Berkshire and north Hampshire pays tribute to The Queen
Her Majesty died at Balmoral on Thursday afternoon aged 96
Last updated 9th Sep 2022
ANDOVER
Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Alan Dowden:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II following 70 years of loyal, dedicated and unwavering commitment to her country.
“Throughout seven decades of change, both culturally and economically, the devotion that She gave to the Crown and steadfastness to the Commonwealth was incomparable. As was the love and devotion she showed to her family, including her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had deep links to Test Valley, spending her honeymoon at Broadlands Estate in Romsey, and so many in the borough will feel a sense of personal loss at Her Majesty’s passing.
“On behalf of the residents of Test Valley, I wish to convey my deepest condolences to all who knew and loved her.
“As a sign of deep respect and gratitude to Her Service, we will fly all our flags at half-mast.
"We will open books of condolence at The Lights theatre, Andover, and the reception area at the Former Magistrates’ Court, Romsey.
BASINGSTOKE
The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane has led borough tributes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II following the formal announcement of her death.
Cllr Paul Miller said:
“On behalf of the council and people of the borough of Basingstoke and Deane, I wish to express our profound sympathy to the Royal Family at this very sad time.
“We have been blessed to have Queen Elizabeth as our monarch for the past 70 years, tirelessly working with unfaltering dedication. Her Majesty The Queen was the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service in June this year.
“The late Queen won the love and respect of generations of people, not just in Britain but all around the world. The commitment that she made to her role and the public service she gave is matchless. Throughout her reign she provided a reassuring and exemplary presence in our lives.
“In Basingstoke and Deane, the late Queen was held in the highest esteem. The number of events communities held in our area, and up and down the UK, to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is recognition of the deep affection and respect felt towards Her Majesty.
“The commitment that she made to her role and the public service she has given is matchless.
“The late Queen came to the borough on many occasions, especially to visit Highclere Castle, but her last formal visit to Basingstoke was in November 1973 when she officially opened Fanum House, the Basingstoke headquarters of the AA. Her signature in the visitors’ book from that day is displayed with pride in our Mayor’s Parlour under a portrait of the late Queen.
“Our councillors, council officers and all the communities in this borough are greatly saddened by her passing and will mourn this profound loss.”
The Mayor will be writing a letter of condolence to the new Sovereign and the Union Flag will fly at half-mast outside the Civic Offices until after the late Queen’s funeral.
BRACKNELL
Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Ankur Shiv Bhandari, said:
“My heartfelt and deepest condolences to HRH the Prince of Wales and all members of the Royal Family and The Queen’s household, following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
“Her Majesty has reigned with distinction, devotion and dignity for longer than any other monarch in British history. Her tireless contribution to the country and the Commonwealth she loved, and its citizens who valued and respected her, will leave a lasting and treasured legacy for us and for generations to come.
“Her Majesty epitomised selflessness and neighbourliness and has been a beacon of light and hope during the most challenging times we have experienced during her reign.
“We will be arranging a book of condolence for our residents and visitors to sign should they wish and will provide further details in due course.”
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY
Leading tributes in Hampshire, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esq said:
“We have learned with great sorrow and profound grief, of the sad news of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Words cannot begin to express the magnitude of our sadness, and the outpouring of sentiment across Hampshire and sense of great loss we all feel is an accurate and loving tribute to Her Majesty’s quality as our Queen.
“Her Majesty’s reign was the longest of any British Sovereign, and a symbol of stability during wartime, peacetime and decades in which the world has seen many changes. The death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, represents a day of very great sadness across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth and the loss of the Head of a worldwide family of 2.5 billion people.
“On behalf of the people of Hampshire, we will be writing to the Royal Family, to express our deepest sympathy, and our humble and heartfelt condolence for the loss that they are experiencing at this time.”
READING
Joint statement from Mayor and leader of the council:
"It is with great sadness that Reading Borough Council and the people of Reading have learned this evening of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. We join the rest of the United Kingdom in extending our deepest sympathies to The Royal Family. Our thoughts are with them at this time.
"Flags on Council buildings will be flown at half-mast from today. They will remain at half-mast until 8am on the morning following the funeral.
"We respectfully ask that anyone wishing to lay flowers in tribute, should do so outside of Reading Town Hall and by the Queen Victoria Statue. "
WEST BERKSHIRE
Chairman of West Berkshire Council, Rick Jones, said:
“Today we send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Her Majesty was admired by a great many people for a lifetime of public service to this country and the people she represented. In West Berkshire, and across the country, we respected the steadfast dedication to her calling and join the Royal Family in mourning her passing today.
“Here in the Royal County of Berkshire we felt a particular affinity for Her Majesty The Queen. As someone with a passion for horses she would often visit Newbury to watch the racing. The fact she was able to enjoy this interest on our doorstep is something we can take pride and some solace in today.”
ROYAL BOROUGH WINDSOR & MAIDENHEAD
Councillor Andrew Johnson, leader of the council, said:
“The death of Her Majesty The Queen represents a very sad day in the history of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead. She was much loved and respected as a patron to many local charities and organisations. Her commitment to Windsor was unwavering and her presence at local events such as Royal Ascot and The Royal Windsor Horse Show will be missed.
“On behalf of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, we would like to offer our sincere condolences to The Royal Family at this very difficult time.”
Councillor Christine Bateson, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, said: “The sad death of Her Majesty The Queen is a huge loss for the Royal Borough and the Commonwealth.
“The Queen was committed to carrying out her public duties with a lot of time and attention in Windsor for which we are truly grateful. She will be sorely missed. I offer my sincere sympathies to the Royal Family at this very sad time.”