Queen Elizabeth II was embodiment of duty, says Bishop of Truro

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years

The Queen has been described as "the very embodiment of the virtue of duty" in a tribute by the Bishop of Truro.

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.

She died peacefully on Thursday afternoon at her Scottish estate, where she had spent much of the summer.

The Right Reverend Philip Mounstephen said the Queen provided "stability and consistency".

He said: "She was not merely a titular figurehead in her role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, but someone with a strong, firm, foundational and personal faith."

The Queen, Prince Charles, Prince Philip and Princess Anne during a visit to the Isles of Scilly in 1967

At 12:00 BST the bells at Truro Cathedral were rung 96 times, along with many churches across Cornwall and the country, to remember the Queen's service and commitment during her 70-year reign.

Chairman of Cornwall Council, councillor Pauline Giles, said the monarch was "truly remarkable, much-loved and respected".

"She touched the lives of so many people of all generations and her death marks the end of an era in the life of our country.

"The Queen was much loved by all in Cornwall, many of whom have fond memories of her many visits to the Duchy," she said.

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Steve Double, the MP for St Austell and Newquay, said he was "deeply saddened" to hear of the Queen's death.

"We will now observe a period of national mourning to show our respects and honour her life of service to our country," he said.

The book of condolence at All Saints Church, Bryher, on the Isles of Scilly

Visit Isles of Scilly, the tourism organisation for the islands, said the Queen's death brought "great sorrow to us all".

"Such a wonderful person with great humility - she will be missed worldwide. Our thoughts are with the remaining members of The Royal Family at this very sad time," a statement read.

The Queen at the Royal Cornwall Show in Wadebridge in 2000

The Eden Project, which hosted the Queen on her last visit to the South West, sent its condolences.

In a statement, it said: "The Eden Project shares the profound sadness of the nation, the Commonwealth and the wider world following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen."

Jayne Kirkham, Labour candidate for Truro and Falmouth, said: "We were lucky to have her for so long. Thank you, Queen Elizabeth II. Rest peacefully."

Flag flying half-mast at Wadebridge Town Hall

The Mayor of Penzance, Jonathan How, said all council meetings and events had been postponed.

"Normal council services will be reduced as officers and councillors follow national protocols," he said.

"The union flag will be flown at half-mast at the forecourt of St John's Hall, the town's municipal building, as a sign of respect at her passing."

Reverend Sheila Bawden, from St Winnow Church in Lostwithiel, said it felt like she had "lost a member of her family".

"I never ever thought she'd leave us. I feel like a part of me has gone. She made me feel secure, she made me feel valued."

Book of condolence at St Paul's Church, Ludgvan, near Penzance

MP for North Cornwall Scott Mann said: "She has been a huge figure in all our lives during 70 years of dedicated service.

"My deepest condolences to the Royal Family."

Steven Webb, Mayor of Truro, said the Queen had served with "remarkable commitment and dedication".

He said flowers and floral tributes could be placed on Truro Cathedral Green.