Messages of condolence following death of Queen Elizabeth II

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, Portrush’s Rev John Kirkpatrick, is among those to have issued a statement of condolence following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
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Right Reverend Dr John Kirkpatrick, offered the Church’s ‘deepest, heartfelt and sincere condolences’ to His Majesty the King, on this evening’s announcement that Her Majesty the Queen passed away peacefully this afternoon at Balmoral.

In paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth, Dr Kirkpatrick said, “On behalf of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, I would like to extend our deepest, heartfelt and sincere condolences to His Majesty the King and the Royal Family, on the loss of one so loved and respected.

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“For those in Northern Ireland who express their loyalty to the Crown, few can remember a time when The Queen was not part of the very fabric of national life, as her Platinum Jubilee in June demonstrated. At the same time, for many who do not share that same sense of loyalty, in her long life Queen Elizabeth became one of the most recognisable and respected figures across these islands.

Queen Elizabeth II pictured during a visit  to the Giant's CausewayQueen Elizabeth II pictured during a visit  to the Giant's Causeway
Queen Elizabeth II pictured during a visit to the Giant's Causeway

“The Queen will be remembered for her sense of duty and quiet dedication to the service of the people of the United Kingdom, and those farther afield. Her promise, made long ago on her 21st birthday, that her ‘whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service…’ has now been fulfilled, and we give thanks to God for that long and dutiful life,” Dr Kirkpatrick said.

Dr Kirkpatrick continued, “As an all-Ireland denomination, many of our members, and indeed non-members alike, found much hope and encouragement in Her Majesty’s many visits to Northern Ireland, not least during the darkest of days. Few will also forget her state visit to the Republic of Ireland with her late husband, Prince Philip, 11 years ago.

“In a long and significant reign, they were four days in May that not only made history, but quietly closed a chapter in Ireland’s story. A short visit that left a long-lasting impression, which will be remembered for many years to come, alongside her commitment to peace and reconciliation,” he said.

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The Moderator concluded by saying, “In acknowledging a life of devotion to public service, I will always remember The Queen’s willingness to talk about her personal faith in Jesus Christ. I was greatly encouraged by her Christian witness, which was a wonderful example for everyone who acknowledges the name of Jesus as their Saviour.

“A blessing to so many, I remember Her Majesty talking of Jesus in one Christmas broadcast as ‘an inspiration and an anchor in my life’. At this time of great sadness, bereavement and loss, it is my prayer that His Majesty the King, and Royal family, will take heart in that simple, but profound declaration. It is also my prayer that they may know the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the anchor of our soul, and our ultimate comforter in times of great sadness.”

The Catholic Bishop of the Derry Diocese, Donal McKeown also expressed his sadness at the death of Queen Elizabeth.

Bishop McKeown said: “I wish to express my sadness and extend my sympathy to all who mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Elizabeth lived a life of dedicated public service – at no small personal cost to herself.

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“During some very challenging times she retained a great sense of calm and dignity. Queen Elizabeth was a model of duty and commitment.

It was clear that Queen Elizabeth was a woman with a deep faith in Jesus Christ to whom we commend her. May she rest in peace.”

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Queen Elizabeth II dies in Balmoral with her family by her side

Politicans have also been expressing their sorrow at the news of the passing of the queen.

North Antrim MLA and TUV leader Jim Allister said: “The passing of Our Gracious Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a very sad day in the life of our nation.

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“To the nation and almost everyone alive she has been an intrinsic part of our lives. Her steady leadership and devotion to duty have hallmarked a reign of unparalleled success. Adjusting to life without Her Majesty will be a major national challenge.

“With a new King everything will seem different, yet the abiding constancy of the monarchy and its centrality to our constitutional arrangements remains.

“In now conveying sympathy to the Royal Family I thank God for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. No nation could have asked for more from their monarch and no nation could have received more.”

East Londonderry Independent MLA Claire Sugden said: “I offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Queen’s family, her subjects of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, and all who loved her across the world.

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“I loved her too and deeply admired the woman she was, not necessarily because of her role or the institution she represented, but because of her leadership, grace and service of others.

“The crown on her head is not what made her great, but rather the duty she fiercely upheld for those she served, even in her final days. Queen Elizabeth was our greatest public servant.

“Her life was remarkable and I am fortunate to have lived when she reigned. She has been a constant in all our lives. My husband and I were honoured to meet the Queen in 2016 and I hold this as a great moment in my life.

“Today is significant and the weeks ahead will be remembered in history. I am sure we will reflect on the events and people throughout her lifetime and how the world has changed. Tomorrow begins a new era which I hope takes forward the values of a great woman. God save the Queen.”

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Health Minister and North Antrim MLA Robin Swann said: ““My thoughts are first and foremost with her family at this time, as they grieve the loss of a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

“This is a very sad and moving day, as we reflect on an incredible life of service, dignity and integrity.

“In July, Her Majesty presented the George Cross to the National Health Services of the United Kingdom.That was a very poignant event and a very fitting tribute. It also provided yet another example of the great leadership which the Queen provided to the nation throughout her long reign.”