'Deep sadness' at the death of Her Majesty The Queen

The Chairman of Fenland District Council has expressed "deep sadness" at the formal announcement of the death of Her Majesty The Queen at the age of 96.

Councillor Alex Miscandlon said: "On behalf of all the people of Fenland, I would like to express my deep sadness at the news of the death of The Queen.

"I know that people throughout the district will share my great sorrow while at the same time feeling immense gratitude for her long life and 70 years of reign, service, and unwavering devotion to the whole nation.

"While we mourn her death, we give thanks for her life and for the shining example that she has given of commitment, faithfulness, and true Christian values. She has been loved and respected by all.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with King Charles III and all the Royal Family at this sad moment in our history."

Paul Medd, the Council's Chief Executive, said: "All our staff join with Members in mourning the death of Her Majesty The Queen. The Union Flag will fly at half-mast at Fenland Hall, March, and at Wisbech Port, until the day after her funeral."

Books of Condolence

Books of Condolence for residents to pay tribute, and express their thoughts, will be open from Friday, 9 September. They will be open at the Council's Customer Service Centres at Fenland Hall, March, and The Boathouse Business Centre, Wisbech, from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 12pm on Saturdays during the official period of mourning, and at the Customer Service Centres at Chatteris and Whittlesey Libraries during library opening hours.

An official online book of condolence is available on the Royal Family website.

An online book of condolence has also been set-up by Fenland District Council. Messages left will be saved as a local archive. You can sign this local online book of condolence.

Proclamation

A proclamation ceremony for the new Sovereign, King Charles III, will take place in Fenland on Sunday 11 September at 4pm. The proclamation will be read by the Chairman of Fenland District Council, Cllr Alex Miscandlon, at Fenland Hall in March.

Flowers

Floral tributes in memory of The Queen can be laid at the following churches:

• St Peter and St Paul's Church, Chatteris
• St Peter's Church, March
• St Andrew's Church, Whittlesey
• St Mary's Church, Whittlesey
• St Peter and St Paul Parish Church, Wisbech

Anyone wishing to lay flowers is asked that they are wrapped in paper, and not cellophane or plastic, as they will be composted and used in the planting of an official commemorative tree in Fenland (location to be determined).

Funeral

The Queen's state funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19 September when a two-minute silence will be observed across the nation.

A Community Service of Thanksgiving for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is also being held in Fenland at St Peter's Church in March on Friday 16 September at 4pm.

Further information and links

The Demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: National Mourning Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)