‘A constant in all our lives’: Local politicians pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her death at the age of 96

Queen Elizabeth II. Image: courtesy Hackney Council

Politicians in Hackney have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her death yesterday at the age of 96.

Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville and Speaker Humaira Garasia said the late monarch provided “certainty and reassurance” during her seven-decade reign.

In a joint statement, the pair said: “On behalf of the whole of Hackney, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family after the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“A constant in all our lives and in the modern-day history of the United Kingdom, the Queen was our longest-serving monarch, providing certainty and reassurance throughout her 70-year reign – both in times of peace and in uncertainty.

“It was as Princess Elizabeth that she made her first official visit to Hackney in 1947, visiting the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for Children.

“She subsequently visited Hackney on a number of occasions as Queen: during her coronation tour; to the Matchbox model car factory in 1969; during her Silver Jubilee; to the Kingshold Estate in 1998; to Homerton Hospital in 2000; and, to the Prince’s Foundation in Shoreditch in 2004.”

They added: “Her enduring legacy – as monarch during the birth of modern Britain – is one that we will honour for generations to come.”

Flags at Hackney Town Hall will be flown at half-mast, and books of condolence have opened at Hackney Town Hall, Stoke Newington Church Street and Hackney Service Centre for residents to sign.

The council has also announced the cancellation of this weekend’s Hackney Carnival as the nation enters an official 10-day period of mourning.

Mayor Glanville and culture chief Cllr Chris Kennedy said: “We’ll be looking at whether it is feasible to hold Carnival at a later date this year, or if we can showcase the artists’ work in another way.

 “We know many people will feel extremely disappointed, and we are sorry for the sadness and upset this will cause.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the incredible people who were due to perform and take part in Carnival, as well as those involved in the organisation of the event: the groups, performers, dancers, artists, volunteers, residents, key stakeholders, delivery partners and event personnel, who have worked tirelessly on preparations.  

“We are honouring all contracts with Carnival suppliers.

“We thank you for your understanding. Further information will be provided in due course.”