The devastating news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's passing will touch many people in Watford, the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and across the world. Many people will not have known any other Head of State of our United Kingdom. Her sad passing is a terrible loss for us all.
During her reign the Queen saw huge change and has been involved in everything that is important to us as a nation. Her Majesty was a constant in our lives, giving her life to public service and representing us both at home and abroad with faultless distinction.
She visited Watford on a number of occasions, initially when she was still Princess Elizabeth in 1946 where she attended the Hertfordshire Show in our beautiful Cassiobury Park. The Royal Train carrying The Queen made a stop at Watford Junction in 1962, and in 1977 she visited Rolls Royce HQ in Leavesden. She also visited Parmiters School in 1981.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family at this very sad time as they mourn the loss of a much loved mother, grand mother and great-grandmother.
In the fullness of time, our sadness will give way to an outpouring of wonderful memories that her reign has given to us all and our great country.
In the days to come, following on from this news, we will unite in our sadness and draw strength from the fact that the United Kingdom and The Commonwealth are better places because of her long reign and commitment to a life of public service.
Tributes in Parliament
Parliament sat for two days last week to allow MPs to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and to tell their own stories of what the Queen meant to them personally. I gave my own tribute which you can watch here.
Proclamation of the King
A historic event took place on Sunday at 4pm in Watford Town Centre to announce the new monarch. At the Peace Memorial, close to the Town Hall, a Proclamation was made formally announcing that the Queen had sadly died, and that the King had acceded the throne.
It is part of a series of proclamations taking place across the country with some having taken place over the weekend. The tradition of the Proclamation, dating back hundreds of years, sees official announcements made in towns and cities across the country.
How you can pay tribute to Her Late Majesty
Books of Condolence
There are a number of books of condolence, both in Watford and nationally, which constituents can sign if they wish to pay tribute to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Watford Council have released a statement, which gives information on Books of Condolence that can be signed in Watford Town Hall and the Museum. Read that statement here.
The Lord Lieutenant of Herdfordshire has an Online Book of Remembrance that can be signed here.
Hertfordshire County Council have their own Online Book of Condolence to sign here. St Lukes Church is inviting people to light a tea light in remembrance for Her Majesty. There is a physical book of condolence available.
St Michael and All Angels' Sunday service will offer prayers to King Charles III, and for Her Majesty The Queen.
All Saints Church in Leavesden have a book of condolence available for those who wish to sign it and visitors are welcome to light a candle.
Floral Tributes
Those wishing to lay floral tributes to Her Late Majesty in Watford can do so at the Peace Memorial outside the Town Hall.
Attending Her Majesty The Queen’s Lying-in-State at the Palace of Westminster
Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be Lying-in-State in Westminster Hall at the Palace of Westminster from Wednesday 14th September until Monday 19th September. Constituents wishing to attend the Lying-in-State can find full details and guidance online here.
Information about the State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen
Constituents who are interested in finding out information about the State Funeral should keep checking this website, where details will be published when available.
