Leaders of Somerset pay tribute to The Queen

People were shocked to learn of the Queen's passing across the globe which has sparked an almighty outpouring of sadness and sympathy for Britain's longest-reigning monarch of 70 years. 

The 96-year-old died 'peacefully' at her home in Balmoral, Scotland, yesterday afternoon.

In a statement, the Royal Household said: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

"The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

PA Wires (Image: PA Wires)

In her honour, floral tributes may be laid at the Italian Gardens and books of condolence will be avaliable to sign at Weston-super-Mare Town Hall, Weston Town Council office in Grove Park, and Castlewood in Clevedon. Other town and parish councils will also provide their own books and places of tribute. 

The mayor of Weston, Cllr Sonia Russe, led the tributes this morning. She said: "It is with deep sadness that we hear of the passing of our beloved Queen Elizabeth.

"As the sixth woman ever to ascend to the British throne, her reign has lasted more than seven decades, longer than all other monarchs of the realm.

Weston's mayor Cllr Sonia Russe and consort David Ray. (Image: Heidin Burton ABIPP)

"Her Majesty’s service to the nation has been steadfast and her personal example is a credit to her subjects, earning admiration from statesmen and women all around the world. 

"God bless Elizabeth, may you rest in peace."

North Somerset Council leaders, Cllr Steve Bridger and Cllr Mike Bell, also paid special thanks to the Queen.

They said: "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 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."

As a mark of respect, all flags on council buildings, and at council parks and open spaces, will be lowered to fly at half-mast with immediate effect. 

The three MPs for our area also expressed their deepest sympathies.

Weston MP John Penrose, said: "Thank you for everything, your Majesty.

"You've been a beacon throughout my life. We couldn't have asked for a better Head of State. Rest in peace."

MP for North Somerset, Dr Liam Fox, said: "It is hard to avoid the feeling that a truly good person has left us and our nation is poorer for her passing.

Dr Liam Fox MP (Image: PA)

"Her Majesty represented a generation who believed in duty before self. Her public service stands as a proud monument to which we should all aspire."

And Member of Parliament for Wells, James Heappey, said: "For Queen and country is no catchphrase to our armed forces and veterans.

"It is meant deeply and it is personal - a mortal commitment to the sovereign herself as well as the nation.

"The Queen knew the sacrifice that those in uniform were willing to make in her name. 

"The Queen responded with a lifetime of service of her own and unstinting support to the men and women in her armed forces. Soldiers, sailors, aviators and veterans everywhere will be desperately saddened by her death. God save the King."

At 12 noon today, church bells across the country will chime and gun salutes of 96 rounds, to mark each year of her life, will be fired in Hyde Park and elsewhere.

From 9am to 9pm today, St John the Baptist Church, in Weston, will open for prayer and messages of condolence. 

King Charles III will also deliver his first address to the nation later today.

Chair of Sedgemoor District Council, Cllr Alan Bradford, said: "I speak on behalf of the whole council and residents of the district when I express how overwhelmingly saddened I am to hear of the death of Queen Elizabeth.

"Grace, wisdom and dignity have been her lifetime watchwords.

"We have so much to thank her for over the 70 years. On behalf of Sedgemoor District Council, I send our personal and heartfelt condolences to The Royal Family."

Cllr Helen Sprawson-White, chair of Mendip District Council, also said: "She has served us with strength, dignity and grace for most of her lifetime.

"None of us could possibly have imagined how daunting it was to take the crown at such a young age following the premature death of her father, yet she has led this country with stoicism and loyalty for over seven decades, a true inspiration to us all."

And Annie Maw, Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, said: "Today we have lost one of the greatest people of our age. 

"On behalf of the people of Somerset, I would like to offer my most sincere sympathy to her family who, we must remember, have lost a beloved, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

"We have been immeasurably privileged to have her as our Queen and Sovereign for so many years. We now wish to welcome and support her son, Charles, as our King.

"From the people of Somerset, Long Live the King."