Local Dignitaries Pay Tribute To Her Majesty The Queen

Local dignitaries across the Isle of Wight have paid tribute to Her Majesty The Queen, following her death, aged 96.

Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely said:

"We are all profoundly sad to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. She was our head of state, our Queen, and a remarkable and unique figure. 

"I know that many people, including the many tens of thousands who have met her, will feel deeply upset by her passing. Truly, it is the end of an era. However, we should also be thankful for her life and her life of service; to the Island, our nation and the Commonwealth. May she rest in peace.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family. God Save the King."

Mrs Susie Sheldon, HM Lord-Lieutenant for the Isle of Wight said:

"I am sure that all Islanders will wish to join me and my husband Jamie as we mourn the passing of our much loved and respected Queen Elizabeth, the only Monarch most of us have known.

"Her Majesty will be deeply missed, not only by the people of the United Kingdom and within her beloved Commonwealth, but also right across the World. We acknowledge, and are grateful for, her influence on so many aspects of our lives and for the selfless example of duty and service she has set for each and every one of us.

"It will be my privilege to represent the whole of our Island community at the State Funeral as we give thanks for her life.

"The whole Royal Family is in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time and to our new Sovereign, Charles, as we pledge our allegiance to His Majesty as he becomes our King.

"God Save The King."

A statement from the Isle of Wight Council read:

"The councillors and officers of the Isle of Wight Council are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty, the Queen and extend their heartfelt condolences to members of the Royal Family at this time.

"We remember with immense gratitude her lifetime of service to the country and the Commonwealth, and her time spent on the Island.

"Flags at County Hall have been set to half-mast where they will remain throughout the national period of mourning."

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones, said:

“It is with great sadness that we have been informed of the death of our Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth ll. 

“Her Majesty the Queen gave a lifetime of service to our country and I wish to send my condolences to the Royal Family at this very sad time. 

“Many people in our communities proudly serve the Monarch, including serving in the Royal Navy, the British Army and the RAF based here in Hampshire. 

“This is a time for us to reflect on Her Majesty’s dedication to our kingdom and how she inspired unity, dignity, and leadership. She touched the lives of multiple generations as one of the longest serving Monarch’s in history. 

“This is a national time of mourning and reflection for people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and around the world. 

“As Commissioner, I will be supporting Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary, as servants to the Crown, to support communities in mourning and the coming together to mark this historic moment.”