The Black Country and Shropshire pay tribute to her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Books of condolence have been made available across the region.

Author: Claire HawthornPublished 9th Sep 2022

Tributes are being paid by people across the Black Country and Shropshire to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who died yesterday at the age of 96.

In a statement, the Royal Family said the Queen passed away peacefully at Balmoral yesterday afternoon.

Books of condolence have been set up across the region including at Shrewsbury Abbey.

Dudley Town Council tweeted that books of condolence will be available at borough libraries and that details of the proclamation will follow soon.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “Queen Elizabeth II’s lifetime of dedication to this country, her people, and the Commonwealth is impossible to put into words.

“She has been a constant throughout all our lives, providing hope, strength, and unity through some of the country’s toughest times.

“Her standards and values made her the Queen she was, and it is these hallmarks that must continue to guide us.

“Many across the West Midlands will hold dear personal memories of Her Majesty, but on behalf of our region I simply want to say ‘thank you’. Thank you for your service, your dedication, and most of all for your unwavering commitment to your people.

“On this, the saddest day for our country, my thoughts are with the Royal Family.”

Sir Dave Thompson, Chief Constable of West Midlands Police said: "All of us at West Midlands Police are deeply saddened by the death of The Queen.

"My condolences to The King and The Royal Family on behalf of the officers, staff, Special Constables, Cadets and volunteers of the force."

"Following the proclamation of our new Sovereign, I shall write to Buckingham Palace asking The King’s Private Secretary to express our condolences to all members of the Royal Family.

“At this moment in history, we will provide a fitting tribute to The Queen, offering visitors the chance to sign the book of condolence and to leave their messages online.

Shrewsbury Town Council is encouraging people to leave flowers at Shrewsbury Castle.

"There are a number of areas within the Arboretum with which Her Majesty had a particular affinity, and we will be encouraging visitors to follow in her footsteps."

Hear all the latest news from across the West Midlands on the hour, every hour, on 103.1 and 97.2FM (Wolverhampton, Black Country and Shropshire), 96.4FM (Birmingham), 97 and 102.9FM (Coventry and Warwickshire), 97.6FM, 102.8FM and 96.7FM (Herefordshire and Worcestershire), DAB, at freeradio.co.uk, and on the Free Radio app.