Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
21st April 1926 – 8th September 2022
It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Town Council together with our residents offer our thoughts and condolences.
The following arrangements have been made:
The Mayor will write on behalf of the people of Bishop Auckland, to the new Sovereigns Private Secretary to convey our message of condolence and give thanks for the lifetime of service she gave as the longest serving monarch.
We know that people in the town will want to express their individual condolences and we will provide information on how to do so in due course. This will include information on books of condolence, floral tributes and church services.
Flags
As a mark of respect, flags at County Hall and other civic buildings across the county are being flown at half-mast.
Please do not be alarmed if you see some flags returned to full height at 11am, on the day of the national proclamation as this is protocol.
Books of Condolence
An online Book of Condolence is available on The Royal Family website.
Books of condolence are available at the Town Hall from 10am-4pm (Monday to Saturday).
St Anne’s Church also has a book available.
Floral Tributes
Floral tributes can be laid outside of Bishop Auckland Town Hall.
Church Services
A Commemorative Service for Queen Elizabeth II will take place at St Andrew’s Church South Church on Sunday 18th September 2022 at 6pm. All are welcome.
At 8pm on Sunday 18th September the Mayor will be in the Market Place to observe the National Moment of Reflection, he will then lay flowers of condolence.
St Anne’s Church is open for prayer on 9 September 2022 from 11am – 1pm.
St Peter’s Chapel in Auckland Castle will be open daily from 10am – 5pm as a place of prayer and quiet reflection.
A service of remembrance will be held in Durham Cathedral on Saturday 17 September at 3pm. Members of the public can book a free ticket to attend the service from the cathedral’s website at www.durhamcathedral.co.uk.
Further details of other Church services and opening times will follow.
Proclamation
In line with Royal protocol, the proclamation of King Charles III will be read by the High Sheriff for County Durham in Durham Market Place at 1pm on Sunday 11 September. The Chair of the Council will then read a proclamation in the Council Chamber at County Hall, at 3pm. Members will receive invitations in due course. The proclamation will then be read in Bishop Auckland Market Place by the Town Mayor at 4pm.
Our thoughts remain with the Royal Family at this time.
