Leading Bristol figures lead powerful tributes to ‘remarkable’ Queen

Heartfelt tributes to the Queen have been pouring in from leading Bristol figures and organisations across the city.

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees led the tributes to the UK’s longest-reigning monarch as City Hall was lit up in remembrance and flags outside were flown at half mast. A book of condolence has also been opened at Bristol Cathedral.

“This year’s Platinum Jubilee celebrated Her Majesty The Queen’s unprecedented service,” said Mr Rees.

“My thoughts and those of people across Bristol are with His Majesty The King, his children, and the wider Royal Family.”

West of England metro mayor Metro Mayor Dan Norris described the death of the 96-year-old Queen as ‘an immensely sad day’.

He 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.”

At Bristol Cathedral, where there will be special services for the Queen, Dean of Bristol, The Very Rev’d Dr Mandy Ford also paid tribute.

“On the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II we offer the prayers of Bristol Cathedral in thanksgiving for her life of devoted service to her family, the nation and the Commonwealth.

“As she lived out her calling to be the Servant Queen, may she be now welcomed into the Kingdom of the Servant King who she followed faithfully all her life.

“My prayers, and those of the whole Cathedral community, are with all who mourn, and in particular with her family, friends and all who worked closely with her. May God comfort and richly bless our new King, Charles III and Queen Consort.”

Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor & President of the University of Bristol, said: “Her Majesty has been an important figurehead for the UK & the Commonwealth during times of enormous social change.

“Her sense of duty has been remarkable. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this very sad time.”

Avon and Somerset Police Chief Constable Sarah Crew confirmed the flag will be flying at half mast at the Police Headquarters in Portishead, as well as other police locations.

She said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her devotion and extraordinary public service have been a continual source of pride and inspiration to us all.

“On behalf of our officers, police staff and volunteers, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, as well as to the public we serve at this time of national mourning.

“Now is the time for communities to come together for a period of remembrance and reflection, as we pay our respects to a monarch who has faithfully and stoically served us during her historic reign.”

Bristol MPs also paid their own personal tributes. Labour’s Thangam Debbonaire said: “The Queen’s life of dedicated public service will always be an inspiration.

“Her presence and words in times of crisis and celebration brought comfort and joy to millions. As her family grieves I hope they too are comforted too by the love the nation is expressing today.”

She added: “During the worst of the Covid crisis I found her words: “we will see our friends again, we will see our families again, we will meet again”, very moving and comforting personally and I think of these words again tonight.”

Bristol South Labour MP Karin Smyth said: “As our nation mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, we reflect also on a life of unparalleled service, commitment and dedication.

“Her devotion to our country was unwavering for the entirety of her reign. We think also of her family, and wish them comfort at this time.”

Former Bristol Mayor George Ferguson, who met the Queen when she visited the Royal West of England Academy in 1999, said: “We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had such a patient and caring monarch through good times and bad. A smile never forgotten.”