Tributes to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Following the sad news that Her Majesty the Queen has passed away, the following tributes have been paid.

Councillor Jonathan Dulston, Leader of the Council, said: “Along with so many millions of people around the world, I feel tremendous sadness and shock at the passing of our beloved monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of my fellow councillors, colleagues and the people of Darlington, I send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Royal Family.

“Having enjoyed such a long and happy reign, there will be very few people around today who can remember a time when Her Majesty was not our sovereign, and the loss of such an iconic leader will be felt very deeply, not just in Britain but across the Commonwealth and around the world.

“Her Majesty made several visits to Darlington over the years, particularly in 1967 when she and the Duke of Edinburgh commemorated the 100th anniversary of the town being given a royal charter by Queen Victoria. The royal couple also visited Darlington in 2002, as part of the Queen’s golden jubilee tour.

“Her Majesty has been a defining figure at the heart of our national consciousness for decades. Her place in history is assured and her contribution to public life in this country will never, ever be forgotten.”

Councillor Anne-Marie Curry, Mayor of Darlington, said: “I was greatly saddened to hear the news of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. My thoughts and those of my family are with the new King Charles III, the Queen Consort and the wider Royal Family at this sad time.

“It will take some time for us all to process this loss, as while very few of us had the opportunity to meet Her Majesty in person, she touched all of our lives in one way or another over the years. We will always remember her enormous contribution to our country.”