Local reaction to the death of HM The Queen

People across Northamptonshire have been paying tribute to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II after the sad news of her death.

“For many, the Queen was our rock who saw the Country through moments of both plight and jubilation. Myself and my Mayoress, Rona, extend our sincere condolences to the royal family at this deeply sad time. The public are invited and encouraged to participate in the events that are to take place over the coming days, as a chance to come together as a community, in a show of respect to our Sovereign Monarch”. - Cllr Dennis Meredith, Mayor of Northampton

“Her Majesty has been a huge part of our country’s public life and it is with great sadness that we heard of her passing.

“I’m sure everyone will join with me in offering the county’s condolences to her family and I would like to invite everyone to take a moment and remember her in their own way.

“The Queen visited Northamptonshire on numerous occasions during her reign and many of us remember the huge crowds that greeted her when she visited Corby for her 2012 Diamond Jubilee - James Saunders Watson, HM Lord-Lieutenant for Northamptonshire and the King’s representative in the county

"I have many memories of Her Majesty’s public life and one thing that stands out is her strength of character in adversity.

“That is something which I feel will be an enduring lesson to us all in the coming weeks and months, as we come to terms with her passing.

“Her family will be constantly in my thoughts at this very difficult time.”Cllr Andre Gonzalez de Savage, West Northamptonshire Council Chairman

“I’m sure I speak for all of us, including colleagues and staff from across the council in passing on our condolences to Her Majesty’s family.
“We’ve always seen her as a wonderful, kind and caring person with a big personality, and she was someone who represented our country so well on the international stage.

“I know she will be sorely missed, and we are making arrangements to ensure everyone has an opportunity to pass on their sympathies.”Cllr Jonathan Nunn, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council

Union flags at the council offices are being flown at half-mast and details of how you can access books of condolence, both physical and online have been announced.

Tonight, Friday 9th September, an evensong service is to take place from 7pm at All Saints Church. This is a public service and all are welcome to attend.

Tomorrow, the wreath laying will be held at the All Saints Memorial Garden from 10am. The Mayor and other dignitaries will lay their wreaths, before the public are then welcome to lay their wreaths and flowers. 

Nationally, it is expected that the proclamation will be read from St. James’s Palace at 11am, tomorrow, Saturday 10th September. On Sunday 11th September, the proclamation will be read again at noon at the Royal Exchange in the City of London. Locally, the County proclamation will be read on Sunday at 1pm, by the High Sherriff on the portico of All Saints Church. The Town Council proclamation will be read by the Town Mayor, Cllr Dennis Meredith, at 2:30pm from the Guildhall steps. The Mayor will be accompanied by guests and dignitaries. The proclamation reading will also be accompanied by the Abington Wind Band brass section, playing the National Anthem. 

Books of condolence will be available from today. An online book of condolence is available on the Royal Family’s website. The book of condolence will also be available inside the Great Hall at the Guildhall in Northampton from 9th September until Tuesday 20th September, when the book will be closed. The Guildhall will be open from 8.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and 9.30am to 5pm on Saturday, when the book will be located in the One Stop Shop. Please be aware that during peak periods there may be queues. The book of condolence will be closed on the day after the Queen's funeral.