The people of Sandwell are deeply saddened at the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family, the nation and the Commonwealth at this time.

Books of condolence and flowers

An online book of condolence has opened today (Friday 9 September) for the people of Sandwell to sign. Messages of condolence will be gathered and sent to the Royal family at a later date. 

You can also sign a book of condolence in person at the following six Sandwell libraries during opening hours: Oldbury Library at Sandwell Council House, Blackheath Library, Smethwick Library, Glebefields Library in Tipton, Wednesbury Library and Central Library in West Bromwich. Details of library opening hours. 

This morning, The Worshipful Mayor of Sandwell Councillor Richard Jones, the Leader of Sandwell Council Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, the Leader of the Opposition Group Councillor David Fisher and Director of Law and Governance Surjit Tour laid wreaths by the flagpoles outside Sandwell Council House in Oldbury. Flags are flying at half-mast.

Anyone wishing to lay flowers can do so by the fountain outside Sandwell Council House in Freeth Street.

Public services will continue to be provided during this national period of mourning, but as a mark of respect we are cancelling or postponing council events and public meetings until after the funeral. Keep up to date with the latest information.

The Worshipful Mayor of Sandwell Councillor Richard Jones said: “On behalf of Sandwell Council and the people of Sandwell, I would like to extend my sympathies to the Royal Family.

“Her Majesty was a great public servant and we, along with people across the country and indeed the world, will feel her loss.

“We remember, along with the residents of the borough, those occasions on which Queen Elizabeth II visited Sandwell, with great fondness.

“She was the longest-serving monarch in British history and head of Commonwealth and carried herself in a manner that befitted a monarch for 70 years. Her ability to keep up with the changing times earned her enormous praise from all corners of the world.”

Leader of the Council, Councillor Kerrie Carmichael said: “Along with the Mayor, on behalf of the citizens of Sandwell, I will be writing a letter of condolence to the Royal Family, offering our deepest sympathies and to convey the sadness that we all feel.

“The passing of the Queen is a real loss to our country and the Commonwealth after a life of incredible service. She was loved and respected by each generation and will be sorely missed by us all.

“The Queen was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal family who we are thinking of at this time.”

Leader of the Opposition Group Councillor David Fisher said: “I am very sad to hear of the passing of our Queen, Queen Elizabeth II, who served 70 years on the throne. Her loss will be felt by everyone, including residents here in Sandwell. I am thinking of the Royal Family at this sad time and send my condolences. May she rest in peace.”

The Queen in Sandwell The Queen last visited Sandwell on 24 June 1994 to view the work of the Tipton Challenge Partnership as part of a wider tour of the Black Country. She also visited Oak House in West Bromwich in 1977 with the Duke of Edinburgh as part of her Silver Jubilee celebrations.