The Queen brought ‘warmth and joy to every occasion’.
Those are the words of the Archbishop of York as he paid tribute to Her Majesty on the news of her death this evening.
“Throughout her long reign, and in all the confusions and challenges of a changing world, Her Majesty has been a constant, faithful presence,” the Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell said.
“On the occasions I had the pleasure of meeting Her Majesty, I can testify to the warmth and joy she brought to every occasion. But most of all, it was the resolute reality of her faith that struck me powerfully.
“In Her Majesty’s first Christmas broadcast, ahead of her Coronation she asked the nation, whatever their religion, to pray that God would give her wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promise she would be making and to faithfully serve God and us all the days of her life.
“That is most definitely a prayer that has been answered. Her service to our nation and Commonwealth has been exemplified by her devotion to her duty, which has always been offered with joy.
“Underpinning this has been her deep faith in God and in her we have witnessed God’s faithfulness at work.”
The Archbishop added: “Many of us will struggle to imagine the life of our nation without the Queen. Her constancy and faithfulness has been deeply reassuring in a world that has changed so much.
“We give thanks for the Queen’s example, devotion and huge achievements.”