Moray's Lord Lieutenant General Seymour Monro and Banffshire's Lord Lieutenant Andrew Simpson pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after her death at Balmoral
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LORD Lieutenants from Moray and Banffshire have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in the aftermath of her passing.
The Queen, who reigned for 70 years, died aged 96 at Balmoral, in Aberdeenshire, today.
Moray's Lord Lieutenant General Seymour Monro described the Queen as a "wonderful monarch", while Banffshire's Lord Lieutenant Andrew Simpson said "her contributions to society have been many".
Seymour Monro also spoke of the Queen's affection for Moray, which she regularly visited, with her children going to school at Gordonstoun. Her Majesty also visited Banffshire on two occasions.
“Queen Elizabeth II was a truly wonderful monarch for the United Kingdom for 70 years," Seymour Monro said.
"There were many challenging times during her reign, but the Queen always gave her people and her country superb leadership as our sovereign.
"She was an inspirational, steadying and wise influence over the country’s affairs.
"Queen Elizabeth succeeded her father, King George VI, at the young age of 24. She was on the throne for longer than any other British monarch.
"As Queen she visited every corner of her realm on many occasions. As Head of the Commonwealth she travelled around the world and played a major role in encouraging the countries of the Commonwealth to work and act together.
"Queen Elizabeth was a most active patron of hundreds of organisations who benefited from her support. She was head of the Armed Forces and took a keen, personal and constant interest in all three services.
"She was well known for her devotion to duty. This included the day-to-day business of being a constitutional monarch as well as giving weekly advice to her many prime ministers.
"Together with her consort, Prince Philip, she ensured that the Royal Family evolved over the years.
"Formal occasions were conducted with appropriate ceremony and to the highest standards, whilst the business of the day was carried out effectively and conscientiously.
"Our late Queen was very fond of Moray and, of course, saw her children regularly when they were at Gordonstoun.
"She and Prince Philip last visited Moray in 2014 when they went to RAF Lossiemouth and to 39 Engineer Regiment at Kinloss.
"Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered as an outstanding Queen for her people, for the nation and for the Commonwealth. She was highly respected all over the world."
Books of condolence will be opened in towns right across Moray. The Proclomation of King Charles III will take place on the Plainstones in Elgin. Details will be confirmed in due course.
Andrew Simpson, Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, said: "The news of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen brings great sadness to many in this country and across the globe.
"In 1953, she spoke of dedicating her life to serving others. This she has done with a sense of duty and diligence that has been an example to us all.
"Throughout her long reign, Her Majesty has been a symbol of stability through a time of much change.
"Her contributions to her country and the Commonwealth have been many. Her Majesty visited Historic Banffshire twice.
"First, in 1961 when she and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh landed at Macduff harbour and travelled along the coast stopping at many villages and towns.
"In 1982, she visited the boatyard and Fishermen’s Memorial in Buckie. Both occasions are well remembered by many who were present with a sense of appreciation for her interest in our communities.
"Her active patronage and support for numerous charities, including Cancer Research UK, RNLI and Boys Brigade, has been a great encouragement to volunteers and others.
"Her Majesty actively encouraged the development of schemes to recognise the achievements of individuals, voluntary groups, businesses and others.
"Through these, many in our area have had their hard work and commitment recognised.
"As the country mourns the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, we remember also her family and extend sincere condolences to them at this time of loss. As well as looking back, we also look forward and offer support and loyalty to the new King."
