A book of condolences is available at the Town Hall for those who wish to pay their respects
By Waltham Forest Echo

Queen Elizabeth II (credit Joel Rouse/Ministry of Defence)

Local politicians have paid their tributes following the death of Queen Elizabeth II yesterday.

The Queen died at the age of 96 after more than 70 years on the throne, making her the longest-reigning British monarch in history.

The Royal Family announced yesterday that she had died “peacefully at Balmoral” that afternoon.

Born in 1926, she became queen upon the death of her father at the age of just 25. She is succeeded by her son, King Charles III.

Council leader Grace Williams issued a statement paying her “heartfelt respects to the life of an incredible woman, whose devotion and service to her country and its people is an inspiration to us all”.

She added: “To serve as Head of State and the Commonwealth for over 70 years will go down in history as something extraordinary during a time of turmoil and change.

“My thoughts go especially to her family, whilst this is a moment for all of us to remember an incredible life, we mustn’t lose sight of the life beyond the public gaze to those who knew her personally and shared with her the burden of her duty.

“I also welcome our new head of state, His Majesty King Charles III, during what must be a difficult time mourning the loss of his mother.”

A book of condolence is available in the reception of the Town Hall for those who wish to pay their respects.

The Queen visited the borough as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour in 2012 and photos from the day can be found in the archive at the Vestry House Museum.

Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy offered her condolences “on behalf of the residents of Walthamstow”, adding: “None of us will forget her service, her leadership and her courage through the generations.

“As the world has changed, for seventy years she has been a constant source of guidance and compassion, embodying the very best in public duty.

“At this sad time, we give thanks for her life, and gratitude for her achievements for our nation and our world.”

Chingford MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith also offered his condolences, writing: “The Queen has been a rock to us all in troubled times. Her shining sense of love for her country was displayed in her sense of duty and deep humility and service. She will be missed by all here and across the Commonwealth.”

Mp John Cryer, who represents Leyton, wrote that he was “profoundly saddened” by the news of her death.

He wrote: “It is almost always forgotten that the monarchy was very much on the brink after the abdication crisis of 1936. Yet, since the 40s, it has consistently polled at something like 80% of popular support.

“That has much to do with the dedication of The Queen and her father to public service and their observance of the exact constitutional parameters of the monarch’s role.

“There have been many attempts to drag The Queen into political spats and she has resisted them all, to her credit and to the benefit of the monarchy.”

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