It is with the deepest sadness that I write to you today, following the sorrowful news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who died peacefully at Balmoral yesterday afternoon.

The news, when it came, was swift and felt sudden as events progressed yesterday. I know there is currently a wave of great sadness unfolding amongst us here in Buckinghamshire.  

There will be very few amongst us who have ever known another monarch and this is truly a momentous event in our history. Our Queen was a symbol of steadfastness and stability for all her subjects through seven amazing decades and she will be dearly missed.

I also know we are anticipating the first address from King Charles III due at 18:00 today, and that our hearts go out to the Royal Family for their loss.

I wanted to write today to let you know we are expressing our deepest condolences to the Royal Family on behalf of the people of Buckinghamshire, and to outline what is happening in the coming days here in Buckinghamshire in line with the protocols set out for what happens during the days following The Queen’s death.

Books of condolence and memorial sites

Books of condolence have been opened from 1pm today (Friday 9 September) at the following locations:

• Reception of the council offices in Walton Street, Aylesbury
• Reception of the council offices at The Gateway, Aylesbury
• Reception of the council offices in Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe
• Reception of the council offices at King George V House, Amersham
• Chesham and Buckingham libraries

The books of condolence will be open between 9am – 5pm every day (including the weekends) up to the day following The Queen’s funeral, the date of which is expected to be confirmed later today. There is also a link to an online book of condolence on the official website of the Royal Family; you can find this link on the Buckinghamshire Council website. We are making arrangements so that residents who live in care homes can also contribute to the books of condolence.

The council has also set up three temporary memorial sites – fenced off areas in town centre locations where residents can lay flowers and other tributes; these are at:

• Aylesbury The Queen Elizabeth II statue in Market Square (next to the steps of Metro Bank)
• Amersham Adjacent to the flagpole outside King George V House, Amersham
• High Wycombe Outside the entrance to the Council Chamber, on Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe

Proclamation reading event

At 1pm on Sunday 11 September, on the steps of Exhibition Suite, Market Square, (Aylesbury HP20 1TX), the High Sheriff, Debbie Brock, will read the Proclamation of our new Sovereign, His Majesty, The King, Charles III.

The Lord Lieutenant, The Countess Howe will open the event and invite the High Sheriff to read the Proclamation accession speech. The High Sheriff will briefly give a speech before reading the Proclamation. At the end of the Proclamation, the High Sheriff will call for three cheers for His Majesty the King.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the reading and the council is making parking on the day free in all Council-owned car parks (charges may apply in car parks run by other operators). Anyone who wishes to attend is asked to approach Market Square on foot.

I know these coming days will be challenging, as we navigate through the period of mourning and change for our nation. We have cancelled all public meetings due to take place during the mourning period. I will write to you with further updates as events continue to unfold and with further details of what is happening here in Buckinghamshire.

God Save the King,

Yours,

Martin Tett

Leader of Buckinghamshire Council