Lord Mayor’s sadness at death of Her Majesty The Queen
The Lord Mayor of Canterbury today (Thursday 8 September) expressed an “overwhelming sense of sadness” at the death of Her Majesty the Queen.
But in a statement, Cllr Anne Dekker said we should also celebrate and take pride in her astonishing and inspirational life.
She said: “It is with an overwhelming sense of sadness that I express our very deepest and most sincere condolences to the Royal Family on behalf of everyone living, working and studying in the district.
“This is a moment of intense grief but it is also a moment of celebration of a life dedicated to serving the people of this country and those of the Commonwealth.
“No woman was more roundly admired across the world as a symbol of unity, stability and resounding resilience in extremely turbulent times.
“Calmly, with steely determination and great wisdom she put the interests of the country before her own.
“Her dedication to duty knew no bounds and will act as an inspiration to us all in the years to come.
“Today our thoughts are with her closest family – her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren – who are suffering such an enormous and very personal loss.”
The Leader of the Council Cllr Ben Fitter-Harding sent his condolences on behalf of councillors and officers.
He said: “We can all draw inspiration from the way she has led this country through its trials and tribulations over seven decades while providing great counsel to the politicians running the country at that time.
“Whichever way the political wind blew and whatever crisis confronted them, her knowledge and experience helped the politicians of the time to overcome them.
“That was as true at the start of her reign as it was at the end.
“Politicians always hope history will look kindly on them…eventually. Her Majesty the Queen need not fear the same fate.”
Flags will be flown at half mast at Military Road, the bastion in Dane John Gardens, the Westgate Towers, the Herne Bay Pier and at Whitstable Castle.
The only exception to this is from 11am on Proclamation Day which will see the Proclamation of the new Sovereign.
Books of condolence will be opened tomorrow (Friday) for people to express their condolences at:
- The Beaney
- Canterbury Cathedral
- The King’s Hall
- Whitstable Castle
The books of condolence will be available to be signed during opening hours each day until the day after the state funeral.
Those wishing to lay floral tributes are invited to lay them in the Cathedral Precincts, the Memorial Garden in Herne Bay and at Whitstable Castle.
The council will confirm local arrangements for the Proclamation as soon as the national arrangements are confirmed.
While attending events, the Lord Mayor will wear her robes and her badge of office on a black neck ribbon until after the funeral in place of the full chain.
On all occasions of public mourning, the mace should be inverted, draped in black or a black bow tied around the staff.
As a mark of respect, The King’s Hall has cancelled tomorrow night’s (Friday) Comedy Network and Purple Zeppelin scheduled for Saturday 10 September and will be contacting its customers directly.
Both gigs will be rescheduled.
Published: 8 September 2022