Wakefield residents pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her death at Balmoral yesterday

Wakefield College said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

“Our thoughts are with members of the Royal Family at this difficult time. “We pay tribute to her extraordinary life of service to our country. May she rest in peace.”

Coun Nadeem Ahmed for Wakefield South said “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“My sincere condolences go out to all the members of the Royal Family.

“It is truly a very dark and sad day for the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth family.

“Her sense of duty and devotion will be a mark for generations to come.”

Coun Michael Graham for Lupset and Thornes said: “What a woman.

“My thoughts are with the Royal Family and everyone who loved her. Rest in peace.”

The Dean of Wakefield, Revd Simon Cowling, said: “The death of Her Majesty The Queen marks a solemn and significant moment of transition in the life of our nation.

“Even as we mourn her passing, we give thanks for Her Majesty’s grace, dedication and faithful service over the past seven decades and commend her into God’s keeping.

“We pray, too, for King Charles and all the royal family at this time of deep sorrow, that they may know God’s comfort and peace.”

Residents are invited to a sign a book of condolances at the Town Hall and Wakefield Cathedral.

Wakefield Cathedral said: “A Book of Condolence has opened in Wakefield Cathedral and will remain open until 17:00 on the day following the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Alternatively, a national online Book of Condolence will be available to sign via the Church of England website.”

Wakefield Hospice has offered their condolances for Queen Elizabeth II.

March 27 1992 will forever be a date etched in the history books of Wakefield Hospice.

Having officially opened in 1990, the hospice was to welcome The Queen on a royal visit, commemorated to this day through a plaque unveiled by The Queen herself on the front of the build

Helen Knowles, director of Income Generation at Wakefield Hospice, was working as a Fundraiser on this most special of days and recalls the excitement, joy and unique experience of the day.

She said: “From the moment she arrived there was an indescribable feeling around the whole place.

“We all knew what a privilege it was to be welcoming The Queen but as soon as she stepped out of the car, her presence and her warmth just radiated across us all.

“It’s an experience and a feeling I will never forget.

“From meeting staff members and trustees through to chatting with patients and their families, she was just an incredible presence to be around.

“I still remember how overcast the day had started, and by the time Her Majesty was coming to the end of her visit, the sun was shining.

“It was as if she had brought the sunshine with her, she truly lit up the hospice in 1992, and to this day Wakefield Hospice continues to be a shining light in the local community for which we owe Her Majesty a great deal of gratitude.”

Tina Turner, CEO of Wakefield Hospice added: “Everyone associated with Wakefield Hospice would like to place on record our deepest condolences to all members of the Royal Family.

“An incredible, inspiring monarch who has been the face of our nation for over seven decades, thank you for your unrivalled service.”

Paul Howatson, chair of trustees: “The board of trustees offer their sincere condolences to the Royal Family on the sad news of the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II. May she now rest in peace and rise in glory.”

The Mayor of Wakefield, Coun David Jones, said: “It is with great sadness that we have received the news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has sadly passed away.

“Her loss will be mourned by people across the nation and the world, including the Commonwealth, and by many people in this district.

“Her reign has been the longest in British history and she is greatly admired by many people for her life-long commitment to the service of her country.

“I am today writing to the Palace to offer our sincere condolences on behalf of the Council and residents in the district.”

In a statement put out by the Council yesterday, Coun Cllr Denise Jeffery, said: “This is very sad news and our condolences go to the Royal family.

“During her long reign, Queen Elizabeth has been a consistent presence in national life, known and recognised across the world for her devoted public service.

“Many people will, over the coming days and weeks, pay tribute to her and reflect on her long life, and how it has touched their own lives.

“Many residents will have fond memories of Queen Elizabeth – from her visits to the district on a number of occasions, including in 2005, when large crowds welcomed her to Wakefield Cathedral for the Maundy Thursday service.

“Others will have met her through receiving recognition for their public service, and will no doubt be recalling those memories at this time.

“Queen Elizabeth was an inspiration to many and lived her life with unwavering dedication to this country over her long reign. Her work and her remarkable commitment to national life will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

Good morning, all. We will wil be bringing you tributes for Her Majesty and the Royal Family from residents, dignitaries and organisations from across Wakefield and West Yorkshire throughout the day as well as information on the national mourning period as we get it.

If you would like to share your favourite memories of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II, comment on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/wakefieldexpressnews or email us [email protected].