Following Friday’s announcement (9 April) of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, The Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr June Bamford and The Leader of The Council, Cllr Toby Savage have written a joint letter of condolence to Her Majesty, The Queen to express their deep sadness on behalf of the people of South Gloucestershire.
The letter reflects on previous visits made by Her Majesty, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh to the district and provides details of the online book of condolence set-up for the people of South Gloucestershire to pay their respects.
It reads:
“Dear Madam
“We are writing to pass on the sincere condolences of the residents of South Gloucestershire and the councillors and staff of South Gloucestershire Council to Your Majesty and all members of the Royal Family at this difficult time. We were deeply saddened on hearing the news that HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, had died and we would like it to be known that the thoughts of the people of South Gloucestershire are with Your Majesty and the Royal Family as you grieve for your husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
“Prince Philip lived a long and distinguished life of public service and demonstrated extraordinary dedication and loyal commitment to Your Majesty, to our country and to the Commonwealth.
“Together with Your Majesty, he visited the area on several occasions: taking a great interest in the aerospace works at Filton, home to the assembly line of the British-built Concorde, when you opened the Severn Bridge in 1966 as well as enjoying your many visits to the Badminton Horse Trials.
“We have opened our own online book of condolence on the council’s website at www.southglos.gov.uk/condolence and messages from the people of South Gloucestershire will be retained in local archives for posterity.
“We have the honour to be, Madam, Your Majesty’s humble and obedient servants.
“Yours faithfully,
“Chair of Council, Cllr June Bamford and Leader of Council, Cllr Toby Savage”
The Union Flag is currently flying at half-mast above Council offices and will remain so until 8am on Sunday 18 April, the day after the Royal Ceremonial Funeral is held.
Residents can pay their personal respects by completing the online book of condolence at http://www.southglos.gov.uk/condolence The book of condolence will close at 5pm on Sunday 18 April.
