A spray of colourful floral tributes contrasted overcast skies befitting the sombre and respectful mood of a region coming to terms with the death of the UK’s longest-ever serving monarch.
People across the North East have been processing their sadness and grief following the unexpected death of Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral on Thursday afternoon.
Just two days earlier she was photographed looking frail, but smiling, as she appointed newly elected Tory leader Liz Truss as her 15th Prime Minister.
Read more: Gun salutes to take place marking Queen’s death"
Senior members of the Royal family flew to be her side as concerning news of the Queen’s ailing health emerged earlier on Thursday.
Her mercifully peaceful death at the age of 96 was confirmed by Buckingham Palace through television newscasters wearing black to the nation at 6.30pm.
In keeping with protocol, her eldest son acceded the throne immediately to become King Charles III, meaning the UK had a new Head of State as well as a new Head of Government in the space of 72 hours.
Across the North East people have been sharing their love and appreciation for the Queen’s devotion to her public role and her lifetime of service.
Flags at public buildings are flying at half-mast as the nation enters a new era and the public enters a period of mourning to mark the end of the late sovereign’s historic 70-year reign.
Durham Cathedral has invited people to reflect, sign a book of condolence, light a candle, offer a prayer and join special services or simply just to ‘be’ in the days to come.
The cathedral's bells tolled 96 times at minute intervals from 12noon on Thursday to mark each year of the Queen’s life.
The Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler said: “Her Majesty has served this nation with such deep love for the people and care for the well-being of all.
“Her devotion to her duty and responsibilities has been amazing.
“Our prayers are with our new monarch, King Charles, all the Royal Family and our nation in this time of sadness and grief.”
Local authorities have opened books of condolence and provided locations so people can lay floral tributes.
Councillor Jonathan Dulston, leader of Darlington Borough Council, laid flowers at the Market Cross in the town centre to commemorate the Queen's life and service.
A book of condolence will be available to sign at the town hall civic reception throughout the period of national mourning.
Darlington Mayor Anne-Marie Curry who said: "I was greatly saddened to hear the news of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. My thoughts and those of my family are with the new King Charles III, the Queen Consort and the wider Royal Family at this sad time.
“It will take some time for us all to process this loss, as while very few of us had the opportunity to meet Her Majesty in person, she touched all of our lives in one way or another over the years. We will always remember her enormous contribution to our country.”
The Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Ross Patterson, was the first to sign a Book of Condolence at Stockton Central Library.
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Council leisure centres and libraries across County Durham have also opened their doors so people can pay their respects.
Floral tributes can be left at Chester-le-Street Market Place, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Millennium Place in Durham City, at the front of Crook Civic Centre, Consett War Memorial and outside The Witham at Barnard Castle.
Councillor Beaty Bainbridge, chairwoman of Durham County Council, said: "We are greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this sad time.
"As Britain's longest-serving monarch, The Queen demonstrated extraordinary devotion to her duties and to the people she served. She was an important figurehead for the UK during a reign of more than 70 years, which saw unprecedented changes to our country and way of life.
"The Queen travelled more widely than any other monarch and this included many visits to County Durham.
“I am sure that all those who met her, whether in the early years of her time on the throne or more recently, will have fond memories of her visit.”
Lighting in Stockton town centre, Stockton riverside and Newport Bridge as well as the Millennium Bridge in Gateshead will be set to purple every night up to and including the evening of the state funeral.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II devoted her entire life to this country and the commonwealth.
“She’s been there in times of celebration and provided stability in darker days.
“The Queen was loved the world over, she commanded respect and brought our nation endless pride.
“The duty, commitment and integrity with which she approached public service is an inspiration to us all. She really was an incredible woman.
“As a nation we will come together to celebrate her life and we will all mourn her passing, but we should not forget how difficult this time will be for the Queen’s family, friends and those close to her.”
Mayors from across the region will send letters to the new sovereign offering condolences on behalf of councils and communities.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The Queen has been the beating heart of our nation for 70 years and her life of noble service is the guiding light for her subjects across the United Kingdom and her beloved Commonwealth.
“Since ascending to the throne The Queen was a constant for millions of people here at home and across the globe in an ever-changing world. Her passing will leave a void in all our hearts.
“On her 21st birthday Her Majesty devoted her life to selfless service in the national interest, a commitment that she steadfastly stood by for the rest of her magnificent life.
“The United Kingdom has lost an extraordinary public servant. Today our nation is united in sadness and grief.”
The region’s MP’s have also paid their own tributes.
Redcar MP Jacob Young said: “The nation is in mourning at the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.
“Around the world, Britain is admired because of her service to our country and to the Commonwealth.
"During her reign, the Queen's sense of duty and devotion to a life of service has been a constant pillar of stability through periods of enormous social change, and many of the most significant chapters in our nation's history.
“As well as our monarch, she was a mother and a grandmother, and I know people across Redcar and Cleveland will join me in offering our sincere condolences to the entire Royal Family.
"Today we mourn and express our deepest gratitude for the truly remarkable reign of Elizabeth II.”
Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough, said: “I send my deepest condolences to the Royal Family.
“The nation will mourn the passing of our longest serving Monarch who dedicated her life to public service. Her reign has been a constant for generations and she has been loved and respected by people around the globe.
“The Queen was not just the Head of State, she was a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and she will be hugely missed.”
Read next:
- Darlington's Heather Scott recalls when she met the Queen for first time
- King Charles III makes promise to nation after death of Queen Elizabeth II
- Northern Echo reporter goes to Buckingham Palace to pay respects
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