POLITICIANS and faith leaders from across Solihull have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
Following the death of the Queen on Thursday messages of sympathy for the Royal Family and anecdotes from when people met her have been heard.
This has been echoed in Solihull with some recalling their childhood memories and what the Queen meant to them.
Julian Knight, Solihull MP, said: “Words cannot describe the incredible commitment of the late Queen Elizabeth to public duty, and I know that everyone found a special place in their hearts for her.
“Likewise, I know that my constituents in Solihull had the utmost respect, appreciation and devotion to the late Queen Elizabeth, and she demonstrated her personal love for the Borough of Solihull, and its people, on numerous occasions.
“On a personal level, one of my earliest memories in life was attending a silver Jubilee party on a bright summer’s day at my Infants School. On that day I was awarded a 50p commemorative coin to remember the Silver Jubilee and I still have the coin to this day.
“Our country faces a new chapter in its history. As we depart from the second Elizabethan era, I know that my constituents will clearly want to spend time mourning this sad occasion.”
Speaking in the House Of Commons during a special session of Condolence in honour of the late Queen Meriden MP, Saqib Bhatti, said: “I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family as they mourn the loss of a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
“Our nation weeps with them and for them, and Her Majesty does hold a special hearts in the place of my constituents because for it as on a spring morning in 1971 when Her Majesty opened Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre and most of the village of Chelmsley Wood turned out to greet her.
“In fact that day the Royal party was running on a late schedule but the Queen was undeterred as she took the time to speak to local residents.
“She was always there when we needed her.
“She showed us what it meant to keep calm and carry on.
“I’ll never forget how in the pandemic she gave reassurance to the whole nation and told us that we would meet again.”
In a statement Solihull Faiths Forum, which brings together all faiths in the borough, said: “Faith was of central importance to the Queen, and we appreciate the support she gave throughout her life towards all faith communities.
“We are immensely grateful for her outstanding service to our nation and the Commonwealth countries and her example of supreme dedication to duty. Her Majesty leaves behind a unique legacy.
“We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to all members of the Royal Family at this difficult time.”
The Bishop of Birmingham, the Right David Urquhart, said: “It is with great sadness we hear the announcement of the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“I join with the many tributes that give thanks for her life and service, adding my condolences and prayers for The King and the whole Royal Family and as the Nation, Commonwealth and people across the world mourn with them.
“The Late Queen’s extraordinary life of service has been an inspiration and example for many generations.
“Her Christian faith was lived personally and publicly everyday of her life and was expressed most clearly in her compassionate and unifying Messages to the nation.”
In a statement Solihull Council said: “The Mayor, Councillors and Officers of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council are deeply saddened at the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
“Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.”
