By Joshua Robinson –
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died yesterday afternoon at Balmoral Castle aged 96, following a historic reign of 70 years on the throne.
As the United Kingdom enters a 10-day period of mourning, the loss of the Queen will be felt up and down the United Kingdom and worldwide.
The borough of Kirklees is no exception. As respects are paid to the Royal Family during this difficult time, many across the region have been paying tribute to Her Majesty.
The Mayor of Kirklees, Leader of the Council, Kirklees Council Chief Executive and Council Group Leaders have all released statements expressing their sadness at The Queen’s passing, the statements can be read on the Kirklees Together website.
Flags on many major council buildings such as the town halls have been set to half-mast, and books of condolences have been opened for members of the public to sign in all four town halls. The book can also be signed online.
Earlier today senior members of the council visited Huddersfield Parish Church to pay respects to Her Majesty, laying floral wreaths in tribute.
The Mayor of Kirklees has been paying his respects to Her Majesty The Queen by laying floral tributes at Huddersfield Parish Church with @cllrSPandor and @RachelelizaSH pic.twitter.com/2gxCre2yhi
— Mayor of Kirklees 2022-23 (@KirkleesMayor) September 9, 2022
Elsewhere across Kirklees, many organisations and local businesses have been paying their respects to the Queen, and online, many organisations have ‘blacked-out’ their profile pictures and banners as a further mark of respect.
Everyone connected with The Kirkwood is saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II. She leaves behind an indelible mark on our hearts and in our minds. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family, and everyone mourning her loss at this time. pic.twitter.com/JfaSGqOLxV
— The Kirkwood (@TheKirkwood_UK) September 8, 2022
West Yorkshire Archive Services have paid tribute, sharing a photo of the Queen with her late husband, Prince Philip, from 1958.
The Labour MP for Huddersfield, Barry Sheerman, tweeted following the news of the Queen’s death: ‘A feeling of sadness melancholy and loss as we hear the death of Queen Elizabeth.’
A feeling of sadness melancholy and loss as we hear of the death of Queen Elizabeth.When Pam & I were fortunate to meet her she was kind,welcoming with a delightful sense of fun she will be much missed.
— Barry Sheerman MP (@BarrySheerman) September 8, 2022
It is expected that many planned events over the next few days may have their dates changed or postponed entirely.
The Heritage Open Days events planned over the next week are still set to go ahead, but organisers have requested that people double-check as individual organisations may still wish to cancel.
In the world of sports, The Premier League, English Football league and Women’s Super League have postponed all planned matches for this weekend.
This includes Huddersfield Town’s away fixture against Queen’s Park Rangers that was set to take place this Saturday 10 September at 3 pm.
Refunds for tickets are being offered.
Both Huddersfield Town and Huddersfield Town Women have paid tribute in statements online
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty, the Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96 ?
Our thoughts are with the Royal family at this difficult time.#htafc pic.twitter.com/e3DaPuJ2ek
— Huddersfield Town (@htafc) September 8, 2022
This weekend’s Super League games however are still planned to go ahead. This means Huddersfield Giants’ game against the Salford Red Devils will continue as planned.
In a statement on their website, the Giants said that: “Due respect will be paid to Her Majesty before both Eliminator fixtures, with a period of silence and where possible the playing of the National Anthem – while players and match officials will be asked to wear black armbands.”
People are being advised to continue to keep an eye out for any further planned closures or postponements over the next few days, as arrangements continue to be made.
Queen Elizabeth II was coronated in 1952 at the age of 25 and was the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
The Queen will be succeeded by her eldest son Prince Charles. His eldest son, Prince William, will become Heir Apparent to the throne.
KLTV’s thoughts are with the Royal Family during this difficult time.