Bedford, along with the rest of the UK, is now in mourning after the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.
HM Queen Elizabeth II passed away at her Balmoral Estate earlier today surrounded by her family. She was 96.
As our longest reigning monarch, she had been a constant in many people’s lives through wars, political change, and more recently the COVID pandemic.
Local leaders have expressed their sorrow at the news.
Read: Her Majesty the Queen has died, Buckingham Palace confirms
Mayor of Bedford Borough Dave Hodgson (Liberal Democrats) said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty the Queen. My thoughts are with Her Majesty’s children, grandchildren and all those close to her at this difficult time.
“Her Majesty’s passing, without doubt, does mark the end of a very long chapter in the history of our country and for most people, her presence has been one of the few constants throughout their lives.
“Throughout her life, Her Majesty served the country with absolute dedication, honour and dignity. From serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War Two to taking the time to speak to schoolchildren, she never once shied away from public duty.
“Her life will forever be interlinked with that of a period of great change within the UK and although many today would struggle to recognise the world she had been born into, she always seemed to belong very much here today in the present.
“The Queen will be deeply missed within the UK, the Commonwealth and further afield. May she rest in peace.”
Mohammad Yasin, Labour MP for Bedford and Kempston, added: “The passing of Her Majesty the Queen is an immeasurable loss to the UK.
“I offer my deepest condolences to her family and to everyone who mourns her – she was truly loved by many, both in the UK and across the world.
“It was a delight to see our community come together to celebrate and pay tribute to her 70 years of loyal service to our country.
“The days and months ahead will be difficult for all of us. May we come together in peace, kindness and respect as we remember her and prepare for the next chapter in our nation’s history.”
Bedfordshire Police have also paid tribute. Chief Constable Garry Forsyth said: “It is with great sadness we learnt of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
“On behalf of everyone at Bedfordshire Police, I send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this extraordinarily sad time.
“Her Majesty has been an inspiration to so many during her incredible 70-year reign, especially during times of uncertainty.
“As Crown Servants, this is a particularly poignant moment for our policing family and we will be flying the flags at our premises at half-mast during the national period of mourning.
“I understand that Her Majesty’s death will affect many across the county and we are preparing to support our communities over the coming days as we come together to remember our Queen.
“We would urge anyone who is feeling particularly saddened by this news to reach out to one of the many agencies available to support.”
Meanwhile, Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Festus Akinbusoye added, “I share the sadness of people across the country and around the world at the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“She is an iconic and inspiring figure who has been a constant source of reassurance and strength for generations.
“My thoughts are with every member of the Royal Family at this difficult time.”
Bedfordshire’s Chief Fire Officer, Andrew Hopkins has also paid his respects on behalf of the county’s firefighters.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, who has been such an inspiration to so many during her historic 70-year reign as our beloved monarch.
“On behalf of all of us at Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service, may I extend our deepest condolences to His Majesty, King Charles III and to all members of the Royal Family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this moment of such great sadness.”
On Twitter, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada, who was only appointed this week, wrote, “Immense sorrow at the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
“A day of great sadness for our county; the end of an era. We give thanks for Her Majesty’s lifetime of devotion & public service.
“Condolences to HM The King, Queen Consort & all members of the Royal Family. God Save The King.”
Read: Susan Lousada appointed as HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire
Further statements are expected shortly.
This is a breaking news story and may be updated as more information becomes available.
