“The Queen’s sense of duty and service was a shining example to us all”
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Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral Castle yesterday afternoon (September 8) announced Buckingham Palace. She was Britain's longest-reigning monarch and is succeeded by her son, King Charles III.
Tributes from across Northamptonshire and the rest of the United Kingdom and the world poured in after the announcement just after 6.20pm. The Prime Minister, Liz Truss, called her, "the rock on which modern Britain was built."
Both North and West Northamptonshire Councils, the county's MPs, emergency services and sports clubs all paid tribute to Her Majesty after the announcement of her death. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said her sense of duty "was a shining example to us all who work to serve the community."
READ MORE: Queen Elizabeth II has died at 96
James Saunders Watson, HM Lord-Lieutenant for Northamptonshire and the King’s representative in the county, said: “Her Majesty has been a huge part of our country’s public life and it is with great sadness that we heard of her passing.
“I’m sure everyone will join with me in offering the county’s condolences to her family and I would like to invite everyone to take a moment and remember her in their own way. The Queen visited Northamptonshire on numerous occasions during her reign and many of us remember the huge crowds that greeted her when visited Corby for her 2012 Diamond Jubilee.”
Both West Northants Council and North Northants Council said Union flags at their offices are being flown at half-mast and books of condolence, both physical and online, will be available to sign. Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northants Council said: "I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to Her Majesty’s family during this difficult time.
"I know I speak for all the Council’s elected members and staff when I say that she will be sorely missed. Her Majesty has played such an active role in public life and her kindness, caring and dedication will remain an inspiration to us all."
Jonathan Nunn, Leader of West Northants Council said: “I’m sure I speak for all of us, including colleagues and staff from across the council in passing on our condolences to Her Majesty’s family. We’ve always seen her as a wonderful, kind and caring person with a big personality, and she was someone who represented our country so well on the international stage.
“I know she will be sorely missed, and we are making arrangements to ensure everyone has an opportunity to pass on their sympathies.”
Northamptonshire's MPs also paid tribute to the Queen over Twitter. Andrea Leadsom, MP for South Northamptonshire tweeted a picture of the Queen saying: "What an amazing Monarch, and a rock for our United Kingdom. God bless her"
Chris Heaton-Harris, MP for Daventry, released a statement, which said: "Throughout her reign, Her Majesty has been the matriarch and pillar of our country and the Commonwealth. She has always provided wise counsel, admirably and selflessly, fulfilling a lifetime commitment to public service."
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Michael Ellis, MP for Northampton North and Attorney General, also released a statement saying: "The nation has suffered a profound loss. Her Majesty's dignity and devotion to her people will be reflected in the coming days by deep feelings of love and affection from her people."
Andrew Lewer, MP for Northampton South, tweeted: "Duty and service – the words that are used about Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II over and over in the tributes being made as we all try to take in the news. Her life was an example to us all."
Tom Pursglove, MP for Corby, tweeted: "HM the Queen is a giant figure in our country’s history, admired and respected around the world, and a constant in our national life. Her commitment to duty and devotion to public service is an inspiration to all."
Peter Bone MP for Wellingborough and Rushden tweeted: "My thoughts and prayers are with the Queen’s family. May our Queen R.I.P"
Nick Adderley, Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police said: "Everyone at Northamptonshire Police is deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty the Queen. We join the nation in a period of mourning and send out condolences to the Royal Family.
"As police officers, we swear allegiance to the Queen and we take inspiration from her dedication to public service. Our flags will now be flown at half mast to mark the national period of mourning."
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen’s sense of duty and service was a shining example to us all who work to serve the community."
Northamptonshire's sports clubs also paid tribute, with many of them cancelling engagements or fixtures. Northampton Saints Rugby Club cancelled its Premiership Rugby Cup match with Saracens after the announcement of the death of the Queen. The club said "the thoughts of everyone at the Club are with the Royal Family at this time."
Northampton Town FC also cancelled its Open Forum planned for Thursday night, saying: "May her Majesty rest in peace. Our thoughts are with all of the Royal Family." Northamptonshire County Cricket Club said: "The thoughts of all at Northamptonshire County Cricket Club are with The Royal Family at this time. May her Majesty rest in peace."
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