Staffordshire pays tribute after Queen Elizabeth II dies

Queen Elizabeth II made several visits to Staffordshire, where she is remembered as "a symbol of stability and continuity"

Tributes have been paid across Staffordshire following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Having reigned for 70 years, she was the UK's longest-serving monarch and died at Balmoral aged 96.

The Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, said he shared the deep sorrow the people across the Diocese of Lichfield felt.

Books of condolence have opened in churches and at the National Memorial Arboretum and flags are at half mast.

"The Queen lived a remarkable life of faithful service and maintained strength, courage and grace as she led our country through countless changes and challenges," Bishop Ipgrave said.

Queen Elizabeth II laid a wreath at the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in 2011

"She has served all our communities tirelessly and lived a life the like of which we are unlikely ever to witness again."

'Symbol of continuity'

He said the cathedral and other churches across the diocese in the coming days and weeks would "offer a place of consolation for all those who mourn".

"We also pray for His Majesty King Charles III at the beginning of his reign and we pray that he may know comfort as he grieves his mother's death," he said.

The Diocese of Lichfield covers Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, the Black Country and northern Shropshire.

Books of condolence are opening across the county, such as this one at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council office

The book of condolence at Castle Church in Stafford. The church is open until late afternoon, although will stay open if there is demand

Alan White, the leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: "Her Majesty knew Staffordshire well, visiting the county often, including to mark the official opening of i54 South Staffordshire and when she unveiled a memorial to the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment at the National Memorial Arboretum."

At the arboretum in Alrewas, the daily service in the Millennium Chapel took place at 10:30 BST and included a special reading acknowledging the service of Her Majesty.

Philippa Rawlinson, the director of the National Memorial Arboretum, said: "Our entire team is immensely saddened by the death of Her Majesty, our patron."

Books of condolence have opened. across the county. The Arboretum has an online one and Newcastle-under-Lyme has set up one at the town's council offices.

Workers at construction firm JCB observed two minutes' silence at 11:00 in honour of the Queen, the firm said.

Flags at all JCB's factories in Staffordshire are flying at half-mast.

JCB chairman Lord Anthony Bamford said in a statement Her Majesty's service and devotion to the country would never be surpassed.

"We have been truly fortunate to have Queen Elizabeth as our head of state. It was my pleasure to welcome Her Majesty and HRH Prince Philip to JCB in 1995 when our company was celebrating its 50th anniversary."

Offering condolences to His Majesty The King and the Royal Family, Ian Dudson, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, said: "She has been a symbol of stability and continuity and we are grateful for the many happy memories Her Majesty has given us during visits to this county.

"I look forward with confidence to the reign of our new King who will be a true successor in the twin roles of head of state and head of nation within our monarchy."

The Queen returned to the National Memorial Arboretum in 2016 to unveil a memorial to the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment

Paying his tribute, John Henderson, chief executive of the county council, said: "In my previous role as general officer commanding the British forces in Germany, I had the privilege of meeting the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on several occasions and was always struck by her commitment and steadfast leadership.

"As head of the armed forces, the Queen led by example and had great credibility through her own service during the Second World War, and also that of her sons and grandsons in more recent conflicts."

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh made an official visit to Staffordshire University in 2006

Universities in Staffordshire have also been paying tribute to the Queen.

Staffordshire University said it "was honoured to be visited by Her Majesty The Queen and HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, in 2006, to officially open our TV studios and facilities at our former Beaconside campus in Stafford".

In a statement, a Keele University spokesperson said: "We were honoured that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited Keele in 1999, and many staff look back fondly at the visit.

"As a mark of respect, the Union Flag will fly at half-mast over Keele Hall and will continue do so until the day of Her Majesty's funeral."

Stafford Churches has announced books of condolence are being provided at Saint Mary's, Stafford.

The Queen also greeted crowds in Market Square in Stafford

Police stations across the county are also flying flags at half-mast.

Chief Constable Chris Noble said: "The Staffordshire Police family joins local communities in mourning this sad news as we offer our solemn and sincere condolences to the Royal Family and pay tribute to the life of Her Majesty The Queen."

Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant has also paid tribute to the Queen, who he said was a frequent visitor to the city.

He said: "The Queen was ever charming, knowledgeable and astute.

"We mourn her passing as we leave the Elizabethan age and I offer my deepest condolences to her family and friends."

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