It is with enormous sadness that Derbyshire County Council offers, on behalf of Derbyshire residents, councillors and staff, its sincere and profound condolences to the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
The Queen made a number of visits to Derbyshire and is held dear in the hearts of local people, as was clear during The Platinum Jubilee celebrations this year.
The county offers its profound gratitude to Her Majesty The Queen for her tireless service, dedication and duty to the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and wider world.
Books of condolence are open across the county so that residents can pay tribute to Her Majesty and Buckingham Palace’s e-book of condolence is now available at www.royal.uk . The Union flag is flying at half mast at County Hall in Matlock and the building is being lit up every night during the period of mourning in honour of Her Majesty The Queen.
A minute's silence will be held across the nation at 8pm on Sunday 18 September ahead of the state funeral on Monday 19 September, which has been declared as a bank holiday.
As a mark of respect, some of the services we provide will be closed on Monday 19 September for the state funeral. Read on for further details.
Signing the book of condolence
At this time of national mourning, we know that many people in Derbyshire want to pay their respects to Her Majesty.
We’ve opened a book of condolence at several locations across the county, including County Hall in Matlock and some of our libraries, so that you can leave a written tribute for The Royal Family if you wish.
Floral tributes can also be placed on the terrace at County Hall in Matlock.
Leader of the Council Councillor Barry Lewis, pictured left, with Civic Chairman Councillor David Wilson and Managing Director Emma Alexander signing the book of condolence at County Hall.
Commemorative events in Derbyshire
Derbyshire High Sheriff Michael Copestake, pictured centre, reads the proclamation as dignitaries look on including the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill CBE, left, Civic Chairman Councillor David Wilson, right, and Leader of the Council Councillor Barry Lewis, back right.
Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill CBE together with Derbyshire High Sheriff Michael Copestake led a ceremony at County Hall in Matlock on Sunday to formally confirm King Charles as the monarch.
Dignitaries including the Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor Barry Lewis, Civic Chairman Councillor David Wilson and Managing Director Emma Alexander gathered at the ceremony as members of the public watched on.
Derby Cathedral hosted a Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving for Her Majesty yesterday (Wednesday). The service, which was open to all, featured some of Her Majesty’s favourite hymns and the laying of a wreath at the High Altar.
Changes to council services on Monday 19 September
As a mark of respect, some of the services we provide will be closed during the Bank Holiday on Monday 19 September for the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Following careful consideration, our Woodland Festival will go ahead as planned this Saturday and Sunday at Elvaston Castle Country Park due to the fact that so many stallholders and attractions have already been booked to attend.
A book of condolence will be opened at the festival for those wishing to pay their respects to Her Majesty The Queen. The book will be located next to the festival welcome information stand near the castle and will be available throughout the weekend.