The UK’s longest-reigning monarch has died aged 96

*Queen Elizabeth II (credit Joel Rouse/Ministry of Defence)*

Tributes have poured in from local leaders and MPs in Enfield following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, at the age of 96.

The United Kingdom’s head of state, who was the country’s longest-ever reigning monarch following 70 years on the throne, died peacefully this afternoon at Balmoral in Scotland.

All flags are flying at half-mast outside Enfield Civic Centre and at Enfield War Memorial.

In a statement, Enfield Council leader Nesil Caliskan said: “On behalf of the people of Enfield I would like to offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to the royal family following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

“Her Majesty was a truly dedicated and devoted public servant and worked tirelessly in her role meeting many residents and communities in the UK and across the world.”

Mayor of Enfield Doris Jiagge will write to Buckingham Palace on behalf of the council, its staff and the borough’s residents, to express her deepest condolences to the royal family.

*The Queen on her most recent visit to Enfield in 2003*

In her letter, Cllr Jiagge will say it was a great honour to welcome the Queen and her husband Prince Philip to Enfield in October 2003 when they toured Enfield Charter Market and met traders. She unveiled a plaque under the roof of Market House to celebrate 700 years of trading.

In 2003 the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh also visited Fore Street in Edmonton, Salmons Brook, Edmonton Green Shopping Centre, Keyes Meadow Primary School in Enfield Lock and Community House in Edmonton. The royal couple’s tour of the borough ended with a four-course banquet at Forty Hall Estate.

Cllr Jiagge’s letter adds: “It was a great honour to receive a visit from Her Majesty and to see so many of our resident’s warm smiles during her visit. It was a day that we will never forget.

“We were also overjoyed to receive a visit Her Majesty in February 1983, when she officially opened a new wing at Arnold House in Enfield, which is a home that cares for people with physical disabilities.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family at this most difficult time.”

Enfield North MP Feryal Clark said: “In Queen Elizabeth II we have not just lost a monarch, but the matriarch of our nation.

“Her values of duty and public service united our country, and provided comfort to many around the world. May she rest in peace.”

Edmonton MP Kate Osamor said: “My thoughts go to the royal family during this difficult time of feeling grief and sorrow. RIP Queen Elizabeth II.”

Alessandro Georgiou, leader of the Conservative group at Enfield Council, said: “On behalf of the people of Enfield I would like to offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to the royal family following the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Her Majesty was a truly dedicated and devoted public servant and worked tirelessly in her role meeting many residents and communities in the UK and across the world.”

A national silence will be observed in Enfield on the day of the Queen’s funeral, on a date still to be confirmed.

Books of condolence will be opened in the borough for residents to sign and will be situated at Enfield Civic Centre, Edmonton Green Library, Ordnance Road Unity Library and Palmers Green Library from Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. The books will remain open until 5pm on the day after the Queen’s funeral. When the books of condolence have closed, the pages will be bound and sent to Buckingham Palace.

Residents who would like to lay flowers in memory of the Queen are invited to do so at Enfield Civic Centre on the grassed area at the front of the building as well as at Jubilee Park (Galliard Road entrance); Broomfield Park (Alderman’s Hill entrance); Pymmes Park (Park Lane entrance); Forty Hall (the lawn in front of the house); Groveland’s Park (Bourne Hill gate); and Durant’s Park (Hertford Road entrance).

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