Queen Elizabeth II: Guernsey honours 'extraordinary' service

The Queen arriving At Guernsey Airport for a tour of the Channel Islands in 2001

The Bailiwick of Guernsey will observe a period of national mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, it has been confirmed.

The Queen died peacefully on Thursday afternoon at Balmoral, aged 96.

Floral tributes can be laid at the Sunken Gardens and books of condolence are opening at various locations.

A 96-gun salute was held at Castle Cornet at 13:00 BST to mark each year of the Queen's life.

People are laying floral tributes at the Sunken Gardens

Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell said the Queen's relationship with the islands had been particularly special.

He said: "She is the only sovereign that most of us have ever known and the relationship between Her Majesty and the Crown dependencies has been particularly special.

"At this saddest of times, we should be thankful for the example she set and take comfort in the memory of her long and extraordinary life of service."

• What happens next after the Queen's death?

• How titles and the line of succession have changed

• What kind of a king will Charles be?

Bailiff Richard McMahon described the Queen as a "constant and reassuring presence while so much changed".

"Throughout, Her Majesty maintained a sense of hope and optimism rooted in faith and recognising there's much about which to be thankful."

States members honoured Her Majesty's reign

Members of the States of Guernsey met at 14:30 BST for a special meeting to honour Her Majesty's reign.

Mr McMahon said it was with "profound sorrow that we meet today".

'Deepest sympathies'

Chief Minister Deputy Peter Ferbrache said the Queen had reigned "stoically, with dignity, with pride, and she's adopted changes".

The Girlguiding association, where the Queen was patron from 1953, sent its "deepest sympathies" to the Royal Family.

It said: "Throughout her life, the Queen embodied the spirit of guiding, every day she kept her promise to do her best, live according to her beliefs, and to serve people.

"Her dedication and service as the longest-reigning monarch has inspired all girls and young women in guiding to serve their communities across the British Isles and beyond, a legacy our members will continue to uphold in her honour."

Flags are hanging half-mast at Castle Cornet and across Guernsey

The States of Alderney's President William Tate said its community shared a "deep sense of sadness at the loss of our beloved Queen".

During her 70-year reign, The Queen visited the island on four occasions.

Mr Tate said: "She has been an inspiration throughout her reign to all those who value loyalty, integrity, leadership and devotion to duty.

"The community embraced the royal visitors and demonstrated our continued commitment to the Crown."

Parishes across Guernsey rang their bells between 12:00 and 13:00 BST in honour of Her Majesty.

The period of national mourning will continue until the end of the day of the state funeral, the States said.

Follow BBC Guernsey on Twitter and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].