The queen: Plymouth and West Devon tributes

Councillors react

Politicians and civic leaders across Devon have been expressing their sadness at the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday. 

Many people in Plymouth have fond memories of her visits there. She visited the city on several occasions, both as a princess and a queen. 

She opened the civic centre in 1962 which was regarded as a milestone in the rebuilding of Plymouth after the devastation of World War Two.

Her Majesty unveiled the sundial in Plymouth city centre in 1988 with Prince Philip to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Armada celebrations.

Plymouth’s lord mayor,Cllr Sue Dann said: “On behalf of the entire city of Plymouth I would like to express our sincere condolences to the royal family after the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“As a mark of respect the flags on council buildings and key city landmarks will now be flown at half-mast.”

Council leader and Conservative member for Southway, Richard Bingley added: “I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“Her Majesty dedicated her entire life to duty and serving the country and her beloved Commonwealth. She truly was an inspirational monarch and will be greatly missed.”

Shadow leader, Labour member for Ham, Councillor Tudor Evans, said: “This is a very sad day. Her Majesty was the glue that has bound the nation together for decades. 

“She visited Plymouth many times and, on the occasions I was fortunate enough to meet her, her fondness for Plymouth and its people shone through.”

Leader of the Green Party group and councillor for Plympton Chaddlewood, Ian Poyser, said: “Our deepest condolences go to the entire royal family at this extremely difficult time. 

“Our thoughts are also with all those across Plymouth, the country and the world who hold Her Majesty so dear in their hearts. We will be sharing in their sorrow.”

In South Hams, chair of the council and Conservative councillor for Ivybridge West, Lance Austen said: “We have been extremely saddened by the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

“She has served the commonwealth for a historic 70 years, leading us all with grace and an unwavering sense of duty.  The Queen’s dignity throughout her long and wonderful reign has never faltered and she is admired hugely across the world. We will warmly remember her.

“On behalf of South Hams District Council, our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with the Royal Family at this time of loss.”

As with Plymouth, flags in South Hams have been lowered to half-mast for the mourning period.  

Cllr Austen said condolence books would be available to the public in the council’s offices at Follaton House from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the weekend.

Flowers can also be left at the flagpole at Follaton House.

In West Devon, flags will also remain at half-mast until the proclamation of the new King and condolence books will be available to the public in the council’s offices at Kilworthy Park from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the weekend.

Cllr Caroline Mott, Mayor of West Devon Borough Council and Conservative councillor for Bridestowe, said: “On behalf of West Devon Borough Council I would like to send our heartfelt sympathies to the Royal Family at the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

“She has dedicated her life to our country and the commonwealth for 70 years and her grace and sense of duty have been unwavering during her long and incredible reign.

“The Queen will be remembered by the nation, and throughout the wider world, with huge affection and we will all feel her loss as our monarch. Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with the entire royal family at this time of loss.”

The police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez, also paid tribute to Her Majesty and said: “My generation has grown up in the age of Elizabeth II and it is difficult to imagine life without her. In this country’s most difficult times she has remained a steadfast, resolute and calming influence. 

“Her selflessness and sense of duty – including her tireless state work throughout the covid-19 pandemic and continuation of her duties despite recent health challenges – have been an inspiration to me and countless others in public life.

“Her Majesty the Queen will be remembered with particular affection in Devon and Cornwall, where she made a number of high profile visits, often accompanied by her husband and children.

“My heartfelt condolences go to all members of the royal family at this time. I will be working with the temporary chief constable to ensure that Devon and Cornwall police continue to support our communities during this important time of national mourning.”