The union flag will be flown at half-mast over council offices as civic leaders said the “thoughts and prayers” of West Oxfordshire are with the Royal Family.

Julian Cooper, chair of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

"Our thoughts go to The Royal Family during this challenging time and on behalf of West Oxfordshire District Council and all its residents we would like to offer our deepest sympathies.

“Her dedication to our Country and the Crown will go down in the history books, and her commitment to a life of service is an example to us all. She will be long remembered and we are thankful for all she has done as our longest serving monarch.

“As a mark of respect, the Council will be flying the Union flag at half-mast and over the coming days we will be following the national protocol to mourn her Majesty."

The council said it would be publishing details as it received them from the Royal Household for anyone who wishes to leave condolences, flowers or a tribute.

Revd Canon Toby Wright of St Mary’s Witney said the church wanted to express its “grief and sadness”.

It is hoped a civic service will take place at 6pm on Sunday at St Mary’s to give thanks for the Queen’s life.

“Our prayers are with our new King Charles and with all the Royal Family. This is an additional sadness at a critical time for the nation," he said.

But, he added, the Queen had "such a strong faith and it was her strong hope that this was not the end and this is a moment to hold on to that.

“Our hope and prayer is that she is now in glory. Rest in peace.”

Former Conservative Prime Minister and Witney MP David Cameron wrote: "At this solemn and profoundly sad time for our country, the Commonwealth and the world, I offer His Majesty The King and the whole Royal Family, my heartfelt condolences on the death of Queen Elizabeth II."

Earlier in the day Witney and West Oxfordshire MP Robert Courts said: "I know I speak for all of West Oxfordshire when I say I am deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace today.

"My thoughts - and the thoughts of people across all of West Oxfordshire and beyond - are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time."

Liz Leffman, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, who represents Charlbury at district level, had also reflected on the fact the Queen has always been part of our lives, as well as her incredible service to the country.

She said: “What sad news. The Queen has been part of all of our lives for as long as all of us can remember, for most of us, and she will be sorely missed  by all of.

“We know she is 96 and has not been well. Our hearts go out to the Royal Family for what must be a very difficult time for them.

“I want to say just how much the Queen has given to this country and all of us, she has been a part of our lives for as long as we can remember and served this country above and beyond what one might expect from a monarch.

"She has been an exemplar not just in this country but across the world, particularly for the Commonwealth.”

She added: "Our thoughts are with her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.”

County councillor Liam Walker, who represents Hanborough and Minster Lovell, said: "The nation has lost a truly remarkable monarch. Words cannot express how amazing she has been for our country and for the Commonwealth.

"The glue that during difficult times over the decades has held our country together."

Oxford Mail reader Carla Hare reflected upon the personal loss to the Queen's family.

She wrote: “I honestly thought you were immortal, you'd forever be reigning with your beautiful smile. What an amazing mother, grandma and great grandma you are. Not only that, been the country's queen for 70 years. Sending all my love to you your majesty and your family. Carla.”

Jenny Bromley wrote on Facebook: "A wonderful lady, devoted her whole life to the country and will be so much missed. I will never forget that smile. They say nobody is irreplaceable. I truly think she is irreplaceable. God bless."

Jan Donne wrote: "Crowned in the year I was born, known and loved her all my life, now reunited with her husband, mother and sister RIP Ma'am."

Stella Johnson added: "She will be reunited with her beloved husband. Rest in peace."

Witney Town Council expressed its "deepest sadness" at the news of the Queen's death.

The council wrote: "It is with deepest sadness that Witney Town Council heard the news of the passing of our gracious sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II today."

The flag on Witney Town Hall will be flown at half-mast.

An area outside St Mary's Church has been set aside for floral tributes.

Blenheim Palace will fly its flag at half-mast as a mark of respect "in honour of her 70-year service".

It said the Palace will remain open "to allow people to come and reflect at this sad time".

Following the announcement of the Queen's death, Witney Radio changed its music "to reflect the thoughts and feelings of the community".

Witney Spirtualist Church posted: "RIP HM Queen Elizabeth. Our thoughts to the family. Re-united with her beloved Philip. Our thoughts and prayers this day being sent with love to HM Queen Elizabeth and extends to all the family."

 

 

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