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Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest reigning monarch has died aged 96. Her death follows concerns expressed earlier today from medical staff.
A short statement was released from Buckingham Palace which said "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
Queen Elizabeth has been on the throne for over 70 years. Just two days ago outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnston and incoming one Liz Truss visited her at Balmoral. Her eldest son Charles is now King Charles III.
Constant source of strength and stability
Commenting on her death Slieve Gullion Councillor David Taylor said “I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We have lost our one constant source of strength and stability as a Nation.
“Earlier this year, we celebrated the occasion of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, marking her 70 amazing years of service on the Throne.
“Her dedication to service was truly inspirational and this was recognised by people of various backgrounds. We certainly will look back at Her Majesty’s remarkable life and glorious reign with immense pride.
“The Queen was held in the greatest affection by so many and highly respected around the world. She was the ultimate testament to all that is exceptional about our United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
“I offer my deepest condolences to the Royal Family as they mourn the loss of a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I hope the good Lord will serve as their strength and shield and indeed for us all as a Nation as we enter a period of mourning and reflection remembering the life and service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
Historic
The Taoiseach also issued a statement on behalf of the Irish Government. He said "I would like to convey my deepest sympathy to His Majesty King Charles, the Royal Family, the UK Government and the British people on the loss of their beloved monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
"The Queen’s reign was one of historic duration, immense consequence and a focus of respect and admiration around the world. Her dedication to duty and public service were self-evident and her wisdom and experience truly unique.
"The Queen’s passing is indeed the end of an era. Her State Visit to Ireland in 2011 marked a crucial step in the normalisation of relations with our nearest neighbour.
"That visit was a great success, largely because of the many gracious gestures and warm remarks made by the Queen during her time in Ireland.
"Her popularity with the Irish people was also very evident and clearly made a very positive impact on the Queen. In particular, I recall the warmth of the welcome she received from the public in Cork during her walkabout at the English Market.
'To her grieving family and people, the Irish Government join with you in mourning the loss of an exceptional woman who led by quiet and dignified example and who touched so many lives over her exceptionally long reign.
"Our world is a poorer place for her passing but a far richer and better place as a result of her long life and enduring contribution.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis."
Sense of duty
The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Right Reverend Dr John Kirkpatrick, has offered the Church’s ‘deepest, heartfelt and sincere condolences’ to His Majesty the King, on this evening’s announcement that Her Majesty the Queen passed away peacefully this afternoon at Balmoral.
In paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth, Dr Kirkpatrick said, “On behalf of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, I would like to extend our deepest, heartfelt and sincere condolences to His Majesty the King and the Royal Family, on the loss of one so loved and respected.
“For those in Northern Ireland who express their loyalty to the Crown, few can remember a time when The Queen was not part of the very fabric of national life, as her Platinum Jubilee in June demonstrated. At the same time, for many who do not share that same sense of loyalty, in her long life Queen Elizabeth became one of the most recognisable and respected figures across these islands.
“The Queen will be remembered for her sense of duty and quiet dedication to the service of the people of the United Kingdom, and those farther afield. Her promise, made long ago on her 21st birthday, that her ‘whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service…’ has now been fulfilled, and we give thanks to God for that long and dutiful life,” Dr Kirkpatrick said.
Dr Kirkpatrick continued, “As an all-Ireland denomination, many of our members, and indeed non-members alike, found much hope and encouragement in Her Majesty’s many visits to Northern Ireland, not least during the darkest of days. Few will also forget her state visit to the Republic of Ireland with her late husband, Prince Philip, 11 years ago.
“In a long and significant reign, they were four days in May that not only made history, but quietly closed a chapter in Ireland’s story. A short visit that left a long-lasting impression, which will be remembered for many years to come, alongside her commitment to peace and reconciliation,” he said.
Led by example
Stormont Assembly First Minister designate, Michelle O'Neill said "It’s with deep regret that I learned of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The British people will miss the leadership she gave as monarch. I would like to offer my sincere sympathies and condolences to her children, and wider family as they come to terms with their grief.
"I wish to especially acknowledge the profound sorrow of our neighbours from within the unionist community who will feel her loss deeply. Personally, I am grateful for Queen Elizabeth’s significant contribution and determined efforts to advancing peace and reconciliation
"Throughout the peace process she led by example in building relationships with those of us who are Irish, and who share a different political allegiance and aspirations to herself and her Government.
"Having met Queen Elizabeth on a number of occasions alongside my colleague, the late Martin McGuinness, I appreciated both her warmth and courtesy."
