Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

It was with sadness that we heard of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Our Sovereign had shown tremendous duty and devotion throughout a lifetime of service and her striking achievements have transformed the lives of many.

East Cambridgeshire had the pleasure of welcoming HM Queen Elizabeth II on multiple occasions, all of which were greeted with gratitude and excitement from residents within the district.

HM Queen Elizabeth II made each engagement special and unique to those who had the privilege of attending and this will be treasured for years to come.

HM Queen Elizabeth II will be greatly missed.

Read the full statement made by Cllr Alan Sharp, Chairman of East Cambridgeshire District Council.

Books of Condolence

Books of Condolence were opened at 9:00am on Friday 9 September at The Grange, Ely.

Books were also available at:

  • Walter Gidney Pavilion, Soham
  • Holy Trinity Church, Bottisham
  • St Mary’s Church, Burwell
  • Newmarket Town Memorial
  • The Glebe, Sutton
  • Victoria Hall, Fordham
  • Holy Trinity Church, Haddenham
  • St Mary's Church, Mepal
  • St Mary's Church,  Swaffham Prior
  • And in Cambridgeshire Libraries.

The official Book of Condolence was available on the Royal Family website

An online book of condolence was also set up by Cambridgeshire County Council.

Residents who were not able to participate in the online book of condolence were able to send messages to The Grange, Ely. 

East Cambridgeshire District Council's Book of Condolence is stored in the public archive at The Grange, Ely.

Floral tributes and donations

Palace Green outside the front of Ely Cathedral was a focal point for residents who wished to lay floral tributes.

Residents were asked to remove any plastic and non-recyclable packaging surrounding flowers before placing them.

Some people chose to make a donation to one of Her Majesty's many charities, a full list of which can be found on the Royal Family website.

Proclamation

The Proclamation of the Accession of His Majesty King Charles III took place at 11:00am in St James' Palace, London on Saturday 10 September.

In East Cambridgeshire on Sunday 11 September the Proclamation was read outside the West Door of Ely Cathedral at 4:00pm.

Following the reading of the Proclamation, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, the Chairman and Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, the Mayor of Ely and Civic leaders laid flowers in an expression of sadness at the death of the Sovereign.

A reading of the Proclamation also took place on Sunday 11 September 2022 at 4:00pm at the Gardiner Memorial Hall in Burwell.

Services of Thanksgiving

Ely Cathedral

A service of thanksgiving for the life of HM Queen Elizabeth II took place in Ely Cathedral on Sunday 18 September at 10.30am.

The service was streamed live for anyone who wished to participate.

St Andrew’s Church, Soham

A service of hymns, readings and prayers was held in St Andrew’s Church, Soham on the evening of Sunday 18 September to give thanks for Her Majesty the Queen’s life and service. 

St George’s, Littleport

A service of thanksgiving and a celebration for the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II took place at St George’s Church, Littleport at 6:00pm on Sunday 18 September.

National Moment of Reflection

A national moment of reflection took place on Sunday 18 September at 8:00pm.

State Funeral

HM Queen Elizabeth II's funeral took place at 11:00am at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19 September 2022.

As a mark of respect St Mary's Church tolled their bells (fully muffled) for an hour before the service.

The day was declared a Bank Holiday across the UK.

More information about the funeral service and order of service is available on the Royal Family Website.

Waste Collections and Council Offices

As a mark of respect, no waste collections took place on the day of the funeral. Residents were asked to present their bins one day later throughout the week.

Our Council offices were also closed on this day.

Local Events

Anyone holding an event to mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll or commemorate the Accession of King Charles lll was asked to let East Cambridgeshire District Council know by emailing sag@eastcambs.gov.uk.

More information on holding events is available on our organising events information page.