Northumberland community leaders pay tribute to Queen following her death at 96

The country’s longest-serving monarch, 96, 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."

Fears had been growing for her health after her doctors recommended she remain under medical supervision earlier today.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall had travelled to Balmoral to be by the Queen’s side, along with the Duke of Cambridge, the Princess Royal, the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of York and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

The Duchess of Cambridge had remained in Windsor as Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were attending their new school for the first time. The Duchess of Sussex also remained in London.

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."

Cllr Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “We are extremely saddened to hear of Her Majesty the Queen’s passing and our thoughts are with the Royal Family on this extremely sad day.

“The Queen was a welcome visitor to our county, having visited many areas across the years. Her commitment to our nation will be forever remembered and her presence sorely missed.”

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.”

Mayor of Alnwick, Cllr Geoff Watson, said: “Alnwick Town Council and the people of Alnwick are deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of our Queen.

"A Book of Condolence will be opened at the library in Alnwick Playhouse and will be accessible on weekdays between 9.30am and 4pm for those who wish to pay their respects.

"A designated area has been marked out in Column Field for those who wish to pay their respects by laying flowers.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family at this sad time.”

Northumbria Police Chief Constable Winton Keenan said: “It is with sadness we learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“On behalf of everyone at Northumbria Police, I offer sincere condolences to the Royal Family at what must be an extremely difficult time for them.

“All police officers swear allegiance to the reigning Monarch and for so many of us it has been an honour and privilege to serve the Queen for so long.

“Many of the traits displayed by Her Majesty The Queen, in the manner in which she carried out her public duties, are reflected in the behaviours and values demonstrated across policing and particularly here in Northumbria.

“Throughout her reign, she sought to generate community cohesion and bring people together at times of uncertainty, this should continue to serve as an inspiration to us all.

“As we come together to remember and pay tribute to the life of The Queen, Northumbria Police will remain ever present in our support of the local communities we are so proud to be part of.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, added: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II devoted her entire life to this country and the commonwealth. She’s been there in times of celebration and provided stability in darker days. The Queen was loved the world over, she commanded respect and brought our nation endless pride.

“The duty, commitment and integrity with which she approached public service is an inspiration to us all. She really was an incredible woman.

“As a nation we will come together to celebrate her life and we will all mourn her passing, but we should not forget how difficult this time will be for the Queen’s family, friends and those close to her. My thoughts and best wishes remain with them.”

Age Northumberland tweeted: “Age UK Northumberland would like to share its deepest condolences with the entire Royal Family after the very sad news that Her Majesty The Queen has died.

“For Age UK Northumberland and for many older people she was simply inspirational. We will miss her hugely.”

Jean Humphrys, chairman of Community Action Northumberland, said: “It is with profound sadness that we learnt of the death of our Sovereign Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

“On behalf of CAN, we wish to convey our deepest sympathy to the Royal Family at this very sad time.”

Northumberland Scouts added: ‘We join the nation in mourning the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“All at Northumberland Scouts would like to thank her for her service to our country.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family.”

The Queen came to the throne in 1952. Her tenure as head of state spanned post-war austerity, the transition from empire to Commonwealth, the end of the Cold War and the UK's entry into - and withdrawal from - the European Union.

Her reign spanned 15 prime ministers starting with Winston Churchill, born in 1874, and including Liz Truss, born 101 years later in 1975, and appointed by the Queen earlier this week.