Books of condolence have been opened and flags flown at half mast as councils across West Sussex pay their respects to the Queen.
Messages of love and admiration were shared by political leaders following what Pete Bradbury, chairman of the county council, described as ‘a terribly sad day for the nation and the people of West Sussex’.
Mr Bradbury added: “Her Majesty has a long association with our county.
“She was dignified and gracious and held in great affection by the public – this was clear to all when the country joined in celebrating her reign through the multitude of Platinum Jubilee events.
“Her Majesty’s passing represents the end of an era for our nation and I know many people will want to pay their respects in the coming days.”
His sentiments were echoed by Elizabeth Hamilton, chairman of Chichester District Council.
She said: “The love and admiration for the Queen has continued throughout the years.
“Her Majesty’s dedication and commitment to her role and country is unrivalled and her historic reign will never be forgotten.
“We are all deeply saddened by this news and our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family at this time.”
Book of condolence have been opened at:
Crawley Town Hall (10am on Friday September 9 until 4pm and then from 9am to 4pm during the period of national mourning, excluding the weekends.)
Horsham council offices at Parkside (open weekdays 9am – 5pm), The Capitol (open Mondays to Saturdays 1.30pm – 8pm, Sundays 1.30pm to 5pm), Horsham Museum (open Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am – 4pm).
Chichesters’s East Pallant House offices (Weekdays 9am-4pm)
Messages of condolence can also be sent to the Chairman’s Office, Room 102, West Sussex County Council, County Hall, Chichester PO19 1RQ.
Pictures from some of the Queen’s many visits to West Sussex can be seen ion the county council website.
The first was when she was almost three, staying with her grandfather King George V, who was convalescing in Bognor.
The young Princess delighted in making sand pies with her grandmother, Queen Mary, and watching her have fun on the beach provided a tonic for her grandfather who later bestowed a royal suffix to the town, making it Bognor Regis.
The most recent visit by Her Majesty was in November 2017, when she visited the Canine Partners charity in Midhurst. The charity trains dogs to assist people with physical disabilities.
An online book of condolence will be opened on Buckingham Palace’s website: www.royal.uk
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