menu
General News

Brighton & Hove City Council releases statement on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Graham Robson September 9, 2022

Brighton & Hove City Council has released a joint statement following yesterday’s announcement from Buckingham Palace that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited Brighton & Hove many times during her lifetime.

31 October 2013
The Queen opened the Keep, a world-class centre for archives including the Royal Pavilion & Museums Local History Collections, based near Falmer, Brighton. Earlier in the day the Queen visited nearby West Quay fisheries in Newhaven, South Downs YHA (Youth Hostel Association) and Harveys brewery in Lewes.

Queen Elizabeth – 2013

8 March 2007
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visited for the 200th anniversary of the Theatre Royal. During the visit, the Queen was shown around Jubilee Library and the Duke saw a workshop at the Pavilion Theatre. The Royal couple also attended a reception at the Dome followed by lunch at Brighton Racecourse as well as visiting community projects in the afternoon.

29 March 2001
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh met children from Goldstone Junior School, Knoll Infant School, Hill Park School (called Hillside at the time) and Aldrington Church of England Primary School.

Queen Elizabeth II – 2001

The visit also included a trip to the Brighthelm Centre to greet St John’s Ambulance volunteers and Big Issue sellers.

31 May 1979
The Queen officially opened Brighton Marina when she and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Brighton for the first time in 17 years. They also took a stroll through the historic shopping streets during the trip.

13 November 1964
The Queen officially opened the main library at the then fledgling University of Sussex.

16 July 1962
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh opened the George Street Renovation Scheme in Hove and also visited Brighton College.

Queen Elizabeth II at Brighton College – 1962

18 May 1951
Princess Elizabeth visited Brighton & Hove as part of a tour of Sussex, also taking in Hastings and Lewes. She visited the Brighton Palace Pier, Royal Pavilion and Hove Town Hall.

Princess Elizabeth – 1951

4 December 1945
Princess Elizabeth visited Preston Manor, Brighton, after reviewing troops at King Alfred, Hove, which was a Royal Navy training site at the time.

Statement from HM Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Andrew Blackman

“Her Majesty The Queen gave her whole life in service to the nation. Her commitment to duty over a reign of 70 years, is unparalleled and we mourn her passing deeply.

“Expressions of sympathy and appreciation are being shared around the globe, and I know that Her Majesty also touched the lives of many of us here in East Sussex. I reflect on her visits to the county and how much joy and delight these brought.

“My sincere condolences are with the Royal Family. I hope that during this time of mourning and loss, they are able to seek comfort in the deep admiration and affection in which we all held Her Majesty. Her deep faith and steadfast spirit live on among us.”

Statement from the Mayor of Brighton & Hove

Speaking about the announcement Councillor Lizzie Deane, the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, said: “I’m saddened to hear of the news from the Palace that Her Majesty the Queen has died. The Queen has been an icon of public service for decades.

“I add my recognition and appreciation for her lifelong dedication to the country we live in. Queen Elizabeth II found herself in the international spotlight from a young age and has lived through great change.

“At this historic time, we can reflect on the past and build for the future for the good of all in this country and further afield.”

Brighton Pavilion lit up in purple to mark the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II

Joint statement from the leaders of the Brighton & Hove City Council’s political groups

“We join with people around the world in noting with sadness the announcement from the Palace. Queen Elizabeth II was our country’s longest reigning monarch and has shown remarkable dedication as the head of state over many decades.

“The Queen succeeded to the throne before any of the four of us were born and that’s true for most residents in our city. This is a historic moment that people will look back on, remembering when and where they heard the news.

“Queen Elizabeth II has given a life of dedication and service. As elected politicians. we recognise many people will be saddened by the news and wish to pay their respects.

“On behalf of Brighton & Hove, we send our condolences to the Royal Family and all who are affected by this sad news.”

Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, Leader of the Council and convenor of the Green Group

Councillor Carmen Appich, co-leader of the Labour Group

Councillor John Allcock, co-leader of the Labour Group

Councillor Steve Bell, leader of the Conservative Group

X