Image: A photograph featured in IWM's 'The Royal Family in Wartime' publication © IWM TR 2835
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, museums and leaders in the sector pay tribute to the long-serving monarch with condolences to the Royal Family and recognition of her support for the sector.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, museums and their leaders have been paying tribute to the long-serving monarch, sharing their condolences to the Royal Family and recognising her support for the sectors.
Below are some of the tributes that have been made:
“For over 70 years, Her Majesty, The Queen has reigned with enormous dignity and loyalty. As a public figure, these are qualities that have earned her great respect and esteem and form the basis for how her long reign will be remembered. As Chair of the Trustees at National Museums Liverpool, I speak for the rest of the Board when I express our sincere sorrow at the passing of Her Majesty. “
Sir David Henshaw, Chair of National Museums Liverpool
“People here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and around the world mourn the loss of Her Majesty The Queen after a lifetime of dedicated public service. She had a deep love of heritage from the preservation of wildlife and the environment to her enjoyment of culture and the arts. This is seen in the fabric of our historic buildings, parks, landscapes and communities and through her royal patronage of so many wonderful heritage organisations. We remember The Queen for this and for her sense of duty and her devotion to a life of service.”
Dr Simon Thurley CBE, Chair of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Heritage Memorial Fund.
“On behalf of everyone at the British Museum, the Trustees would like to say how profoundly saddened we are at the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family. We fondly remember Her Majesty’s many visits to the Museum and her steadfast support over the decades of her reign. May she rest in peace. God Save The King.”
George Osborne, Chair of the Trustees of The British Museum
“On behalf of the Association of Independent Museums I would like to express how very saddened we are to hear of the death of Her Majesty The Queen and I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time. We also share our gratitude for Her Majesty’s many decades of peerless public service, her lifelong support and many patronages in heritage, culture and the arts, and the difference Her Majesty made to our country. That legacy, and the positive impact Her Majesty made on the lives of so many, will live on.”
Andrew Lovett OBE, Chair, Association of Independent Museums
“The National Trust is deeply saddened by the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. It is difficult to put into words how much The Queen has meant to people in this country and around the world.
“During her reign, Her Majesty’s towering leadership and unshakable integrity have been sources of pride and inspiration for generations of people across the globe. She selflessly devoted her life to public and voluntary service while championing vitally important issues, from the preservation of wildlife and the environment to opportunities for young people.
“She leaves a profound mark on us and will be deeply missed. We extend our sincerest condolences to te Royal Family at this sad time.”
Hilary McGrady, National Trust Director-General
Hilary McGrady, National Trust Director-GeneralShe selflessly devoted her life to public and voluntary service while championing vitally important issues, from the preservation of wildlife and the environment to opportunities for young people."
“A much admired and respected figure at home and internationally, The Queen ruled for longer than any other monarch in British history. She dedicated a lifetime of service to her role, which included supporting many hundreds of charities and voluntary organisations. She will also be remembered by those who were closest to her, as a wife, a mother and grandmother.”
Benny Higgins, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, National Galleries of Scotland
“Birmingham Museums Trust joins the people of Birmingham and across the world in being deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We offer our thoughts and condolences to King Charles III and the Royal Family. We remember with fondness Her Majesty the Queen opening Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s Gas Hall in 1993, and her warmth and interest in the city’s rich history and culture.”
Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid, co-CEOs Birmingham Museums Trust
“The Queen has a long relationship with Dorset and visited a number of times during her reign, including shortly after her ascension to the throne in 1952. The Dorset Museum Book of Memories for Queen Elizabeth II will enable us to collect and preserve the memories and reflections of Dorset people during this period of mourning, and preserve them for the future. We hope that people will visit the Museum to share their memories.”
Elizabeth Selby, Interim Director of Dorset Museum
“It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. We were truly honoured to have had Queen Elizabeth II attend many events at Royal Museums Greenwich over the years. Her absence will be keenly felt.”
Royal Museums Greenwich
“On behalf of Jonathan and Jane Ruffer, and all staff and volunteers at The Auckland Project, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. Our thoughts and prayers are with The Royal Family and we send them our sincerest condolences at this difficult time.
“The life of Her Majesty The Queen is a shining example to us all. The Queen has shown extraordinary commitment and dedication to this country and its people throughout her remarkable 70-year reign.”
The Auckland Project
“We mourn the death of our Sovereign Head of State and Commander in Chief of Her Army, Queen Elizabeth I1. This is not only a time of great sorrow for our nation and the Commonwealth, but a personal loss for all members of the Royal Family, to whom we send our deepest condolences.”
National Army Museum
“We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. We send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family – our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with them at this very sad time. We’d like to thank Her Majesty, our longest-reigning monarch, for her loyal and devoted service.”
Beamish Museum
“We at IWM are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty The Queen and would like to express our condolences to all her family. IWM is hugely grateful to HM The Queen for the generous support and interest that she has taken in IWM during her reign and lifetime.”
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