The North East mourns the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
The Schools North East team was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, aged 96, after 70 years of dedicated service. Our sincerest condolences and thoughts are with the royal family.
As the new academic year starts, the North East has come together with the rest of our nation as the mourning period begins, reflecting upon the long reign and life of one of the world’s most iconic figures.
Deepest Condolences
The nation stands together to offer its heartfelt condolences to the new King and his family. Queen Elizabeth reigned for seventy years, recently celebrating her Platinum Jubilee. This summer, schools in the North East and throughout the country held parties and lessons about the monarchy to celebrate the life and achievements of Queen Elizabeth.
At the age of only 21, the Queen made a solemn vow to dedicate her life to the service of her country, tirelessly serving through war and peace.
At 25, she was crowned Queen Elizabeth II. She worked until the very end, never shirking her duty, putting country and people before self, the longest-reigning monarch of the United Kingdom.
The enormous sense of profound loss shown by our country and across the world shows that she fulfilled her vow. Queen Elizabeth presided over a period of unimaginable change and remained throughout a link between the past, present and future.
The Queen was the model constitutional monarch, but also a model in respect of her integrity, behaviour, and dignity; an example to all. Many of us have never known a time without her.
Queen Elizabeth in the North East
During her 70 years as head of state, the Queen has often visited the North East, opening some of our most beloved landmarks, including the Millennium Bridge in 2002, the Sage Gateshead in 2008 and even the Tyne and Wear metro in 1981.
As schools in the North East sent out their tributes to the Queen, Washington Academy commented that their students would be completing a reflective activity with their form tutors and shared an image of the Queen opening their school. The school in Spout Lane received the Royal visit in 2009, with the Queen dropping in to watch a cookery class.
The Queen had a long history of supporting schools. This year, to commemorate Her Platinum Jubilee, each state primary school received a free book for each student commissioned by the DfE.
Newly appointed Secretary of State for Education Kit Malthouse offered his ‘deepest condolences to the King and Royal Family’, commenting:
“The entire nation will mourn with them as we contemplate her remarkable reign. Throughout her long life, Her Majesty’s devotion to public service has been an inspiration, and her wisdom and strength have often provided solace to her people in times of darkness’
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East added:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. She will be hugely missed by the nation and the region. The Queen has set an extraordinary example to us all and we send our deepest sympathies to her family, who will be mourning her loss in many more ways as well; as a mother, grandmother, and constant personal support and guide.”
As we wait to learn more of the government plans for the mourning period, we reflect upon the words of Her Majesty:
“It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.” – Queen Elizabeth II, 1926 -2022
To look back at the happy memories of the region celebrating the Platinum Jubilee click here:
Or here:
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