York pays tribute to the Queen on the anniversary of her death

The archbishop said he remembered the Queen’s life of service with great gratitude.

Meanwhile, Lord Mayor Chris Cuillwick said the statue of Queen Elizabeth on the west facade of York Minster “will forever remain a symbol of the city’s gratitude and respect for the life of our longest-serving monarch”.

York Minster itself will mark the anniversary with prayers throughout the day and during Evensong at 5.30pm.

Queen Elizabeth died at Balmoral Castle on September 8, 2022 at 3:10 p.m. She was 96 years old and had recently celebrated her platinum anniversary.

Her death was publicly announced at 6:30 p.m. that day, triggering an unprecedented wave of grief and a prolonged period of national mourning.

The Archbishop of York, who met the Queen several times in his role as a senior member of the Church of England, referred to the grief gripping the nation in his tribute today.

The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell pictured with the late Queen Elizabeth II when he was previously Bishop of Chelmsford (Image: Agency)

“One year after the death of Her Majesty the Queen, we remember her life of service with great gratitude and draw strength from the inspiring ways in which we came together as a nation to honor her,” he said.

“I will never forget witnessing the thousands of people queuing across London every day to pay their respects. I chatted with many of them, prayed with some, even sang a song and helped order a pizza for one or two. “They were extraordinary days.” and showed what is best in us.

“We are one nation and one humanity. We too must live a life of service. May Her Majesty the Queen rest in peace. And God save the king.”

Cllr Cullwick added: “As we approach the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, we reflect on her life of service to the nation, the Commonwealth and the world.”

“And this week we are again called upon to give thanks for her remarkable 70 years of dedication to her calling.

“The statue now erected on the west facade of York Minster will forever remain a symbol of the city’s gratitude and respect for the life of our longest-serving monarch.”

A spokesman for York Minster said prayers would be held in the cathedral all day tomorrow for both the Queen and her son and successor, King Charles III.

Prayers were also offered during the Evensong beginning at 5:30 p.m., to which members of the public who wished to pay their respects were also welcome to attend. “We would like that,” she said.

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch in British history and was still carrying out official duties at almost 100 years old.

The late Queen Elizabeth II (Image: Agency)

Just two days before her death, on September 6, 2022, she had officially appointed Liz Truss as Prime Minister.

The very next day, September 7th, the royal doctors ordered her to rest. Then, in the early morning of September 8, rumors began to circulate about her health.

Members of her family rushed to her bedside in Balmoral but she died at 3.10pm.

READ MORE:

– Elizabeth II dies aged 96, Buckingham Palace confirms

– Charles and Camilla privately mark the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death

– York and North Yorkshire on the day of our final farewell to Queen Elizabeth II

The news of her death and Charles’ accession as king was announced to the world by Buckingham Palace at 6:30 that evening.

Tributes poured in from around the world. US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill said: “Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unsurpassed dignity and stability,” while French President Emmanuel Macron called her “a friend of France.”

In York, a condolence page opened by the York Press was flooded with tributes.

John Jones, from York, said: “As a veteran of the Royal Navy I was so proud to have served you. They gave Britain the ‘Great’ status. We will never forget your unwavering service to our country. Rest in peace, Elizabeth. “Great.”

Leon Cook of York simply added, “Thank you for your service, ma’am.”

Andrew Brunton, also from York, captured much of the national mood when he wrote: “She has been my queen all my life. An always majestic figure. Rest in peace. You deserve it.”

Over the next 11 days, the “London Bridge” plans were implemented in the event of the ruler’s death.

Queen Elizabeth II was honored with processions, vigils, a laying in state, a grand state funeral at Westminster Abbey and a moving memorial service in Windsor.