Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch very sadly died aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.

She died peacefully on Thursday afternoon, 9th September at her beloved Balmoral castle, where she had spent much of the summer.

The Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer said:

“Today, we mourn the passing of a remarkable sovereign.

It is a deep, private loss for the Royal Family and all our thoughts are with them at this time. The nation shares in their grief.

We will always treasure Queen Elizabeth II’s life of service and devotion to our nation and the Commonwealth; our longest-serving and greatest monarch.

Above the clashes of politics, she stood not for what the nation fought over, but what it agreed upon. As Britain changed rapidly around her, this dedication became the still point of our turning world.

So as our great Elizabethan era comes to an end, we will honour the late Queen’s memory by keeping alive the values of public service she embodied.

For seventy years, Queen Elizabeth II stood as the head of our country. But, in spirit, she stood amongst us”.

During this period of mourning, other than for tributes to the Queen, Parliament will be closed.

You can watch my own tribute to the Queen here.

Due to the expected high numbers of visitors and security in Westminster you are strongly encouraged to sign the book of condolences (details below) and take part in events in Bristol, rather than London.

How Bristol is paying its respects

Books of condolences

Two books of condolence are available to sign, one located in City Hall and the other in Bristol Cathedral.

The opening times for the City Hall book are:

• Friday 9 September, 10am to 6pm
• Saturday 10 September, 9am to 6pm
• closed Sunday 11 September
• from Monday 12 September to 19 September, 9am to 6pm

Please refer to Bristol Cathedral’s website for their opening times.

There is also a national e-book of condolence that can be signed on The Royal Website and a Bristol e-book, held by Peaches Golding OBE, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of The County and City of Bristol, on Bristol Royal Book of Remembrance.

Flowers

Anyone wishing to lay floral tributes in memory of The Queen are asked to lay them at the West End of Bristol Cathedral, the side closest to Central Library. If you can avoid using flowers with cellophane in line with the Royal Family’s commitment to the environment, that would be appreciated.

If flowers are left in any other public place they may be moved to outside the Cathedral.

Bristol City Council asks that only flowers are used to pay your respects as it cannot be guaranteed that other items can be easily reused or recycled.

For more details and updates visit Bristol City Council’s website