As news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second goes out across the world. It is a milestone in our history, and it marks the gentle and dignified close of the longest reign of any monarch this country has ever known.

She was part of us all, held fast in the hearts of millions of people with the deepest respect, admiration and, above all, love. Balcombe Parish Council express their heartfelt gratitude for her, for her selfless and steadfast service to her people, for all she did for us and for the world, and for the extraordinary example she set. Her memory will endure. May she rest in peace.

Our thoughts are with all the members of the Royal Family, as well as with Her late Majesty’s staff and household.

Lady Emma Barnard – HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex has sent a private message of condolence to the Royal Family on behalf of the people of West Sussex.

Our thoughts are with The King, as he prepares for his Coronation and for the days to come. We hope that he and his family will be sustained in their grief by the deep affection that will be shown for his mother as she is laid to rest, and that he will be strengthened by this as he takes his place as our Monarch and a new chapter of our history is born.

God save the King.