‘She served us faithfully’ – business leaders pay tribute to the late Queen

The business community from across the West Midlands has been paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on Thursday afternoon (September 8).

The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, John Crabtree, OBE, has sent a letter of sympathy to The King following the announcement of the death of his mother which says:

“On behalf of the County of West Midlands we send our deepest sympathy to The King. There is great sadness across the West Midlands, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth at the death of The Queen. Our thoughts are with His Majesty and the Royal family at this time.

“As an expression of our sadness, flags are flying at half-mast and many books of condolence are being opened at locations throughout the County of West Midlands.”

Mr Crabtree paid tribute to The Queen and her work during her 70-year reign.

“I am sure I speak for all of the citizens of West Midlands when I say that our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this very sad time.

“Her Majesty was a frequent visitor to the West Midlands and the people of this County always welcomed her with great warmth. During Her extraordinarily long reign, the longest of any British Sovereign, She served us faithfully and whilst Her support will be deeply missed, Her contribution and outstanding service will be long remembered.

“We now reflect on the past with gratitude and offer our future support and loyalty to The King and the Royal Family.”

Deb Leary, president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), said: “My admiration and respect for Her Majesty will remain with me forever.

“Her sense of duty and her commitment to her country is an example to us all. Having met her on a number of occasions, she was warm, incredibly witty and interested in the person who stood in front of her.

“Having been awarded an OBE, I am eternally grateful. God bless her and I send my deepest condolences to the entire Royal Family. God save the King”

Henrietta Brealey, the GBCC’s chief executive, said: “The Queen has been a reassuringly constant and consistent figure throughout many of our lives.

“Her 70 years of loyal and dedicated service to this nation as our Monarch is unrivalled. She was the Patron of the British Chambers of Commerce and most recently wrote of her pride at the business community’s civic response to the pandemic.  

“While Her Majesty was a figurehead, a symbol, for many, she was also a phenomenal individual. Our sincere condolences and thoughts go out to the Royal Family and those close to her as the nation joins them in mourning her passing.”

Professor Adam Tickell Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham said: “Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II was an inspirational public servant with an unwavering commitment and passion for public and voluntary service.

“I have spoken with a number of colleagues who shared fond memories of meeting the Queen on her numerous visits to the University over the years, and I greatly admire her sense of duty and her devotion to a life of service.

“As the longest-serving Monarch in British history, I – and I’m sure many in the country and around the world – are grateful for her contributions to British life, culture, society and so much more.”

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