MIDWESTERN ONTARIO – Local officials are offering their condolences to the Royal Family following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.
“On behalf of Perth County council, and the residents of Perth County, I wish to extend my deep condolences to members of the Royal Family, on the passing of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II,” reads a statement from Perth County Warden Jim Aitcheson.
“Perth County joins with people across the Commonwealth and around the world in mourning this significant loss.”
North Perth Mayor Todd Kasenberg, in a statement, said The Queen “has been a light to the world, with a profound depth of commitment to service that we all can find exemplary.”
The queen died on Sept. 8 at Balmoral Castle, her summer residence in Scotland, after 70 years on the throne. She was 96.
In a statement, Prince Charles, who automatically becomes king (a coronation will be held at a later date), said the death of his mother, is “a moment of the greatest sadness” for him and his family.
“I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world,” Charles stated.
“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”
Condolences poured in locally and from across the world not long after the death of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and Canada’s head of state was announced by the Royal Family.
“Today, a page has not only been turned, but a chapter in our shared history has drawn to a close,” states a press release from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“I know Her Majesty’s service to Canada and Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.”
Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb stated on Twitter, “People across the country will mourn the loss of the only monarch many of us have ever had. Let us take a moment to honour Her Majesty’s memory.”
Queen Elizabeth appointed Liz Truss as Britain’s new Prime Minister just two days prior to her death on Sept. 8. (Royal Family photo)
Perth-Wellington MP John Nater noted on social media “the thoughts and prayers of Canadians are with Her Majesty at this time.”
The impact of the loss of Elizabeth, who served as queen since Feb. 6, 1952, will undoubtedly be profound in Britain and the Commonwealth, though it’s unclear what affect it will have on the monarchy itself.
Over seven decades, Queen Elizabeth brought stability to the monarchy, did not shy from modernization and helped oversee many periods of change and more than a few familial scandals.
Though she was less visible in recent years, she remained in control of the monarchy and in June was at the centre of celebrations in Britain for her Platinum Jubilee.
Born on April 21, 1926, the queen was married for more than 73 years to Prince Philip, who died last year at age 99.
Survived by four children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, Queen Elizabeth was the second longest-reigning monarch in history, behind French King Louis XIV in the 17th century.
At age 21, about five years before she became queen, Elizabeth famously promised the people of Britain and the Commonwealth that “my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service.”
She made her first public broadcast, a wartime message, in 1940 at age 14, and just two days prior to her death, she appointed Liz Truss as Britain’s new Prime Minister following the resignation of Boris Johnson.
Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson posted a brief statement on social media, commending the Queen’s 70-year reign.
“Today, Ontario, Canada and the Commonwealth mourn the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” she said. “Her Majesty dedicated her life to public service and throughout her 70-year reign remained a source of stability and a guiding voice in an ever-changing world.”
“There never will be another like her in our lifetime,” noted Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae on Twitter.
“My thoughts and prayers are with … her entire family, who lost a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother today.”
