BOOKS of condolence have opened and flowers have begun to be laid in memory of the Queen as Evesham and Pershore residents pay their respects.
Mayor of Evesham Coun Mark Goodge was among the first to sign the book of condolence at The Almonry
The Town Council will have a Book of Condolence available for residents to sign at the Almonry Heritage Centre from 10am this morning.
The Parish Church of All Saints also has a Book of Condolence open for signatures at the church.
It comes as His Majesty the King has announced a period of Royal Mourning will last until seven days after the Queen’s funeral, the date of which has yet to be confirmed.
Royal Mourning will be observed by members of the Royal Family, Royal Household staff and
Representatives of the Royal Household on official duties, together with troops committed to Ceremonial Duties.
Flags at Royal Residences were half masted yesterday (Thursday) and will remain half-masted until 8am on the morning after the final day of Royal Mourning.
Royal Salutes will be fired in London today (Friday) at 1pm in Hyde Park by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and at the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company. One round will be fired for each year of The Queen’s life.
“I’m profoundly saddened at the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Coun Goodge said.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her family and those who have known her. I know this loss will be felt deeply among our community here in Evesham, and across our county and our country.
“Her death is not just that of another public figure, but of someone who has been central to our way of life.
“As Mayor, some of my proudest moments earlier this year were attending the many Platinum Jubilee celebrations in the town and elsewhere. And now one of my saddest moments as Mayor was to lower the town’s flag to half mast as the first official act to mark her passing.
“This is the end of an era, and none of us alive will see another like it. The Second Elizabethan Age has been one of great change, but the one constant through it all has been the presence on the throne of, without a doubt, one of the greatest monarchs ever to have reigned over these sceptred isles.
“As a Royal Charter town, the Mayor of Evesham’s authority ultimately descends from the monarch and I am honoured to have given the Queen my allegiance during my time in office. And I now give that same allegiance to her successor.
“God save the King.”
