The news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen broke just before this issue of FSJ went to press. Funeral sector leaders were quick to pay their tributes to the longest serving monarch in British history:
NAFD
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was truly exceptional. Her lifetime of tireless service to the nation and to the Commonwealth earned her the respect and admiration of the entire world. May her service leave an enduring legacy for future generations.
For the majority of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, she is the only monarch we have ever known and her loss will be as keenly felt by many of her subjects as if she were a member of their own family.
Most importantly of all, though, the Queen was a much-loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother to her own family and, on behalf of our members both in the United Kingdom and across the world, the National Association of Funeral Directors offers its sincere condolences to them on their loss.
Jon Levett, Chief Executive
SAIF
We are so lucky to have been served by such an outstanding monarch, who devoted her life to the nation and its people. Through dark times she has lifted our spirits, while in happy times has celebrated all that is good in our communities.
They say change is the only constant, yet for many years Queen Elizabeth has been there for us all, unstinting and unswerving, providing comfort and reassurance in a tumultuous world.
She has also been an inspiration to the funeral profession, highlighting that a commitment to quiet dignified service matters more than anything else. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be sorely missed but celebrated and admired for decades to come. It is a blessing to have lived during her reign.
Jo Parker, SAIF National President
ICCM
The ICCM would like to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth for all that she achieved during her long reign. May she now rest in well-deserved peace. Our sympathies go to her family, friends, subjects and all who mourn her loss. The world just won’t be the same without her.
Julie Dunk, Chief Executive
Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA)
On behalf of the Executive Committee and Members of the FBCA, I should like to extend my deepest condolences to King Charles III and all the royal family on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen was the embodiment of dignity, dedication to service and compassion for others, qualities which all of us working in the bereavement sector value. The loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be immense, but in King Charles III we have a new monarch to guide our grief.
Michael Birkinshaw, President
The Cremation Society
The Cremation Society joins the nation in extending its sincere condolences to the Royal Family on the sad death of Queen Elizabeth II. The dedication, stability, and loyalty to service shown by the Queen during her 70-year reign, has been an inspiration to many and we join the nation in mourning her passing.
Wendy Buchan, Executive Officer & Secretary