Queen an inspiration to many islanders, says chief minister

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, died aged 96 on Thursday

Jersey's chief minister paid tribute to the Queen, saying she would remain "an inspiration to many islanders".

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, died at Balmoral aged 96 on Thursday.

A 96-gun salute from Glacis Field, at Fort Regent, took place at 13:00 BST, and churches across the island rang their bells at midday.

Chief Minister Kristina Moore said people admired the Queen's "strength of character" and "her sense of duty".

Flags are at half-mast across Jersey

She said: "Ministers and officials across government are today sharing the profound sadness felt by islanders at the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"Her Majesty visited the island on six occasions, first as Princess Elizabeth in 1949 when she attended a special sitting of the States Assembly held in the Royal Square and, most recently, for the island's 60th Liberation Day celebrations in 2005."

One islander thanked the Queen "for everything"

'La Reine, Notre Duc'

Ms Moore said islanders knew the Queen as "La Reine, Notre Duc", translated to "the Queen, Our Duke", honouring the 1,000-year relationship between the Crown and the island.

"Millions around the world have admired her strength of character, her sense of duty and her steadfast commitment to the British family and the Commonwealth upon which her legacy is imprinted," Ms Moore said.

"Her Majesty's reign and her devotion to public service remains an inspiration to many islanders."

Islanders lined up to sign a book of condolence at the Royal Court, where flowers had been laid in the Queen's honour

She said she had also sent a letter of condolence to His Majesty The King, saying: "This will be felt acutely in Jersey given our island's longstanding connection and loyal allegiance to the Crown.

"Throughout her reign, Her Majesty was an inspiration to many islanders."

Politicians of Jersey's government met to honour Her Majesty's 70 year reign

The government held a special States sitting at 15:05, which started with a one-minute silence led by the Bailiff, followed by members who paid tribute.

It was set to hold its first official political meeting of the term on Tuesday, but that has been postponed to 20 September to honour the time of mourning.

Islanders are invited to record their thoughts in 14 books of condolence based at the Royal Court, all parish and public halls and the Office of the Lieutenant-Governor.

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People can also leave flowers at the steps of the Royal Court.

Jersey Heritage will open Gorey Castle to the public for free over the weekend so islanders can see the holographic portrait of the Queen which was commissioned by the island in 2004.

The Queen visited Jersey in 2005 during celebrations for the island's 60th Liberation Day

Acting Lieutenant-Governor The Bailiff Sir Timothy Le Cocq said islanders would respect the "private time of grief" for the Royal Family.

He said: "There will be time in the days and weeks to come, to reflect on all of that but today we can only feel the sadness, of the loss of a person who has been a constant presence in our lives, and who is held in this island in such great esteem and affection.

"We should also remember that this is also a private time of grief for the Royal Family and our thoughts and prayers are with them now as they come to terms with the loss of a mother and grandmother."

Mr Le Cocq asked all public places of entertainment, sports fixtures and public events to observe a one-minute silence ahead of commencement.

Queen Elizabeth II at a gathering of schoolchildren at Grainville, Saint Saviour, as she and the Duke of Edinburgh visited the island of Jersey, Channel Islands, in 1978

The Dean, Very Reverend Mike Keirle, said the Queen would be remembered with "great affection" by the faith communities of Jersey.

"Her Majesty set an extraordinary example of public service throughout her life, as well as the challenge to make consistency and constancy the key qualities of her reign, a monarch who was steadfast and dependable in a fast-changing world and who brought a sense of continuity and stability to our society.

"We join with others in expressing our thankfulness to God for her life and service to our island, our nation and the Commonwealth."

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