Tributes paid to Queen Elizabeth II on first anniversary of her death

Tributes have been made to Queen Elizabeth II on the first anniversary of her death.

Today (Friday) marks one year since the death of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch at the age of 96.

Buckingham Palace confirmed the passing of the late Queen on September 8, 2022, marking the end of her 70-year reign. 

The Royal Family are expected to pay their respects privately with Prince William and the Princess of Wales anticipated to lead tributes to the late monarch.

On the occasion of the anniversary of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s passing and The King’s Accession, The King has issued the following message:

“In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majesty’s death and my Accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us.

I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all.”

The audio message was recorded by His Majesty from Balmoral Castle, where Queen Elizabeth passed. 

In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majesty’s death and my Accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us.

I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during… pic.twitter.com/NfM6LDWTA0

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 7, 2023

Maidenhead's MP Theresa May paid tribute on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that read: "On the anniversary of the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the UK mourns the loss of our longest-reigning monarch — but we remember a lifetime of dedicated and selfless service to our country."

On the anniversary of the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the UK mourns the loss of our longest-reigning monarch — but we remember a lifetime of dedicated and selfless service to our country. pic.twitter.com/laRlpQQ8hD

— Theresa May (@theresa_may) September 8, 2023

Councillor Neil Knowles, the mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, honoured the Queen’s legacy with a statement.

He said: “Our thoughts are with His Majesty The King and the Royal Family as we mark this first anniversary of the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“All of us remember the poignant scenes in Windsor in the days following the announcement – crowds of mourners silently paying their respects, the sea of floral tributes, the final slow procession up the Long Walk to Windsor Castle.

“At the Royal Borough, we continue to feel her loss, but we also use today to again reflect and give thanks for an incredible life of tireless duty and selfless service to the nation.

“We were so proud to call Her Majesty one of our residents – she loved Windsor, and Windsor loved and respected her in return. She will always have a fond place the hearts and memories of our communities across the Royal Borough.”

Beaconsfield MP Joy Morrissey has also paid tribute on X, writing:

"Today we pay tribute to our greatest Briton - Queen Elizabeth II. Her devotion to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth will forever be an inspiration to people across the globe. We will be eternally grateful for her service. Thank you, Ma’am."

Today we pay tribute to our greatest Briton - Queen Elizabeth II.

Her devotion to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth will forever be an inspiration to people across the globe. We will be eternally grateful for her service.

Thank you, Ma’am. pic.twitter.com/TfhFNpsrkZ

— Joy Morrissey MP (@joymorrissey) September 8, 2023

Slough's MP Tan Dhesi said: 

“On this first anniversary of the Queen’s passing, my thoughts and prayers are once again with the Royal Family.

“The Queen was among the country’s greatest monarchs, and her service and devotion to our country was truly extraordinary.

"For 70 years Her Majesty’s was a life of service, grace and wisdom. Her legacy and her enduring presence will live on. May she rest in peace.”

Slough council leader, Councillor Dexter Smith said: 

“A year on from the death of her late majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I pause to reflect on a life of service to our nation and the entire commonwealth as our longest reigning monarch.  

“I am pleased to see that the Government  is proceeding with a Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Committee to honour her legacy”.

Windsor MP Adam Afriyie said:

“The passing of Her Majesty The Queen marked the end of an era. She was the face and the voice of our nation across the Windsor constituency, the country and the globe for generations, and we will miss her for years to come.

“She represented stability, continuity, understanding and kindness, and her absence serves to emphasise her timeless qualities.

“I will miss her gracious presence, incisive wit and enduring charm, and I know that I am not alone.

“King Charles III has big shoes to fill, and he has made an impressive start.  His inclusive and distinctive style and impressive schedule of engagements locally and nationally bodes well for the future.

“Long live the memory of Queen Elizabeth II, and long live the King.”