The Bishop of Oxford has paid tribute to the Queen on the first anniversary of her death.

Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, who served as Queen for 70 years, passed away a year ago aged 96 while surrounded by family members at her Scottish home, Balmoral Castle.

King Charles has recalled "with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us."

READ MORE: A look back at the Queen's visits to the county

In his tribute, the King thanked the nation for the love and support shown towards him and Queen Camilla over the last year and pledged their unfailing service.

Now the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev Dr Steven Croft, has added his tribute.

Oxford Mail: The Bishop of Oxford

He said: "One year ago, the nation and the world grieved the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s death.

"The late Queen was our last link to the generation which endured war years. She carried our sense of national identity.

"We each lost one of the measuring sticks of our own lives and that of our families.

"The Queen’s strength, humility and courage came from her Christian faith, and was so great because she paid attention to her inner life."

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The Bishop of Oxford added: "Our King, who has prepared all of his life for his role, has become a rich blessing to our nation and Commonwealth and the world offering stability and a deep, reflective wisdom.

"As our nation and world face immense challenges in this next decade: of disease and poverty, of climate change and environmental disaster, of division and of war, our monarch seeks to bind us together in humility and a generous inclusion.

Oxford Mail:

"In the death of the Queen and the accession of our King, we are challenged to pay attention to our own inner lives and the deep well springs within us and to play our part in building communities, seeking peace, and enriching the life of our nation and the world.

"We continue today to give thanks for the life of the late Queen and to pray for King Charles, Queen Camilla and all the royal family."

Princess Eugenie paid tribute to her late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.

She wrote on Instagram: “Thinking of you today. Missing you so much but remembering what a life of service, love and dedication to everyone and to your family, who loved you so very much.

“Forever grateful to you. And always in my heart.”

It was followed by two red heart emojis and an image of a smiling Eugenie sat next to the late Queen on what appears to be a bench outside a cabin on the Balmoral estate.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

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