Devon tributes: Queen Elizabeth II was mother of nation, says dean

The Dean of Exeter said Queen Elizabeth II had been "the mother of the nation" in a tribute following her death.

On Thursday it was announced she had died peacefully at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.

The Queen had visited Devon on a number of occasions, including Dartmouth when she was 13, where she met her husband Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark.

Flags across the region are flying at half-mast in tribute.

The Dean of Exeter, the Very Reverend Jonathan Greener, said: "She has been the mother of the nation our whole life long. So as well as wanting to express condolences to the Royal Family, for many this loss feels personal."

The Bishop of Exeter, the Right Reverend Robert Atwell, said the death of the Queen was an "extraordinary, watershed moment for our nation".

"We mark her death as Christian people with a sense of hope, something that Queen Elizabeth embodied in her entire life, her faith in Christ."

At 12:00 BST bells were rung at Exeter Cathedral and other places of worship across Devon in memory of Britain's longest serving monarch.

Temporary Chief Constable Jim Colwell, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said the Queen had an "unwavering devotion" to the public.

"We will be coming together as a force to support the communities of Devon and Cornwall over the coming days as they reflect on Her Majesty's reign and mark this historic moment in time."

Flags will be flying at half-mast at a number of police stations in the region.

Conservative MP for Plymouth Moor View Johnny Mercer said it was "devastating news" and it had been "the privilege of my life to serve you".

Labour MP for Sutton and Devonport Luke Pollard described the monarch as the "nation's rock" and a "towering example of public service".

"She visited Plymouth many times over her reign. We loved her and as a city we feel her loss profoundly," he said.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has also paid tribute.

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen as announced by Buckingham Palace," a spokesperson said.

"Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this sad time."

Canon Paul Cummins from the Diocese of Plymouth said: "We all feel an immense loss."

He said she "upheld the values and traditions of our society" and was "a true model of leadership and service".

People are invited to pay their respects at the Catholic Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface in Plymouth.

The bell will be tolled throughout the day, with a book of condolences made available.

Gary Streeter, Conservative MP for South West Devon, said he had served under seven different prime ministers "but only one monarch".

"She was the constancy, the point of unification for all of us. That's gone now and it will feel different."

Ian Thomas, chairman of East Devon Council, said the Queen was admired "for her elegance and kindness to those she met in the course of her public duties".

He said her "dedication and contributions to the service of the country for a historic 70 years was unfailing, and will be remembered by all".

Torbay mayor Mandy Darling, leader of the council Steve Darling, and chief executive Anne-Marie Bond called the Queen "an admirable monarch who proudly represented the nation".

Sue Dann, Lord Mayor of Plymouth, said: "On behalf of the entire city of Plymouth I would like to express our sincere condolences to the royal family after the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"As a mark of respect the flags on council buildings and key city landmarks will now be flown at half-mast."

Council leader and Conservative member for Southway, Richard Bingley, added: "I'm deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"Her Majesty dedicated her entire life to duty and serving the country and her beloved Commonwealth. She truly was an inspirational monarch and will be greatly missed."

Dartmoor Zoo has decided to close on Friday out of respect, it said.

The zoo said: "Her Majesty will be remembered fondly as an animal lover and a fantastic advocate for the work of zoos and aquariums to save species and create a better world.

"She enjoyed a lifetime of visits to zoos, from memorable times as a princess meeting giant pandas to meeting elephants as Queen."

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