Rest in Peace Your Majesty

The people of Poole have joined millions around the world tonight in mourning the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, announced by Buckingham Palace this evening.

Our new monarch, King Charles III, referred to his mother’s death as ”a moment of great sadness,” saying “I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country.”

Liz Truss said that the Queen was loved and admired by the British people and that “she was the rock on which modern Britain was built.”

The late queen visited Poole many times over the years; she opened Poole Hospital in 1969 and Poole Arts Centre, now The Lighthouse, ten years later. In 2004 she inspected the new RNLI training centre and thousands gathered on Poole Quay to wave the royals off as they left Poole on a lifeboat.

Tonight, Poole Mayor, Councillor Tony Trent, who was born the year the Queen ascended the throne, paid tribute to the late Queen calling her “an inspiration.”

He said, “She will be remembered as a beautiful Queen… what really stands out about her is how she’s always done the right thing. There has never been any self-indulgence, she has simply served our country.

Born in 1926, she was not raised to be our future Queen but with the abdication of her Uncle her father inherited the throne and she thus became the Heir.  In 1952 whilst in Africa she learned of the death of her father and returned to England as Queen.  She dedicated herself to the role promising to spend her life serving the Country and Commonwealth, a promise she kept for the rest of her life with humility, great dignity, compassion and love. 

There will never be another like her and she will be greatly mourned and missed.  From the bottom of our hearts, Thank You Your Majesty."

According to protocol, flags will be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect, except during the Proclamation of the new King. Following the proclamation, flags will once again be flown at half mast throughout the mourning period. 

Floral tributes can be left at the War Memorials in Bournemouth and Poole and by the North Porch of Christchurch Priory. Condolence books for any residents to sign are available at Bournemouth and Christchurch libraries as well as Poole Museum.

Once completed, these books will be archived locally as a record of the thoughts and feelings of local residents. Alternatively an online book of condolence for Her Majesty The Queen is available to sign.