Essex remembers the Queen
Leaders across the county have been paying tribute to Britain's longest reigning monarch
Last updated 9th Sep 2022
Leaders from across the county of Essex have been paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, after her death at the age of 96.
Her Majesty visited our county dozens of times over her reign, her first was a trip to Tilbury in 1952, in the aftermath of the devastating North Sea Flood.
She visited Maldon in 1971, greeting thousands of wellwishers. Her final visit to the county was in 2010, when she toured the Maldon Salt Company.
The Lord Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst said: "It's quite extraordinary to think that there she was, standing allbeit with a stick (earlier this week) in her beloved Balmoral Castle... and now she's gone."
Tilbury, 1953
"We are witnessing the passing of the head of a worldwide family of two and a half billion people, if you look at the Commonwealth... an extraordinarily long reign."
In a statement, Chairman of Essex County Council, Councillor Eddie Johnson, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has passed away.
“We would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s life-long commitment to public service as the longest-reigning monarch in history. Her loss will be felt throughout the county, the country and the world.
“Flags are being flown at half-mast at County Hall and a letter of condolence will be sent to the Queen’s personal secretary expressing our sympathies.”
Mayor of Colchester Councillor Tim Young said: “On behalf of the people of Colchester, I would like to express my most profound sorrow at the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, and to convey our deepest condolences to all members of the Royal Family at this difficult time.
“Queen Elizabeth has been a loyal servant to this country and has touched the hearts of millions of people, not just in the United Kingdom but throughout the Commonwealth and across the globe. She was an exceptional person who devoted her life to her family, her nation, and the Commonwealth.
“Her Majesty visited Colchester on many occasions, including in 1985 when she attended a lunch in our Town Hall. Whenever she visited, she was greeted by thousands of well-wishers."
The Very Revd Nicholas Henshall, Dean of Chelmsford, said: "Queen Elizabeth the Second has been an extraordinary presence in our national life and the Commonwealth for 70 years.
"Her death is inevitably a moment for national mourning but also a wonderful moment to celebrate the gifts that she has shared and the legacy that this leaves.
"Among these gifts has been foremost her transparent Christian faith and the way that this has formed and influenced the manner in which she has lived her life."
Books of Condolence are to be open at council buildings and churches across the county, until the day after the funeral.
Essex MP's have been paying their tributes too:
Chelmsford's Vicky Ford called the news 'devastating', saying she joins the millions of people around the world mourning her death and that it was an honour to serve under the Queen's reign.
Saffron Waldon's Kemi Badenoch said her sympathies are with the Royal Family who've lost 'a mother and so much more'. She said Her Majesty was much loved, not just in our country but around the world.
Clacton's Giles Watling said the news brought 'a dark cloud over the nation which she loved'. He said the Queen was a 'true global phenomenon' and that he'll always remember her 'selfless service to the British people and the wider world.'
Brentwood's Alex Burghart has thanked Her Majesty and said 'nothing will ever be the same'.
Southend West's Anna Firth said she was 'deeply saddened to learn of Her Majesty's death' and said her 'thoughts and prayers' are with the King and the Royal Family'.
And James Cleverly, who represents Braintree, paid tribute to the Queen, saying she'll be remembered for 'her dedicated service at home, across the Commonwealth and around the globe' and that her service 'fostered peace and friendship worldwide.'