Following the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a number of tributes have been paid by individuals and organisations, all wishing to express their thanks to our longest reigning monarch...

Duchy of Cornwall

The Duchy of Cornwall paid tribute the Queen whose “loss has had a profound impact across the Duchy family” the statement said: ‘It is with great sadness that we observe the demise of HM Queen Elizabeth II. HM Queen Elizabeth II took a keen interest in the Duchy of Cornwall during both the reign of her father HM King George VI and in the early years of her own reign.

“Together with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, she made a number of visits across the Duchy estate and attended Council meetings until her son, HRH The Prince of Wales came of age as Duke of Cornwall.

“The passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II and the succession of HM King Charles III marks the transition of the title of the Duke of Cornwall to HRH The Duke of Cambridge. As such the estate is in safe hands. It is right at this time, to recognise the huge changes made by our 24th Duke of Cornwall over 70 years. His Majesty passes the estate on much improved.

“Clearly this loss has had a profound impact across the Duchy family including on our many tenants.”

Cornwall Council

Following the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, chairman of Cornwall Council, Pauline Giles BEM is among those to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s life and service.

In a statement, she said: “It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. She was truly remarkable, much loved and respected. Throughout her long reign she provided a sense of continuity, stability and leadership during times of enormous social change and will be greatly missed by both the Royal Family and the whole nation.

“Others have paid tribute to her devotion to duty and her life of public service and I would like to join with these tributes. She touched the lives of so many people of all generations and her death marks the end of an era in the life of our country.

“The Queen was much loved by all in Cornwall, many of whom have fond memories of her many visits to the Duchy. I will convey our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Royal Family on their, and the nation’s great loss.

“I am sure you will all join me in thoughts and prayers for the Royal Family. Cornwall mourns with them.”

To mark this sad event, books of condolences have been placed in Cornwall Council Buildings across Cornwall for those who wish to express feelings of sadness and pay their respect to the our late Queen. Books will be open every day from 9am until 5pm , Monday to Saturday and will close at 5pm on the day following Her Majesty’s funeral.

Devon County Council

The Queen dedicated her life to her country in all that she has done, says the Chairman of Devon County Council, Cllr Ian Hall.

He said: “It is with great sadness that we hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“On behalf of the people of the County of Devon, I convey that sadness and send our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family.

“Her Majesty the Queen visited Devon on many occasions since meeting for the first time Prince Philip at the Royal Naval College in Devon.

“She and the Duke of Edinburgh returned on numerous occasions to our county, which they were both always fond of.

“As our monarch, she has dedicated her life to her country in all that she has done, and with unwavering support to all our armed forces.

“With commitment and energy and even into her later years and as a mother, grandmother, wife and matriarch, she has shown no less a commitment to her family.

“Her family and the country will miss her greatly.”

Devon and Cornwall Police

Temporary Chief Constable for Devon and Cornwall Police, Jim Colwell described Her Majesty as a woman who was “a source of comfort and stability for millions of people across the world”

PC Colwell said: “On behalf of everyone at Devon and Cornwall Police, I send our deepest condolences to The Royal Family at this very sad time.

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has been a source of comfort and stability for millions of people across the world over her long and enduring reign of 70 years. She has rules for longer than any other monarch in British history and is a much-loved figure across the world.

“With an unwavering devotion to serving the public bother here and in the Commonwealth she has been an important figurehead throughout the decades. There is a very sad mood across the force today and our entire police family joins the nation in mourning this sad news.”

Police and Crime Commissioner

Police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez, also paid tribute to Her Majesty

She said: “My generation has grown up in the age of Elizabeth II and it is difficult to imagine life without her. In this country’s most difficult times she has remained a steadfast, resolute and calming influence.

“Her selflessness and sense of duty – including her tireless state work throughout the covid-19 pandemic and continuation of her duties despite recent health challenges – have been an inspiration to me and countless others in public life.

“Her Majesty the Queen will be remembered with particular affection in Devon and Cornwall, where she made a number of high profile visits, often accompanied by her husband and children.

“My heartfelt condolences go to all members of the royal family at this time.

“I will be working with the temporary chief constable to ensure that Devon and Cornwall police continue to support our communities during this important time of national mourning.”

Justin Leigh

Like so many others, I have only ever known the Queen as our Head of State. It is hard to comprehend that her reign has come to an end.

But I feel very fortunate to have covered many of the Queen’s visits to the South West during my career.

I have fond memories of the presentation of new colours to the Royal Navy on board HMS Ocean in Plymouth Sound. Having completed our broadcast we watched the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh depart and just as she stepped on board the royal launch she looked up, saw us, and waved.

As a child I saw her in Truro for her Silver Jubilee. Later I covered her Golden Jubilee visit to Exeter, so she has been a constant figure in my life.

As I reported on her visits I was always struck by the reaction she received from all generations.  The crowds were happy to see her and from what I could see she always seemed genuinely happy to see them.  Her devotion to public duty was extraordinary.