Death of Her Majesty the Queen, Elizabeth II
Date Added: 12/09/2022
Death of Her Majesty the Queen, Elizabeth II
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Her Majesty the Queen, Elizabeth II, passed away at Balmoral Castle on Thursday 8 September 2022.
Following this announcement there is now a national period of mourning until midnight on the day of the State Funeral.
________________________________________
Proclamation Ceremonies
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, a new Sovereign has acceded to the Throne.
Charles was formally proclaimed King Charles III on Saturday 10 September at the Accession Council which took place at St James’s Palace.
The county of Bedfordshire proclamation took place in Harper Square, Bedford on Sunday. The Official Proclamation was read out by Lady Jane Clifford, the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, accompanied by the Lord-Lieutenant.
A local Proclamation services took place in various locations during the afternoon including at Priory House, Chicksands, Shefford where the Proclamation was passed to the Vice-Chair of the Council, Cllr Caroline Maudlin by the High Sherrif to read out.
________________________________________
Book of Condolence
Books of Condolence are open at the following locations, 8am to 5pm every day until the day after the funeral:
• reception area at Luton Borough Council
• reception area at Central Bedfordshire Council (Priory House, Shefford)
• Harper Suite, Bedford
A virtual book of condolence has also been set up by The Royal Family, which you can sign by going online to the Royal website.
________________________________________
Flags
Following the announcement of the death of Her Majesty the Queen, the flags outside our buildings were lowered to half-mast.
However, they we raised briefly in recognition of the proclamation of King Charles III, before lowering them again on Sunday. Flags will remain lowered for the rest of the national period of mourning.
________________________________________
Funeral
Monday 19 September is the date of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral. This will be a national bank holiday and mark the last day of the period of national mourning.
Further information about the bank holiday is on the Government website.