CONDOLENCES from across the Royal Town of Tunbridge Wells and the wider borough have begun flooding in following the death of Her Majesty The Queen at the age of 96.
Following the announcement of The Queen’s death on Thursday night (September 8), Greg Clark MP tweeted: “Her Majesty The Queen’s life was one of constant, devoted and selfless service to our nation and the Commonwealth, and to generations of her subjects. How blessed we are that she reigned over us. May she rest in peace.”
This was followed by a statement from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, with the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Councillor Godfrey Bland saying: “It is a sad day for us, for the Country, and the Commonwealth, that our dearly loved Queen has passed away.
“For more than 70 years, and the first British monarch to achieve this extraordinary milestone, Her Majesty The Queen served her peoples with grace and dignity. She has been a constant figure in a changing world. The enormous crowds at her Platinum Jubilee celebrations were but a small indication of the love and respect we have felt for her.
“God bless you, Ma’am, and thank you.”
Council Leader, Ben Chapelard, spoke of Her Majesty’s lifetime of dedication and service saying: “We send our most sincere condolences to the Royal family.
“Her Majesty The Queen will be remembered for her dignity and her dedication to a life of service as Head of State of our country and the Commonwealth.
“It is remarkable to think of how much the world has changed during The Queen’s long reign. She has been a constant presence throughout my life. In times of national crisis her responses so perfectly matched the public mood; she united the nation.”
While the Chief Executive of the Council, William Benson added: “Her Majesty the Queen has made an enormous contribution over the past seven decades as our longest reigning monarch.
“As a ‘Royal’ Town, Royal Tunbridge Wells and the wider borough have hugely appreciated her tireless work as the longest serving female head of state in world history, figurehead for the UK and commonwealth, patron and supporter of countless charities and public service organisations and in leading the nation in Remembrance and celebratory events.
“On behalf of the staff of the Council, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and to express our gratitude for the contribution she has made to the life of the nation.”
The Council added that should people wish to lay flowers or a tribute to Her Majesty you are invited to place them on the green on Civic Way in front of the Town Hall.
A Book of Condolence will be opened at The Amelia Scott in Mount Pleasant Road from 9am on Friday, September 9.
