In Parliament on Saturday, I joined my colleagues to express our deep condolences to The Royal Family, on the death of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II on behalf of Mid Sussex constituents. An extremely sad day for us all, when the news broke that we’d all dreaded. Her encouragement, her grace, her fortitude and her warmth cannot be matched. A true and great inspiration here and 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.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh of course visited Mid Sussex back in March 1999, when she formally opened the Triangle Leisure Centre and visited Burgess Hill Town Council's Help Point. And I remember catching a glimpse of Her Majesty, at the South of England Show as a child, and it was only a few weeks ago we celebrated the wonderful Platinum Jubilee.
We’ve heard from our new Sovereign, King Charles III in his televised address. An 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. We thank him for comforting words, in all our great sadness and welcome him as our new King. Proclamations and church services have been held across Mid Sussex to mark the passing on of this awesome responsibility to support and lead our nation.
It was very special to be in historic Westminster Hall this Monday, for His Majesty King Charles III speech, to both Houses. The Lying-in-State will remain open 24 hours a day until 6.30am on Monday 19 September. I know many members of the public are planning to come to pay their respects. The funeral next Monday, is a Bank Holiday meaning schools and colleges will be closed for a day of mourning, for us to all show our respects to the Royal Family and send our thoughts and ongoing thanks to the Late Sovereign as one.