“We will remember the Queen with affection and gratitude,” says the Lord Mayor of Oxford as local authorities across the county pay tribute to the monarch after she passed away this afternoon.

Councillor James Fry, the Lord Mayor of Oxford, said: “We are all deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.                                  

“My thoughts, and those of the people of Oxford, are with the Royal Family at this time and we join with people from around the world as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest-reigning monarch, whose Platinum Jubilee we celebrated so recently.”

The city council will fly its flags at half-mast during the period of national mourning and said they are awaiting for further guidance from the Palace.

READ MORE: Live: The Queen dies aged 96 – Reaction in Oxfordshire

Councillor Susan Brown, the leader of the council, said: “While our thoughts are particularly with Her Majesty’s immediate family over their loss, people across our city and across the world will also feel this loss as The Queen has been part of all of our lives for so many years.”

A spokesperson from the council said: “We know that people across the city will want to remember the lifetime of service given by our longest-reigning monarch and will update tomorrow on ways in which residents can do this.”

Eddie Reeves, leader of the Tories at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Immensely sad. May she rest in peace and rise in glory. Thank you, Ma'am, for all you did.”

A spokesperson at the county council said: “Our sincerest condolences to the royal family on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who as our longest reigning monarch shall be greatly missed.”

Oxford East Conservative chairman Mark Bhagwandin said: “This wonderful light of hope that has gently and steadily burned for seven decades has finally gone out and we are all devastated.

“Our beloved Queen will long be remembered for her dedication to duty, sacrifice and service and this nation and so many others beyond these shores, will always be deeply grateful to her.

“Queen Elizabeth was respected and admired by millions around the world and she will be sorely missed.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire MPs pay tribute to the Queen

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family on the passing of the Queen. May she rest in peace.”

A spokesperson for 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.”

Read more from this author

This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi

 

Read more from this author

This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi