Trafford Mayor, Cllr Chris Boyes, has paid tribute following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Mayor said the Queen, who died earlier today at the age of 96, had devoted her life to her country, and her death would be mourned by millions of people, not just in the United Kingdom but throughout the Commonwealth and the world.
Cllr Boyes said: “The Queen has served our country selflessly, steadfastly and resolutely. This, she has done for more than 70 years, not just as this country’s leader but during the Second World War when she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service.
“In 1947, the Queen said in a radio address: ‘I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service.’ It is clear to me that the Queen has done exactly that.
“Amid a sea of change throughout the last decades, the Queen has remained constant. A figurehead who demanded and earned the respect of us all. Her constancy is an example to all of us. Rightly we should mourn her death for it marks the end of an Elizabethan era.”
The Queen visited the borough four times during her reign, most recently in July 2021. She was welcomed by then Mayor Cllr Laurence Walsh before visiting the set of Coronation Street, which is now situated in Trafford Park. There, the Queen walked on the famous cobbles and chatting to cast members.
In June 1977, during her silver jubilee, she attended the Royal Garden Party at Longford Park. Then, in March 1986, she opened GMP’s new Communications and Computer Centre at their Chester House headquarters in Sale.
In December 1994, the Queen was the first person to walk across the Centenary Bridge which spans the Manchester Ship Canal. She had opened the bridge at the Salford side and then was met on the Trafford side by then Trafford Mayor Cllr Ken Rogers.
Trafford residents wishing to pay their respects to the Queen will be able to sign books of condolence.
Residents wishing to place flowers at Trafford Town Hall as a mark of respect can do so in a special reserved area at the sunken gardens adjacent to the town hall.
The flags on Trafford Council buildings have been lowered as a mark of respect.
