Norfolk councils pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen

On the news today of the death of Her Majesty, council leaders have expressed their sadness of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The news from Balmoral Castle at around 6.30pm this evening prompted an outpouring of condolences from county and district councils in the area.

Including Norfolk County Council leader, councillor Andrew Proctor, who expressed his sadness.

He said: “This is such sad news. Her Majesty the Queen has been a reassuring, constant presence in so many of our lives, serving the nation with great warmth, dignity and humanity for over 70 years.

“It is a time to mourn but also a time to remember all she has done and be grateful for Her Majesty’s outstanding public service. She was, always, the best of British, a Monarch who loved the time she spent in our county and I know we will miss her greatly .

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family at this sad time.”

County council chairman, councillor Karen Vincent, echoed the thoughts by saying: "This is a very sad day and Norfolk County Council joins in the nation's mourning for Her Majesty The Queen.

“Her Majesty served our Nation and the Commonwealth with great distinction. Throughout her remarkable reign, spanning more than seven decades, she was a constant and unifying figure during a time of great change.

“The Queen, her late husband Prince Philip and their family spent long and happy periods of residence in our county and we will always hold a special place for Her Majesty in our hearts.

“This is a time to mourn, but also to reflect and be grateful for Her Majesty’s unwavering commitment and selfless service.

“On behalf of the people of Norfolk I shall be sending a letter expressing our sincere condolences.”

A dedicated email address for condolences is in place: condolences@norfolk.gov.uk.

At South Norfolk Council, chairman councillor James Easter, expressed his deep sadness at receiving the news.

He said: "The Queen has served our country with distinction and honour throughout her reign and our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with Charles, and the rest of the Royal Family, at this sad time.

"The council’s flag will be flown in line with protocol until the day following the funeral."

For those wishing to leave a message, a dedicated email address for condolences is in place: Condolence.snc@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk.

Chairman of Breckland Council, Councillor Mike Nairn, chairman of Breckland Council, said: "The world is truly united today as we reflect on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"No other monarch has played such an instrumental role in British life and within the Commonwealth, all against a backdrop of monumental changes in society.

"Throughout her reign she has been a beacon of stability, faith and courage. She was not only our Queen, but a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and our prayers are extended to the Royal family at this difficult time.

"History will show her contribution to our society has been transformative, and she will be truly remembered as one of Britain’s greatest monarchs.”

Norfolk’s Chief Constable Paul Sanford has also paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Mr Sanford said: “This is an incredibly sad day for our country and today we are a nation in mourning for our head of state.

“As the longest serving monarch in British history, Her Majesty has shown an extraordinary commitment to a life of service, becoming a much loved and respected figure.

“Her devotion to duty during her 70-year reign has been inspirational and I believe people across the country are deeply proud to have lived with her as their Queen.

“With Sandringham being a much-loved country retreat for members of the Royal Family, including Her Majesty and her late husband the His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, our county has a close bond with royal tradition.

“The constabulary has a long and proud history of serving the Royal Family at Sandringham and today, we join the nation in offering our thoughts and sincere condolences to them and pay tribute the life of Her Majesty The Queen.”