Heartfelt Tributes as Wreaths Laid for Queen Elizabeth II at County Hall
A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held in the Stone Hall of Sessions House to honour the late Queen Elizabeth II. The brief but poignant event brought together councillors and staff from Kent County Council to pay their respects to a monarch who defined an era.
Vice Chair Leads Emotional Tribute
Gary Cooke, Vice Chair of the Council, opened the ceremony by laying the first wreath. “I was born shortly after Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne, so she has been Queen my entire life,” he said. “There is so much love for Her Majesty, and it is vital for us to come together and show genuine and heartfelt respect. Nobody is more deserving than our Queen.”
Kent’s Leaders Reflect on The Queen’s Legacy
Roger Gough, Leader of Kent County Council, spoke on behalf of the Cabinet and all members. “It was critical for Members, officers, and staff to honour the Queen in this way,” he said. “With so much going on nationally and globally, this was our quiet moment. We are all public servants in our own way, and Queen Elizabeth was, in my opinion, the country’s greatest public servant.”
Dr Lauren Sullivan, Leader of the Labour Group, laid a wreath representing the Opposition. She added, “It’s so important for us to come together as a Council to truly reflect on the Queen’s lifetime of service. She is an inspiration to us all. May she find peace.”
Proclamation of King Charles III and Flag Protocol
Following the tribute, council staff joined the High Sheriff of Kent at Maidstone Town Hall for the official proclamation of King Charles III. Yesterday’s historic event at St James’s Palace prompted the Union Flag at County Hall to be raised to full mast. It remained at full mast until Sunday afternoon, then lowered to half-mast, where it will stay until the Queen’s funeral.
How to Pay Your Respects
The Queen’s funeral will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 19, a day also marked as a national Bank Holiday. Kent residents wishing to pay tribute can visit County Hall in Maidstone to sign the Book of Condolence, available daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including weekends.
