Isle of Man 'deeply saddened' by Queen Elizabeth II's death
- Published
The British monarch is the Isle of Man's head of state
People on the Isle of Man are "deeply saddened" by the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the chief minister said.
Buckingham Palace announced at 18:30 BST on Thursday that the Queen had died, aged 96, at Balmoral.
Alfred Cannan said the Queen had been a "beacon of strength and stability, of dependability and continuity".
The British monarch is the head of state in the Isle of Man, known as the Lord of Mann. The title passes to King Charles III.
The Isle of Man has now entered a period of national mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Mr Cannan said: "We are all deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
"Throughout her long reign, the Queen - our Lord of Mann - has been a beacon of strength and stability, of dependability and continuity.
"She led a life dedicated to the service of her people, setting an example for us all.
"On behalf of the Government and people of the Isle of Man, I extend my sincerest condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time."
Queen Elizabeth II presided over the annual open-air Tynwald sitting twice
The island's Lieutenant Governor, who is the British monarch's representative on the island, has also paid tribute.
Sir John Lorimer, who was appointed to the post last year, said: "I know that the Isle of Man shares with me its profound sadness at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Lord of Mann.
"I shall be sending a message of condolence from the island to the Royal Family."
Flags on government buildings have been lowered to half-mast
Bishop of Sodor and Man Peter Eagles said the Queen's life and reign "were characterised by service and faithfulness".
He said: "Through more than seven decades of constant and often turbulent change, she held fast to a vision of caring leadership that brought both comfort and inspiration to countless people.
"Her Majesty's reign has been a stupendous achievement, and, in its reminder to us of the enduring qualities and virtues of Christian leadership, it has been a gift to our modern age."
Flags around the island are flying at half mast as a mark of respect for the Queen, bells rang out at St George's Church in Douglas, Peel Cathedral and The Royal Chapel in St John's to mark the death.
Books of condolence have also been opened in several locations, including Government House in Onchan and Douglas Town Hall.
People who wish to pay their respects with a floral tribute has been encouraged to do so on the green at Tynwald Hill in St John's, opposite the processional walkway.
Several books of condolence have been opened around the island
In a joint statement, President of Tynwald Laurence Skelly and Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson offered their "heartfelt condolences" to the Royal Family.
"Her Majesty The Queen gave unstintingly devoted public service to her country and the Commonwealth, and she made many genuine and lasting connections with the people of this Island during her lifetime," they added.
Bells were rung at churches, including St George's, at midday
Tributes have also been paid by members of the Isle of Man government, with Cabinet Office Minister Kate Lord-Brennan describing the Queen as "a model of stability, grace and dignity and source of comfort and hope through difficult times".
"A great loss will be felt on the Isle of Man, shared throughout the Commonwealth and beyond," she said.
"May she rest in peace and her positive influence and inspiration of devoted service live on."
A book of condolence has been opened at Douglas Town Hall
The island's capital was one of eight towns to be granted city status in May this year to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee.
Mayor of Douglas Janet Thommeny said: "Her Majesty the Queen's unfailing service and dedication for more than 70 years will remain an inspiration to us all.
"Her loss will be mourned across our Borough, our nation, the Commonwealth and beyond and our book of condolence is an opportunity to convey our thoughts and support at this very sad time."
Following the death of the Queen, King Charles III will be proclaimed as Lord of Mann on Sunday.
The proclamation will be read by the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer at midday at Government House.
A second proclamation ceremony will be held on 16 September from Tynwald Hill at 11:00 BST.
Similar to the annual open-air sitting of Tynwald held in July, the special gathering of the island's parliament will begin with a short act of worship in the Royal Chapel in St John's before the proclamation is made on Tynwald Hill.
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