For Council to express its deepest regret and grief at the death of Her Majesty The Queen; to convey its sincere condolences to His Majesty The King and other members of the Royal Family in their bereavement; to affirm the great affection and esteem in which Her Majesty was held, and express gratitude for her life of exceptional public service.
Minutes:
The Mayor detailed the civic duties that he had undertaken since the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. These included attending the Surrey County Council proclamation and leading the Reigate & Banstead proclamation. Floral tributes had been laid at the Town Hall and prayers said by the Mayor, the Leader, the Managing Director and representatives from Unison. A letter of condolence had been sent by the Mayor to the Palace which had recalled a visit to the Borough by the Queen to re-open East Surrey College in 2011. A Minute of Silence for Reflection had been held on the eve of the Queen’s funeral at the Town Hall. This had been illuminated to reflect the Queen’s lifetime of service. The Mayor had also supported residents to contribute to the Books of Condolence by taking these into care homes across the Borough.
Council considered a motion of condolence. The motion was proposed by Councillor Brunt and seconded by Councillor Parnall.
The Mayor invited all Group Leaders to speak to the motion:
· The Leader of the Council, Councillor Brunt, noted that for most if not all of those attending the meeting, Her Majesty The Queen was the only serving monarch they had known. It was noted that The Queen’s image had always been on money and stamps. It would therefore take a long time to get used to the change in sovereign. The meeting had already reflected on The Queen’s long service. The magnitude of The Queen’s passing was demonstrated by people recalling where they were when they had heard the news. It was explained by the Leader that he had been conducting the business of the Council. This was fitting given it was done in the name of the sovereign. The Leader gave his thanks to staff at the Council for all they have done to support residents in expressing their condolences.
· Councillor Essex, the Leader of the Green Group, noted the intention to join in the mourning of The Queen’s wider family and close friends. It was highlighted that Jesus had said a blessing for those who mourned and that they will be comforted. The Queen’s integrity, faith and life of service were recognised. It was thought that the new King would fill The Queen’s footprints well.
· Councillor Harrison, the Leader of the Residents’ Association Group, noted the importance of adding to the accolades expressed about The Queen and speaking on behalf of residents, many of whom had paid their respects to The Queen during her Lying-in-State. The grainy footage of George VI’s Lying-in-State and The Queen’s own Coronation showed how much the country had changed during the 70 years of The Queen’s reign. Not just in the style of dress but in terms of science, technology and economic development. Diversity had increased with changes in social attitudes, less deference and a more secular society. However, the one thing that had not changed was the affection, admiration and respect felt for The Queen. Rather, the esteem for Her Majesty had grown at home and around the world. How The Queen had herself recognised the need for change and had moved with the times was recognised along with the fact that she did not cease in her service. Councillor Harrison wished that The Queen may rest in peace.
· Councillor Kulka, the Leader of the Liberal Democratic Group, expressed his support for everything that had already been said. The profound loss was noted. The Queen was described as a dedicated public servant who had brought communities together irrespective of belief or identity. In the spirit of togetherness, everyone was united in shared condolences.
RESOLVED for Council to express its deepest regret and grief at the death of Her Majesty The Queen, to convey its sincere condolences to His Majesty The King and other members of the Royal Family in their bereavement; to affirm the great affection and esteem in which Her Majesty was held and express gratitude for her life of exceptional public service.