Political leaders in east London have been paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II following her death at the age of 96.
Britain’s longest-reigning monarch passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday (September 8) afternoon, the Royal Family said.
The nation is now in a period of mourning as people reflect, remember and pay tribute to Her Majesty, who served the country on the throne for 70 years.
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The mayor of Waltham Forest, Cllr Karen Bellamy, expressed her deepest condolences following the news.
She said: “Her Majesty led a life of selfless devotion to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and her passing is a cause for great sadness to us all.
“We recognise, too, the very personal loss that members of the Royal Family are feeling at this difficult time.”
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Waltham Forest Council Labour leader Grace Williams, said Her Majesty’s 70 years of service “will go down in history as something extraordinary during a time of turmoil and change” and said her thoughts are with the Royal family.
The council’s Conservative group described the Queen as the “nation’s hero” and a “beacon of light”.
A statement added: “Her legacy will live on through the hearts and generations of Britons and those she touched around the world.”
A book of condolence is available in the reception of the Town Hall, Fellowship Square in Walthamstow for those who wish to pay their respects.
Image: PA
Political leaders in Redbridge have also been reflecting on the sad news.
The mayor of the borough, Cllr Thavathuray Jeyaranjan, said: “On behalf of the residents of Redbridge, I extend my deepest sympathies to the entire Royal family at the loss of HM The Queen.
“Her reign was truly remarkable. She demonstrated extraordinary dedication and commitment to her duty and her country, the Commonwealth and beyond.
“This is a time of shared public grief, during which people from all communities and backgrounds, are joining together to mourn Her Majesty.”
Labour council leader Jas Athwal said: “The Queen touched so many of our lives, inspiring a nation with her dignity, dedication and affection for our country and its people.
“Our thoughts are with Her Majesty’s children, grandchildren and the wider Royal Family. Now we come together as a grateful nation with our neighbours and loved ones to mourn and reflect on the unparalleled life led by our Queen. May she rest in peace.”
Crowds outside Buckingham Palace following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Image: PA
On its website, the Redbridge Conservative group echoed words from Prime Minister Liz Truss, who described the Queen as the “rock on which modern Britain was built”.
Redbridge Council says books of condolence have opened at six public libraries, including Redbridge Central, Hainault, Woodford Green, Goodmayes, and Valentines Mansion.
Four of the libraries will also host vigils – Hainault at 6pm tomorrow (September 10), at 6pm on September 12 in Wanstead, at 6pm on September 14 in Goodmayes, and at 6pm on September 16 in Redbridge Central.
https://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/21252481.redbridge-waltham-forest-pay-tribute-queen/
