Paying tribute to Her Majesty, Mayor of Knowsley, Cllr Eddie Connor, said: “Whilst the entire country unites in its grief, we reflect on the Queen’s many years of dedication and service. The longest reigning monarch in our history, she was a truly inspirational woman and an internationally admired figurehead. She will be sadly missed by many and not just those who had the privilege to meet her during her life.”
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, said: “The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is an incredibly sad moment in the history of this country and a moment that we will be very unlikely to forget.
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a truly remarkable individual who led this country with dedication and professionalism for the last 70 years. She dedicated her life to public service and her leadership and dignity will be greatly missed.
“I know that I speak for many people when I share my deep condolences with her family at this time and I send my thoughts to everyone who has been impacted by her life and her death.”
As a mark of respect, the Union Flag is being flown at half mast at Huyton Municipal Buildings, the Kirkby Centre and Prescot Registry, and the Greystone Bridge over the M62 will be illuminated in purple during the official period of mourning.
Sign a book of condolence
An online book of condolence has also been opened by the Royal Household.
People living and working in Knowsley may wish to sign a local Book of Condolence. These will be available at the Registrars Office in Prescot as well as in all Knowsley libraries. You can also sign Knowsley’s Online Book of Condolence.
Floral tributes and donations
Anyone wishing to leave a floral tribute can do so at any of the following civic venues:
- Cenotaph at Huyton Municipal Buildings
- Knowsley Village Memorial Cross
- Cenotaph at St Mary’s Church, Prescot
- Cenotaph on Smithy Lane, Cronton
- Cenotaph at the Kirkby Centre
- The small field adjacent to the Cenotaph at St Nicholas Church, Halewood – currently housing an Edward Lear cat sculpture.
Anyone leaving floral tributes is respectfully asked to ensure that the flowers are not wrapped in plastic or paper, and that they are placed in designated areas only. Flowers left in other areas of the borough may be relocated to one of the official sites.
Floral tributes will remain in situ until the day after the funeral, after which time they will be removed. Flowers will be composted. Please note, cards and any gifts which are left will not be kept after removal.
Proclamation event
The formal Proclamation of the new King was made for Knowsley by Cllr Eddie Connor, Mayor of Knowsley. This took place on Sunday, 11 September outside Huyton Municipal Building.
The Proclamation is the formal ceremony by which people in the borough are officially notified of the reign of our new King. You can read more about Knowsley’s Proclamation event here.
Local church services
A Requiem Mass for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II takes place on Tuesday, 13 September at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool, starting at 7pm. And on Sunday, 18 September there will be a Service of Celebration for the Life of Her Majesty at Liverpool Cathedral at 3pm. Both events are open to the public.
In Knowsley, a Commemorative Service of Thanksgiving led by the Council’s Chaplain, Reverend Canon Malcolm Rogers MBE, takes place on Sunday 18 September at 6pm at Prescot Parish Church.
Other churches in Knowsley may also be holding special services. Please check with your local church for details.
State Funeral arrangements
It has now been confirmed that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral will take place on Monday, 19 September. This day will be a Bank Holiday and therefore, council offices will be closed. You will still be able to access all the council’s online services on its website at www.knowsley.gov.uk.
Due to the Bank Holiday, there will be some changes to bin collections which would usually take place on Monday – instead, you are asked to put your bin out for collection from this Saturday morning (September 17).
Council services during the national period of mourning
The meeting of Knowsley Council’s Inclusive Growth and Skills Scrutiny Committee, which was due to take place on Tuesday, 13 September, has been cancelled, as a mark of respect.
In addition, the scheduled Governance & Audit and Health Scrutiny Committee meeting on Monday, 19 September will also not go ahead, as a mark of respect.
More information will follow soon.