Tributes, condolences and fond reminiscences have been flooding social media since the news broke that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth died yesterday evening (Thursday, September 8).
Our beloved Queen has been the only monarch that all of us, apart from the very oldest in the land, have ever known; a lady of impeccable trustworthiness, fortitude and good humour. It is no surprise that a profound sense of loss has gripped the country; not least in Pembrokeshire where messages of appreciation, gratitude, grief and warm wishes have kept flowing throughout the last few hours.
One that caught our eye was the story told by The Castlemead Restaurant in Manorbier of how the late Geoff Greasley met the queen in 1994 when Alfresco Catering, alongside Pembrokeshire College, provided food for the celebration of St Davids receiving city status.
When asked, “What did the Queen say to you?” Geoff would answer: “She looked at my name on my chef’s jacket and said “So you’re Geoffrey Greasley, I’ve been dying to meet you!”
And whenever his mother, Beatrice, was asked, “What did the Queen say to Geoff?” she would reply: “Oh, Geoffrey, I wish my boys had turned out like you!”
Many other local venues and attractions have posted tributes, including the following:
OUR HEARTS are with the Royal Family this very sad time. Our Queen served us until the very end as she promised. May she rest in peace. – The Stone Crab, Saundersfoot
REST in Peace to our beautiful Queen, a great loss felt by everyone, your family, your country and the world. – Periwinkle Bistro, Saundersfoot
OAKWOOD Theme Park joins mourners around the UK and the world in paying tribute to Her Majesty the Queen. It is a moment of great sadness, and we give thanks for a life of extraordinary service. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family at this time. – Oakwood Theme Park
WE ARE saddened to learn that Queen Elizabeth II has died aged 96. The Queen visited the castle on a few occasions throughout her long reign, and was celebrated enthusiastically by the people of Pembrokeshire at several Jubilee events at the castle over many decades. We are grateful to her for a lifetime of faithful service to our country. – Pembroke Castle
SLEEP well, Ma’am - Ridgeway Park Resort, Manorbier
ON BEHALF of the Regency Hall, we send our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family on hearing of the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. – Regency Hall, Saundersfoot
ON the third of June we celebrated her reign of seven decades on the weekend of her Jubilee, on what turned out to be a beautiful sunny day, uniting young and old in her celebration in our beer garden; on reflection we are so proud in how we celebrated her day. May she rest in peace, may the respect she deserves live on. As a community let us remember what she did for us. She followed what her parents thought her during the war, commitment, love for your neighbours, pride in your surroundings and most of all work ethic, she worked hard all her life with grace and commitment for the country she loved. – The Old Chemist Inn, Saundersfoot
ALLat Hotel Plas Hyfryd are saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and send our condolences to the royal family at this time. – Plas Hyfryd, Narberth
SUCH sad news. A treasure to our nation for such a long period of time, Queen Elizabeth II ruled with dignity, grace, wisdom and poise and is beloved and respected worldwide. A huge loss to our country, we are grateful for her lifetime of service. Our thoughts are with her family. – Watermans Arms, Pembroke
These sentiments are echoed by diverse local businesses - below are a few examples:
WE HAVE been deeply saddened today by the news of the passing of HM The Queen. An incredible, inspirational woman and leader, her presence will be missed across the world. May she rest in peace. – Andrew Price Group
ALL at Big Brum’s are saddened at the news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth, after a lifetime of devotion to our country, may she rest in peace. – Big Brum’s
ALLat Taf Valley Coaches are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, Elizabeth II. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this sad time. – Taf Valley Coaches
OUR THOUGHTS are with the Royal Family on the loss of their beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Rest in peace, your Majesty. – West Wales Properties
IT IS with great sadness that we receive the news of the death of our Queen. Our thoughts are with her friends, loved ones and family. – Computer Solutions Wales
WE ARE incredibly saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II following a 70-year reign. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this difficult time. – Vaughans
Photographer Gareth Davies commented that he has been “fortunate to be on the official Royal Press Rota many times over the years with visits by many Royal members to our beautiful county of Pembrokeshire. one person stood out so wonderfully special, Queen Elizabeth.”
Pure West Radio announced yesterday evening that they would be following media protocol and re-programming broadcasts until Monday. This means that the BB Skone Show on Sunday, September 11 has been cancelled. The scheduled interviews and live session will be broadcast at a later date. Please check with venues before travelling to shows mentioned in the Gig Guide, as they might have been cancelled.
ASDA in Pembroke Dock was silent yesterday evening as the usual background music was turned off as a mark of respect.
Local schools, too, were quick to respond as the sad news affects every generation across the country:
MILFORD Haven School staff, pupils and community is saddened by the news that Queen Elizabeth II has sadly died. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family – Milford Haven School
GORDFFWYSWCH mewn hedd. Cydymdeimlwn yn ddiffuant gyda theulu’r frenhines Elizabeth II. Rest in peace. Our sincere condolences to Queen Elizabeth II’s family. – Ysgol Hafan y Mor, Dinbych y Pysgod
THE YSGOL Greenhill school community is saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth II. We wish to send our deepest condolences to the Royal family. – Ysgol Greenhill School, Tenby
OUR WHOLE school community is saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We wish to send our deepest condolences to the Royal family. – Hook CP School
I’M SURE that the whole of our school community is saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth II. We wish to send our deepest condolences to the Royal family. God save the King. – Golden Grove School/Ysgol Gelli Aur
Heartfelt tributes have been paid by many societies and organisations, among them these:
IT IS with huge sadness that we at Milford Haven Junior Town Band have learned of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Our deepest sympathies are with the Royal Family at this very sad time. – Milford Haven Junior Town Band
IT IS with profound sadness that we at Girlguiding Pembrokeshire have learned of the death of our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen. Our deepest sympathies are with the Royal Family at this very sad time. – Girlguiding Pembrokeshire
REST in Peace your Majesty. Thank you for your service to our Country and Commonwealth. – Neyland Ladies Choir
“I DECLARE before you all, that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service” - A promise fully kept. It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We thank you for your long and devoted reign, may you rest in peace. – Tenby Round Table
IT IS with great sorrow that we learned of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was an inspiration to all and a lifelong example of service to the world and the many communities she impacted. We are grateful for all the support she has shown over the years and deeply saddened by her passing. Thank you Ma’am, the whole world will greatly miss your influence, spirit and determination. The thoughts of all at Milford Haven Round Table are with her family, the commonwealth and all those who will mourn her passing. – Milford Haven Round Table
WE ARE very saddened to learn of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Throughout her life she was an outstanding unifier of the nation and an exemplary model of her generation. We send our thoughts and prayers to King Charles and the Royal family at this time. We will forever be thankful for the many years that we had her wisdom and guidance as our Queen. God bless. May she rest in peace. – Narberth & Whitland Round Table
MANY PEOPLE will say many things over the next few weeks about the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, I will just say this I would have happily laid down my life for her. She will be deeply missed by me. – UK coast walker and recent Pembrokeshire visitor Jim Morton
Pembrokeshire’s Emergency Services were greatly touched by the news of the Queen’s passing. Comments included:
WE, alongside the rest of the nation and world, are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty the Queen today.Our longest serving monarch in British history, her remarkable reign will never be forgotten. From everyone within the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Her Majesty’s Coastguard and the UK Ship Register – our thoughts are with the Royal Family. – HM Coastguard Tenby
WE ARE deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. Our condolences go out to the Royal Family, Senior Royals and family members. – Pembroke Dock Fire Station
IT IS with great sadness that we learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As Crown Servants, it is a particularly poignant moment for us here at Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police. I send our deepest condolences to the King and The Royal Family at this very sad time. Flags across our estate will be flown at half-mast to mark the national period of mourning. – Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis
IT IS with great sadness that this evening, we learned of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. Queen Elizabeth II ruled for 70 years, longer than any other Monarch in British History. After a lifetime of Royal Service, on behalf of all here at both Dyfed-Powys Police and my Office, I wish to thank her for her dedication and commitment to her role within the Monarchy and offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family. May she rest in peace. – Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn
Town and Community Council messages included the following words of comfort and respect:
THE MAYOR of Tenby, Tenby Town Council and the people of the town, send deepest condolences to His Majesty the King and all his family on the sad death of HM Queen Elizabeth II. – Tenby Town Council
IT IS with the greatest sadness that the Milford Haven Town Council learns of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. We extend our deepest condolences to our King and the Royal Family, and to absolutely everyone who was dear to this most exceptional lady, who served our country so impeccably for so many years. The Mayor, Councillors and Staff. – Milford Haven Town Council
Kilgetty & Begelly Community Council was starting the September meeting of full council when the very sad news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II was released. The meeting was postponed and as mark of respect and they held a moments silence. “Our sincere condolences to the Queen’s family at this sad time.”
Pembroke Dock Town Council has announced that there will be a book of condolence available in the Town Council offices for anyone who wishes to note their condolences.
IT IS with profound sadness that Pembrokeshire County Council learned of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Her Majesty died on Thursday, September 8, aged 96. Flags are flying at half-mast at County Hall, Haverfordwest and Haverfordwest Castle. Pembrokeshire County Council will open Books of Condolence on Friday September 9 at County Hall, Haverfordwest and at Fishguard Town Hall. The Books of Condolence will be open 9am-5pm during normal office hours.
I WOULD like to pass on my condolences, those of the entire Council and the people of Pembrokeshire to The Royal Family on this saddest of days. We have always known this day would come but it does not make it any less painful. For millions of people, as our longest reigning monarch, Her Majesty has been a constant and reassuring figure in our lives. We are thankful for her many decades of public service and the example she set. – Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Pat Davies
Churches noted the Queen’s unswerving Christian faith as they marked her passing. Some examples below:
We wish to convey our thanks for the life of service, dignity and Christian witness of Her Majesty the Queen. We join with the nation in honouring her. The prayers and condolences of our church congregations will be with and for the Royal Family at this time. – Ivan Parker, National Leader, The Apostolic Church UK
Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Rest Eternal Grant Unto Her O Lord. We pray for King Charles as he ascends to the throne, so long, and faithfully occupied by his mother. May he reign as she did; faithfully, with dignity, and with grace. – St Issells Church, Saundersfoot
A truly sad day. A great Queen, she will be missed, however she will now be in glory with the king of kings and Lord of Lords whom she served. – Emmanuel Church, Manorbier
Yesterday we heard the sad news - shocking, even though we knew it was coming - that Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had died. Today we grieve her passing, and begin to understand just what we have lost: a Head of State who swore to us, her people, that she would serve us to the very end of her days. More even than this, she was a faithful Christian, a woman of prayer who loved and lived to serve the Lord Jesus. I pray that we shall see such a person again in our own lifetime, but we know that she is now surely at peace, at home with our Lord, and reunited with her precious husband Prince Philip, and all those she loved so much. “To many of us our beliefs are of fundamental importance. For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example.” (The Queen’s Christmas message, 2000) With Her late Majesty, we have a blessed and sure hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, and we trust that she is now with Him, resting in His arms. – Parish of Pembroke Dock
MPs and Senedd Members praised the remarkable qualities of Her Majesty the Queen as they responded to the sad news:
RIP Queen Elizabeth II - an incomparable life of service. God save the King! – Simon Hart MP
I AM deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The nation mourns a remarkable Sovereign who served the United Kingdom and Commonwealth with the greatest devotion, strength and selflessness for more than 70 years. In times of national trial and hardship she never faltered, instead rising to the occasion to provide the country with stability and reassurance. I offer my deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this incredibly sad time. Rest in Peace HM Queen Elizabeth II. – Stephen Crabb MP
A LIFE of dedicated, dutiful service to our nation and the Commonwealth. Her Majesty was the strength and stay of our nation during her 70 year reign. She was a mother to her family and to our country. I will remember her with profound respect and admiration. Together we mourn the sad death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. My deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time. May she rest in peace. – Samuel Kurtz MS
IT IS with great sadness that people in Wales mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Throughout her long and exceptional life, as our longest reigning monarch, Her Majesty has reigned over the United Kingdom and Commonwealth firmly upholding the values and traditions of the British Monarchy. We pay tribute to Her Majesty’s dedication and selfless devotion. She will be sorely missed by the many organisations for which she was Patron or President. We offer our sincere condolences to her children and their families on this sad occasion. – First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford
~
MY DEEPEST condolences go out to the family of Queen Elizabeth II on the death of our Monarch. Over the seven decades of her reign and through her service and dedication to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, our Queen has represented the most important values of dignity, duty and dedication, providing stability and continuity in the most difficult of times.
Her Majesty has been a constant feature in all of our lives, bringing our Nation together for historic occasions and in moments of challenge and crisis. Many of us have met her during her visits to our communities, others have visited the Palace, or have received telegrams and honours.
For most, she regularly featured in newspapers, television and radio stations - a potent symbol of continuity in an ever-changing society.
At the start of her reign, friends, families and neighbours will have gathered around to watch a rare black and white television to watch her coronation. In more recent times, the Queen continued to provide comfort and insight through her annual Christmas Day message, where millions at home and around the world tuned in for what had become a British tradition.
In the days ahead, I am sure we will all take the time to reflect on her personal and public spirited contribution and unfaltering presence in our lives. Her selfless dedication and devoted service rightly earned her a place among history’s most admired individuals.
Her pivotal presence will be sorely missed.
As vowed on her 21st birthday, Her Majesty devoted her whole life to our service - she ‘stayed the course’ and the legacy and impact of her unparalleled 70 years of service will endure in the hearts and minds of the Nation for generations to come.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Eluned Morgan MS