As first was going to press, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was being laid to rest in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, following a state funeral attended by world leaders.
The event marked the end of an official 10-day mourning period, in which thousands of people lined the streets for glimpses of the Queen’s coffin on its last journeys and queued for hours to pay their respects while she lay in state in St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, and at Westminster Hall in the Palace of Westminster.
Councils opened public and virtual books of condolence, flew flags at half-mast, provided places for the public to lay flowers, organised proclamation ceremonies announcing the accession of His Majesty King Charles III, and set up big screens in key locations for people to view his mother’s funeral together.
On behalf of all councils across England and Wales, Cllr James Jamieson, LGA Chairman, expressed sincere condolences to the whole Royal Family, in a letter to the King.
“Councils have been proud to serve Her Majesty throughout her reign,” said Cllr Jamieson.
“Her Majesty’s dedication to every one of us, alongside her continuous hard work and loyalty to her United Kingdom, was clear to see throughout her life.
“Her high regard for local government was also truly reflective in her focus and appreciation of councils’ work and determination in her annual Queen’s Speeches.”
He added: “Her celebration of communities and recognition of civic pride and achievement in all walks of life empowered local leadership and commemorated all those who have contributed to the life of the nation and the Commonwealth.
“It was fitting that communities up and down the country had the opportunity to pay tribute to Her Majesty this summer at The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, which brought the entire nation together in celebration of her longstanding service to the country.”