 There is deep sorrow in East Sussex at the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our longest-serving monarch.
On behalf of the county, the Chairman of East Sussex County Council (Cllr Peter Pragnell) has written to King Charles III to express our condolences. He wrote that: ‘The Queen has embodied duty, dignity, diplomacy and compassion, with her tireless charity work and dedication to her role in an ever-changing world.’
The Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Andrew Blackman, has published a statement of his sorrow and admiration for Her Majesty. He wrote that: ‘Her deep faith and steadfast spirit live on amongst us.’
You can read their full messages on our site. We also know that many people in East Sussex would like to add their own tributes and in this newsletter you’ll find more details of how you can do that.
 Everyone is welcome to add their thoughts or reflections to one of the books of condolence that are now open across East Sussex and online.
The book in the reception area of County Hall in St Anne’s Crescent, Lewes will be open until 5pm on Tuesday 20 September. When closed, the book will be stored at The Keep, the county’s records centre, as a permanent memorial.
Details of other books across East Sussex, and the national online book of condolence opened by the Royal Family, are on our site.
 From a childhood visit to Eastbourne, to an East Sussex tour which included dropping in at a fishery, brewery, a records centre and a youth hostel – the Queen was a regular visitor to East Sussex.
We’ve collected some of the highlights in words and pictures from those visits in our article about the Queen’s time in the county.
 The reign of King Charles III, our new king, has been proclaimed across the nation. This included a ceremony at County Hall on Sunday where the High Sheriff announced the transfer of the monarchy.
Members of the public joined the Lord-Lieutenant, the Chairman, representatives of boroughs, districts and towns across East Sussex and members of the military, uniformed services and judiciary to hear the proclamation which was later repeated in every part of the county. The ceremony is a tradition which comes from the days before mass media when official announcements were the surest way to spread this vital news.
A national moment of reflection has been announced for 8pm on Sunday (18 Sep). This will be a one minute’s silence in which all are invited to take part.
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II takes place on Monday 19 September which has been declared a bank holiday. Schools and most workplaces will be closed, including libraries and household waste sites.
Leaders from across the world are expected at the solemn ceremony in Westminster Abbey. It will mark the end of an extraordinary life which has been an essential part of our national story for more than 70 years.
The Royal Family site has more about her life and work.
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