NFCC Chair pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Following the devastating news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council pays tribute to our longest serving monarch. 

Mark Hardingham expresses his deepest sympathy: “The news about Queen Elizabeth II is an incredibly sad day, not only for the United Kingdom, but for people across the world. 

“As our longest serving monarch, she touched the lives of millions upon millions of people. Not only was she a much-loved queen, she was a devoted mother, wife and grandmother, while serving her country – which she loved – tirelessly, with the utmost pride and dignity.  

“I would like to pass on my sincere condolences from NFCC – along with the thoughts of all UK Fire and Rescue Services – to the Royal Household at this very sad time. The Queen visited many fire services during her reign and many will have wonderful stories to tell about her time with them. 

“This news will have a huge impact on the entire world. Fire and rescue services will adopt national protocols to quite rightly pay tribute to our queen, while showing our combined respects during this time of national mourning. 

“It is only right that we both celebrate and mourn this amazing woman, who reigned for 70 years, at the helm of her family and at the helm of our country.” 

Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne in 1952. The eldest son, Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King and head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms. 

Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor in April 1926, she became monarch in 1952, aged 27, following her father’s death and was crowned at Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953.