Queen Elizabeth II: Mid Sussex reacts to the death of the UK’s longest reigning monarch

The Royal Family confirmed at 6.30pm that the The Queen had passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle this afternoon.

Mid Sussex MP Mims Davies said: “Sending my thoughts and prayers to Her Majesty The Queen and her family, at this time, on behalf of my Mid Sussex constituents.”

A Mid Sussex District Council spokesperson said: “Mid Sussex District Council join in sending our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family.

“Details of how residents can express their condolences will be announced in due course.”

Mid Sussex District Council leader Jonathan Ash-Edwards said: “The death of The Queen is devastating news.

“Her Majesty has been a source of great stability and continuity throughout the incredible changes our country has seen.

“Her devotion and public service will forever be held in the highest respect.

“Rest in peace.”

Burgess Hill Town Mayor Peter Chapman said: “I was very sad to learn of the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96, who reigned over the Commonwealth for an incredible 70 years and was the absolute icon of our country.

“As a monarch she was a rock of calm stability in an often turbulent world. A Queen who epitomised faithful service and devotion to her role.

“We can find comfort in her passing, knowing that here in Burgess Hill, we paid great tribute to the Queen when we marked her Diamond Jubilee with our ‘Jubilee Fest’ programme of events back in June of this year which included the fantastic Jubilee Concert and the lighting of the beacon.

“The Queen visited Burgess Hill in 1999 with her husband Prince Phillip to officially open the Triangle Leisure.

“She also met members of the public in the town centre and visited the Town Council Help Point.

“My thoughts, and I’m sure the rest of the town’s, are with the Royal Family at this time as they mourn the loss of their mother and grandmother.

“An enormous part of our history has now moved on and we await the coronation of King Charles III.

“God Save The King.”

Burgess Hill Town Council Leader Robert Eggleston said: “The media speak of the end of the second Elizabethan era. They are right.

"Queen Elizabeth II was a towering figure in the life of the nation, the Commonwealth and the world.

“As a monarch she was a rock of calm stability in an often turbulent world. A queen who epitomised faithful service and devotion to her role.

“She was wise and possessed of a deep faith. She was truly Elizabeth the Great.

“My thoughts are with the family who mourn the loss of their mother and grandmother. The nation and Commonwealth mourn with them.”

A statement on the Haywards Heath Town Council website said: “The Town Mayor, Haywards Heath councillors and staff are deeply saddened to hear the announcement of the death of Her Majesty.”

Haywards Heath town mayor Howard Mundin said: “Like many in this Country the Queen has been present through my entire life.

“She had a continued strength and unifying force throughout the world and especially her beloved commonwealth.

“I am sure all residents will join me in the sadness of this event, but also remember in their lives when they were touched personally by Her Majesty’s presence.

“On behalf of the Town Council the collective thoughts of the residents of Haywards Heath will be with the Royal Family at this difficult time.”

Ruth De Mierre, Mid Sussex Ditsrict Council’s cabinet member for leisure and parking, and chairman of the Haywards Heath Town Team, told the Middy: “I’m heartbroken at the death of our beloved Queen; a very long life of total duty, dedication and service but with such caring, compassion and love.

“We hugely admired and respected her as Queen and loved her for herself; she gave us strength and stability and I can’t imagine life without her at the helm of our country.”

West Sussex County Councillor Kirsty Lord said: “My thoughts are with the Queen’s children and grandchildren this evening.

“Thank you for your service, ma’am. Rest well.”

East Grinstead town mayor Adam Peacock said: “The East Grinstead Town Councillors and staff are deeply saddened to hear the announcement of the death of Her Majesty.

“I will be writing to the Palace to express our condolences in the coming days.

“As a mark of respect the Union and Town Flags will be flown at half-mast from today, and through to the day of the funeral.”

Mid Sussex Police said: “With deepest sorrow we offer heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“The Queen dedicated her life to public service. Union Flags will be flown at half-mast on our buildings during national mourning.

May she rest in peace.”

Ardingly Parish Council said council members join the nation in sending their heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family.

A spokesperson said: “Details of how residents can express their condolences will be announced in due course.”

The Orchards shopping centre in Haywards Heath tweeted: “Her Majesty The Queen, April 21st, 1926 - September 8th, 2022.

“Thank you for your service Ma’am.”

The members of Central Sussex Rotary Club have expressed their ‘profound sadness’ at the news.

A spokesperson said: “Throughout her life, Queen Elizabeth II embodied both the idea and the practice of public service. Her memory and her example to us all, throughout her extraordinary life and reign, will live on forever.

“We join those in mourning across the nation, the Realms and the Commonwealth in sending our thoughts and condolences to His Majesty the King and the Royal Family.

“May God Save, and long live, King Charles III.”

This article will be updated as more tributes come in.