Rutland County Council is deeply saddened by the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and wishes to offer its heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family.

The Queen served our country faithfully and with the upmost dedication for more than seventy years and is rightly admired and respected around the world. 

We are indebted to Her Majesty for everything she has given to our country throughout her reign. The huge outpouring of public support we witnessed during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations showed just how much the British people appreciate all that she has done for us. 

Representatives from Rutland were incredibly proud to meet The Queen at Burghley during her Diamond Jubilee and we have no doubt that her memory will live long in the hearts of British people for generations to come.

Councillor Jeff Dale, Chairman of Rutland County Council, said: "It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Her Majesty for all that she has done in seven decades as our Sovereign, Head of State and Head of the Commonwealth. The Queen's enduring status as Britain's longest-reigning Monarch is a fitting testament to her immense dedication and a lifetime spent in the unwavering service of our nation.

"This enormous loss will be felt not just here in the United Kingdom but by millions of people all around the world; such is the profound legacy Her Majesty leaves behind.

"Rutland County Council offers its sincerest condolences to the Royal Family. As a mark of respect, flags will be flown at half-mast outside all Council buildings and a two-minute silence will be observed at the start of public meetings."

Councillor Lucy Stephenson, Leader of Rutland County Council, added: "It is impossible to put into words the profound sense of loss and sadness that will be felt by countless people around the world following the news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has passed away.

"Having served our country and the Commonwealth with distinction for more than seventy years, Her Majesty has become a symbol of great pride and affection for many millions of people – young and old. History books will record that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was Britain's longest-reigning Monarch – admired and respected the world over. Her kindness, compassion and unflinching devotion to duty means that she will be remembered fondly in the hearts of the British people forever."

Mark Andrews, Chief Executive of Rutland County Council, concluded: "The thoughts of everyone at Rutland County Council are with the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We have lost a much-loved Monarch and Head of State who came to symbolise so much of what is considered great about our country.

 "Having ascended to the throne at an incredibly early age, The Queen dedicated her life to the service of our nation and the wider Commonwealth. The Queen has been a source of immense pride and comfort for millions of people for more than half a century, as well as supporting a wealth of charities, organisations and good causes that have helped countless others. She will be hugely missed and never forgotten."

HM Queen Elizabeth II (image courtesy of Rutland County Council)

We thank Her Majesty for 70 years of dedicated service.