Berwick community leaders react to death of Queen

The monarch, who had served for 70 years, passed away at her Scottish home Balmoral this afternoon.

A statement released by Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

“The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

Berwick MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: "My whole life has been filled with Queen Elizabeth II, a woman of such extraordinary courage and optimism, always radiant and loving, a beacon to us all on what resilience and devotion to duty looks like every single day. Her death is heartbreaking. May she rest in peace."

Berwick East county councillor Georgina Hill said: “I share in the widespread sorrow at this sad news.

“It is truly seismic historically – not just for this country, but the entire world.

“In 500 years time, people will still talk of Elizabeth II and her great and long reign.”

Coun Isabel Hunter said: “As county councillor for Berwick West with Ord, I would like to pass on my condolences to the members of the Royal Family at this very sad time.

“HRH Elizabeth II has been a true ambassador by serving the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth very well for the last 70 years.

“She made a promise when she became Queen that she would take on the role as Queen for the rest of her life and she has fulfilled her promise.

“Sleep peacefully, you are now re-united with your late husband. God bless you.”

Berwick North county councillor Catherine Seymour said: “My thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty's family on this sad day.

“The Queen has dutifully fulfilled her declaration that her life shall be devoted to service. We have been blessed with her long life that has been well lived and she has our affection and respect.

“She is much-loved, not only here on our shores and in the Commonwealth, but all over the world. May she rest in peace.”

Coun Mike Greener said: “As Mayor of Berwick, and on behalf of the Civic Party, the Town Council and the people of Berwick-upon-Tweed, we are all saddened to hear of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who has been our Queen for the past 70 years. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family.

“There will be a Book of Condolence available at our office on Marygate during the week from 9am to 4pm for people to pay their respects.”

Bishop of Berwick and Acting Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverend Mark Wroe, said: “Words cannot express the impact that Her Majesty's death has had on our nation.

"Queen Elizabeth II served our nation with love and absolute dedication throughout her reign, and provided wisdom and stability at times of great change and challenge.

"Her leadership was greatly admired at home and across the world, and her faith was an inspiration to the Church and beyond.

"It is with deepest gratitude that I give thanks for Her Majesty's life and for her service to her people, and I pray for her family and for our nation at this time of deep sadness and grief.”