Tribute to HM The Queen

Her Late Majesty

Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute

Everyone at Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce was deeply saddened at the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the 8th September at Balmoral.

Her Majesty’s death saw the whole of the UK, and indeed to the world, mourn the loss of an incredible world leader – but also a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

We were deeply honoured and privileged that Her Late Majesty was Patron of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) for many years of her reign and, along with the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was a sincere champion of business & industry. The Chamber Network across the UK held our Patron in deep affection and appreciated the work she undertook to support many organisations across the network.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Her Majesty wrote to Chambers of Commerce across the UK, to praise Chambers’ contribution to business communities during Coronavirus as more firms reopen. In her letter, Her Majesty said:

“At a time of great difficulty for many, it is heartwarming to see the civic response and generosity of so many businesses, small and large, to the challenges posed, whether supporting the health sector or vulnerable communities.”

“As Patron of the British Chambers of Commerce, it gives me great pride to see the contribution you and your members are making to help firms, champion trade and rebuild communities.”

An example of her ongoing support for business was The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and for many businesses, across Coventry and Warwickshire, who achieved one of The Queens Awards for Enterprise, her involvement was also a validation of the incredible success of our local businesses.

During her long reign, The Queen undertook many visits to Coventry & Warwickshire; she laid the foundation stone for the new Coventry Cathedral, opened the Royal Priors Shopping Centre in Royal Leamington Spa, attended The Royal Show many times at Stoneleigh Park and paid many visits to companies across the region including Jaguar Land Rover.

We have all been inspired by her 70+ years of public duty and service, the example she set as our Head of State and the leadership and resilience she showed.

Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said, “During the past weeks of National Mourning, businesses have faced that difficult balancing act – paying respect and celebrating a life of our Queen, who had an impact on so many lives, across the UK and the world, whilst continuing to run their businesses and conduct essential work.

We were incredibly proud and honoured that Her Majesty The Queen was Patron of the British Chambers of Commerce in the UK and held a close association with the Chamber Network across the UK.

This was a period to both mourn and to celebrate a remarkable life. Her Majesty was a great supporter of business and industry, along with her late husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.”

Tribute from the Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands on behalf of the West Midlands following death of Her Majesty the Queen

The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, John Crabtree, OBE, has sent a letter of sympathy to The King following the announcement of the death of his mother which says:

“On behalf of the County of West Midlands we send our deepest sympathy to The King. There is great sadness across the West Midlands, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth at the death of The Queen. Our thoughts are with His Majesty and the Royal family at this time.

“As an expression of our sadness, flags are flying at half-mast and many books of condolence are being opened at locations throughout the County of West Midlands.”

Mr Crabtree paid tribute to The Queen and her work during her 70-year reign.

“I am sure I speak for all of the citizens of West Midlands when I say that our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this very sad time.

“Her Majesty was a frequent visitor to the West Midlands and the people of this County always welcomed her with great warmth. During Her extraordinarily long reign, the longest of any British Sovereign, She served us faithfully and whilst Her support will be deeply missed, Her contribution and outstanding service will be long remembered.

“We now reflect on the past with gratitude and offer our future support and loyalty to The King and the Royal Family.”

Further information is being made available on the website of the West Midlands Lieutenancy including links to each of the seven Council websites in the West Midlands. Council websites are also being updated to show a message from the Lord Mayor / Mayor and information about the Proclamation Readings locally along with where to locate a Book of Condolence: www.wmlieutenancy.org