Tributes to the Queen, who died yesterday at the age of 96, have been flooding in from across Bristol. As the nation - and the world - comes to turn with the passing of the country's longest-reigning monarch, the people of Bristol have spoken of what the Queen meant to them, and their reaction to her death.
One of the city’s most senior politicians, West of England metro mayor Dan Norris, led the tributes, describing Thursday as an ‘immensely sad day'. “Her Majesty the Queen has been a constant presence and an exemplar who always put service first,” he said.
“As so many across the country mourn this huge loss, I send my deepest sympathies to everyone who loved this most remarkable woman. This is an immensely sad day,” he added.
Read more: Updates as Britain mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II
The Mayor of Bristol ordered that the flags on College Green be flown at half mast, and City Hall be lit up in regal purple in remembrance of the Queen. “My thoughts and those of people across Bristol are with His Majesty The King, his children, and the wider Royal Family,” he said.
“This year’s Platinum Jubilee celebrated Her Majesty The Queen’s unprecedented service. City Hall is lit up in remembrance and its flags are at half-mast,” he added.
All the Bristol region’s MPs issued their own statements, including South Bristol MP Karin Smyth, who paid tribute to the Queen’s dedication to public service. “As our nation mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, we reflect also on a life of unparalleled service, commitment and dedication,” she said. “Her devotion to our country was unwavering for the entirety of her reign. We think also of her family, and wish them comfort at this time.”
At Bristol Cathedral, the Dean of Bristol, the Very Reverend Dr Mandy Ford, blessed the new King, Charles III. “On the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II we offer the prayers of Bristol Cathedral in thanksgiving for her life of devoted service to her family, the nation and the Commonwealth,” she said.
“As she lived out her calling to be the Servant Queen, may she be now welcomed into the Kingdom of the Servant King who she followed faithfully all her life. My prayers, and those of the whole Cathedral community, are with all who mourn, and in particular with her family, friends and all who worked closely with her. May God comfort and richly bless our new King, Charles III and Queen Consort,” she added.
The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset police, Sarah Crew, issued a statement offering her heartfelt condolences on behalf of everyone in the police force. “We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” she said. “Her devotion and extraordinary public service have been a continual source of pride and inspiration to us all.
“On behalf of our officers, police staff and volunteers, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, as well as to the public we serve at this time of national mourning. Now is the time for communities to come together for a period of remembrance and reflection, as we pay our respects to a monarch who has faithfully and stoically served us during her historic reign.
“We will be flying our flag at half-mast across Avon and Somerset as a mark of respect at our Police Headquarters in Portishead, as well as other police locations. Memorial plans will be announced by local authorities in due course.
“A book of condolence is being set-up and details of how members of the public can sign it will be announced as soon as they have been finalised,” she added.
Books of condolences will also be opened in North Somerset, where Cllr Steve Bridger, the leader of the council, and his deputy Cllr Mike Bell, said: “It’s with great sadness we receive the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We give thanks for, and pay tribute to, the remarkable and devoted service she gave to the country and also to the whole Commonwealth.
“She was a much-loved figure both here in North Somerset and across the world. We were fortunate to be visited by her on two occasions. Firstly in her silver jubilee year in 1977 and then again in 2007, and we recognise the special and valuable relationship she had with so many charities and organisations in our area.
“Above all our thoughts are with her family who, as well as losing their Queen, have lost a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother,” they added.
Both Bristol’s professional football clubs changed their online presence to black to mark the passing of the Queen, and paid tribute to the monarch. “The thoughts of everyone at Bristol Rovers Football Club are with the Royal Family at this incredible difficult time,” said a spokesperson for Bristol Rovers. “RIP Queen Elizabeth II.”
And the red half of the city also paid tribute. “Bristol City is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen,” the Ashton Gate club said. “Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family and everyone around the world mourning the loss of Her Majesty.”
Across the city, ordinary Bristolians paid their tributes to the Queen, and mourned her passing.
Commenting on Facebook, Sheila Murphy told Bristol Live she hoped rifts within the Royal Family might be healed by her passing. “God bless our wonderful Queen, you have served your country like no other RIP,” she said. “Wishing condolences to all your family. Hope they can all come together and at peace now, and help one another on your sad loss. I am sure this is what she would want of you all - do it for her,” she added.
Vincenzo Citta added on Facebook: “I’m not a royalist but Queen Elizabeth was a special, amazing lady and hasn’t put a foot wrong. RIP Elizabeth.”
The Bristol Somali Voice organisation shared its tribute, which began ‘God Rest The Queen’. “We are deeply saddened and impacted by the news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, longest serving queen. She was a great person and served the country with great honour.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal family and the whole country who are mourning her loss.”
Bristol Live readers shared their experiences of meeting or seeing the Queen on her many visits to the city. Francesca Merli commented: “I remember waiting down at the docks aged seven, by the Neptune fountain in 1985. I was beside myself with excitement just to get a glimpse of her.”
And Judy Hickey-Merli had an even older memory. “I remember in the 50s standing waving my little Union Jack in my school uniform as her car passed us near to Clifton Zoo.”
Bristol University, which is holding its annual open day on Saturday, paid tribute to Her Majesty, and reflected on the visits she made to the institution several times over the years. She first visited just six years into her reign back in December 1958, to open the newly-built Queen’s Building, home to the Faculty of Engineering.
She was back ten years later in 1968, to open the new Meat Research Institute and check out the school of Veterinary Science at Langford House on the edge of the city.
And she came again in 1995 to open an extension to the dental hospital, and finally in February 2005, her last major visit to Bristol, when she also opened the Park Centre in Knowle West. At the university, she opened a new research facility.
Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II and said: "The University of Bristol is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Throughout her long life, Her Majesty has been an important figurehead for the UK and the Commonwealth during times of enormous social change.
"She has devoted so much of her life to public and voluntary service, from opportunities for young people, to the preservation of wildlife and the environment, and her sense of duty has been remarkable. As a mark of respect, we will fly our campus flags at half-mast. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this very sad time,” she said.
READ MORE
- How the news of Her Majesty the Queen's death was announced on TV
- Queen Elizabeth II dies: A lifetime of service to the nation
- Double rainbow appears over Buckingham Palace as crowd gathers to mourn Queen
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