09/09/2022
The people of Wirral are greatly saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Our borough, along with the rest of the nation and Commonwealth, is now in a period of mourning which will continue until the end of the day of the State Funeral which will be announced in due course.
Flags at Birkenhead and Wallasey Town Halls as well as other civic buildings are now being flown at half-mast as a mark of respect. Both Town Halls and the Gardens at Hamilton Square will also be illuminated purple each evening during the period of mourning.
Books of condolence are now open at the following locations across the borough:
• Birkenhead Town Hall (9am-6pm, Mon-Fri)
• Eastham Library (9am-6pm, Mon-Sat)
• The Floral Pavilion, New Brighton (9am-6pm, Mon-Sun or until close on show nights)
• West Kirby Concourse (9am-6pm, Mon-Sat)
The National online Book of Condolence, which will be kept by the Royal Household, is now available at www.royal.uk.
At 12 noon today the bells of Birkenhead Town Hall will toll 96 times to mark each year of the life of the monarch.
Residents wishing to leave a floral tribute are invited to lay them close to the Cenotaph in Hamilton Square, Birkenhead. You may also wish to consider making a donation to one of the many charities and patronages associated with HM The Queen, the details of which can be found at www.royal.uk/the-queens-charities-and-patronages.
Details of Remembrance Services at Liverpool Cathedral, the Metropolitan Cathedral and Chester Cathedral will be provided shortly.
At 2.30pm on Sunday (11 September), a proclamation to announce the new King will be read from the balcony at Birkenhead Town Hall. Residents are invited to come along to view this centuries-old tradition.
The Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Jeff Green, said:
"It was with great sadness that I, like the rest of the country, learnt about the passing of our Queen.
We have lost a much-loved and respected Sovereign who, for 70 years, demonstrated an extraordinary sense of duty and devotion to our country, people and to public service.
The high regard that people and communities held her in was so evident at every Platinum Jubilee celebration I had the honour of visiting earlier this summer.
Over the coming days we will all have an opportunity to reflect on, and give thanks for, her exceptional life.
Rest in Peace, Your Majesty.
And God Save the King.”
