Tributes have been paid to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who has died aged 96.
The Mayor of Lancaster, Councillor Joyce Pritchard, has paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Mayor said: “We are all today united in grief. For 70 years the Queen has been an unwavering symbol of strength and stability for the nation.
“During her reign the UK underwent significant change, both socially and technologically, throughout which she stood above the fray providing unparalleled guidance and friendship to us all.
"More locally we shared a special bond with her as the Duke of Lancaster. There can be no better example of the love felt towards her than the sight of the streets being filled with well-wishers every time she visited the district."
Books of condolence to enable local people to express their sympathy will be placed at both Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls, which will be open from 9am - 5pm tomorrow and subsequent weekdays, and 10am-4pm on Saturday. The Union Flag has been lowered to half mast at both buildings.
Details of further condolence events locally marking Her Majesty's passing will be announced in due course.
Morecambe and Lunesdale MP, David Morris, said: ''Terribly sad news, Her Majesty dedicated her life to public service over her 70 year reign and her presence in public life will be sorely missed.
''My thoughts and condolences are with the King and the rest of the Royal Family as we as a Country mourn her passing.''
Lancaster MP, Cat Smith, said: "Deepest condolences to the family of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Lancaster, who touched many lives and whose loss will be sorely felt. On behalf of everyone in Lancaster and Fleetwood, thank you ma’am."
The office of Andrew Snowden, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, said; ''Andrew and everyone at his Office would like to offer their deepest condolences to The Royal Family at this time. Union flags will fly at half-mast across Lancashire Constabulary premises.
''A book of condolences is available at http://lancashire.gov.uk/queen/''
Chief Constable Chris Rowley said: “It is with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth today. There is a sombre mood across the force and on behalf of everyone at Lancashire Constabulary, I send our deepest condolences to The Royal Family at this very sad time.
"As Crown Servants, it is a particularly poignant moment for the policing family. We will remember her as a guiding light and source of inspiration during her long reign of 70 years, particularly during times of uncertainty.
“Flags at Lancashire Police’s premises will now be flown at half-mast to mark the national period of mourning.
“We are now preparing to support our communities over the coming days as we come together to remember Her Majesty and mark this historic moment in time”.
A statement from Lancaster University said: ''HM the Queen holds a special place in the history of our institution, having personally approved the Grant of a Charter which founded the University, before visiting campus to meet our new community.
''There will be a period of mourning including time set aside to pay our respects, and details will be shared with staff and students in the coming days. For today, we lower our flag to half-mast in remembrance.''
The High Sheriff of Lancashire, the chairman of Lancashire County Council and County Council leader have each paid tribute to Her Majesty, following the announcement of her death by Buckingham Palace.
Martin Ainscough DL, High Sheriff of Lancashire, said: "This is a time of great national sorrow and reflection. It is the close of the second Elizabethan era.
"Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth was one of the most respected of dignitaries in the world.
"She will be recognised in history as a great leader and Monarch of the British Isles and the Commonwealth. We were fortunate that in Lancashire we could also call her our Duke. Her Majesty has had a very special place in the hearts and lives of so many people here. Her passing will be even more deeply mourned locally because of her long devotion to, and interest in, the North West of England.
"As High Sheriff of Lancashire, I was appointed by Her Majesty through her role as the Duke of Lancaster, and it's been a great honour to serve her.
"We now look forward to welcoming the new King and there will shortly be a proclamation in Lancashire to mark the beginning of his reign."
County Councillor Peter Britcliffe, Chairman of Lancashire County Council, said: "On behalf of the county council and the residents of Lancashire, I would like to express my deepest sadness following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"As the Duke of Lancaster, Her Majesty had very close links with our county, not least through the Lancashire-based regiments of the armed forces.
"Her Royal Highness was well known to have had a great affection for Lancashire, particularly the Forest of Bowland, and she visited our county on many occasions, most latterly to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the Duchy of Lancaster, when she visited Lancaster and Myerscough in 2015.
"She visited Burnley and Accrington in 2012 to commemorate her Diamond Jubilee as the reigning Monarch.
"People always turned up in their thousands to welcome The Queen, reflecting the enormous respect and affection that people held for her across Lancashire.
"Her Royal Highness will be very deeply missed by so many people who looked up to her, and continue to look up to her, as an exceptional Monarch and a glorious example to us all."
County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "We share the country's deep sadness at the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. As reigning monarch she was also the Duke of Lancaster, as the new King will be, and had close links with our county, not least through the extensive holdings of the Duchy of Lancaster.
"For more than 60 years she was a constant in most of our lives, providing a shining example of a life lived in dignified duty and public service.
"She will be much missed, but as we look back on her reign with deep respect and affection we look forward with hope and optimism to the reign of the new King."
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