I wish to express my deep condolences to The Royal Family, on the death of Her Majesty the Queen, Elizabeth II. An extremely sad day for us all. Proceedings in the House were interrupted by Mr. Speaker as he advised us our Queen was very unwell.
As we all heard the devastating news, later that evening, the news we had all dreaded in the House of Commons, we gathered together like many households around the television. It is very hard to take in, as most of our lifetimes have only been with her by our side – through the good and bad times, while leading and inspiring this great Nation, and always there in our hour of need.
On behalf of my Mid Sussex constituents, we are very thankful for her life of remarkable service to her people. Her encouragement, her grace, her fortitude and her warmth cannot be matched. A true and great inspiration both here & all across the globe.
There are not enough words of thanks that can cover the deep affection and devotion we have for her and for the impeccable public service and commitment she embodied.
Yesterday, I joined my colleagues in Parliament for tributes to Her Majesty the Late Queen Elizabeth ll. We paid tribute with a minute silence.
Today, I travelled to Westminster once again and was grateful I was called to speak to give my tribute on behalf of Mid Sussex and myself. It was a long and emotional day in the House of Commons yesterday, as nearly 200 colleagues spoke in tribute to Her Late Majesty the Queen and today has been no different. The words from across the House and across the land showed us at our best and reflected the feelings we are all managing.
There have been more than 12 hours of speeches, and more than a few tears, alongside some laughter and smiles as a special moments and joyful times were recalled in constituencies across the land. MPs have again returned to Parliament today for further tributes to Her Majesty, and importantly some senior Members have sworn their Oath of Allegiance to our new Sovereign, King Charles III.
The late Queen visited our county most recently in November 2017 when she visited Chichester Festival Theatre to watch a performance by the Chichester Festival Youth Theatre and songs from Fiddler on the Roof.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh of course visited Mid Sussex in March 1999, when she formally opened the Triangle Leisure Centre and visited Burgess Hill Town Council's Help Point. Many constituents will have special memories of meeting the Queen or receiving a card, letter or a perhaps an honour for their contribution to our nation.
Yesterday at 6pm we heard from our New Sovereign, King Charles III. In a truly magnificent, embracing and emotional speech, where we saw and felt his deep commitment of continuing service to us and our great Nation, in this time of great sorrow for him and his family.
He said:
‘In a little over a week's time we will come together as a Nation, as a Commonwealth & indeed a global community, to lay my beloved mother to rest. In our sorrow, let us remember & draw strength from the light of her example.’
We thank him for his wonderful words of comfort in all our great sadness and welcome him as our new King. As the proclamations begin today, with ours in Mid Sussex tomorrow, it’s the passing on of this awesome responsibility to support and lead our nation.
God Save The King
Remembrance Events in Mid Sussex
Books of Condolence Across Mid Sussex
The Royal Family Website
The Royal Family website contains an e-book of condolence for those who wish to express their sadness online, they can do so at www.royal.uk/
Residents who do not have online access can post a message of condolence to the Chairman’s Office, Room 102, West Sussex County Council, County Hall, Chichester PO19 1RQ.
The 36 libraries across West Sussex can support anyone who would like to use a public computer to access the online book of condolence.
If you would prefer to record a written message then these will be collected in WSCC libraries and they will be collated with other written messages received by the Chairman of the County Council.
Burgess Hill
A Book of Condolence available in the Burgess Hill Town Council Help Point, 96 Church Walk, Burgess Hill RH15 9AS for residents and visitors to sign.
- Monday 12th September to Thursday 15th September 9am – 5pm
- Friday 16th September 9am – 4.30pm
Haywards Heath
A Book of Condolence is available at Mid Sussex District Council, Oaklands, Oaklands Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 1SS.
Those wishing to sign the book may attend between the hours of:
9am – 5pm, including Saturdays and Sundays, until the State Funeral takes place.
A Book of Condolence is available at Haywards Heath Town Council, The Town Hall, 40 Boltro Road, Haywards Heath RH16 1BA.
- Monday 12th - Friday 16th - 10am – 5pm (NB Wednesday 14th open until 9pm)
- Saturday 17th - 10am – 2pm
An area has been roped off by the War Memorial on Muster Green for floral tributes.
East Grinstead
A Book of Condolence is available at East Grinstead Town Council, East Court, College Lane, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 3LT and is available for the public to sign with messages of condolence.
-10.00 – 16.00 Monday to Friday and on the day of the funeral.
BBC Radio Sussex
I joined Mark Carter on BBC Radio Sussex this morning. You can listen to my contribution by visiting:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0cvzsxt
(starts: 2.14.09 into programme)
Yours sincerely
Mims Davies MP
