Mayor leads local tributes to the late Queen

The Mayor of Llangollen, Cllr Paul Keddie, has led local tributes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who died at Balmoral, aged 96, earlier today.

He says: "We all remember where we were and what we were doing when a disaster strikes or a significant event happens. 

"My wife and I were being seated to watch the opera "Madame Butterfly" when we heard this tragic news. After 2 mins silence, the opera went ahead. 

"But, during the first act, my thoughts were not of the music, musicians, actors or staff, they were on a piece of history I have often taken for granted, our dear Queen. 

"She is the first Monarch most of us will have lost. A queen that has done so much for us as a country and a nation over the years. She will be almost impossible to replace in most of our minds, but we will adapt and welcome the new monarch with as much love as we have had for our dear QEII.

"Council has put our planned protocol in place and all those measures will be followed meticulously. Please mourn her passing with dignity and respect... it is a very sad day, and a sad loss to us all."  

Llangollen Town Council:

Cheshire County Council:

County Councillor Arwel Roberts, Chairman of Denbighshire County Council, said: "We share the Country's deep sadness at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"For more than 70 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."

Simon Baynes, MP for Clwyd South:

"Such sad news - our hearts go out to the Royal Family as we say farewell to our wonderful, wise and compassionate Queen who has watched over us with such love and dedication for 70 years."

Ken Skates, Welsh Senedd Member for Clwyd South:

"The loss of HM Queen Elizabeth II is devastating for the country, and my thoughts are with her family during this incredibly difficult time.

"In the Queen we saw exemplary service and the kindest of hearts."

Llangollen Railway:

"We are extremely saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty the Queen and offer our condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time."

Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. As a nation, we have lost a towering figurehead, who has served our country diligently and dutifully for over 70 years.

“My thoughts at this moment are with the members of the Royal Family as they mourn the loss of a much-loved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I know people across North Wales will also be very saddened by today’s news and that the officers and staff of the North Wales Police family share that grief. Over the coming days, the Force will doubtless be involved in ceremonies or other events that take place to mark the Queen’s passing, and I know that North Wales Police will do its duty – as it always does – in a committed and compassionate way, that both reflects, and pays respect to, the outstanding Monarch we have lost.”

The Welsh Government:

The First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford has expressed his sadness on the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and offered condolences to the Royal family on behalf of the Government and people of Wales. He said:

"It is with great sadness that people in Wales mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Throughout her long and exceptional life, as our longest reigning monarch, Her Majesty has reigned over the United Kingdom and Commonwealth firmly upholding the values and traditions of the British Monarchy.

We pay tribute to Her Majesty’s dedication and selfless devotion. She will be sorely missed by the many organisations for which she was Patron or President.

We offer our sincere condolences to her children and their families on this sad occasion."