected from Central Library on Saturday morning.
This page will be updated with more information as it becomes available.