Buckingham Palace has announced that Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully this afternoon at her Balmoral residence.

Many of her family were with her including her eldest son, the former Prince of Wales, who is now King Charles III. The Queen was 96 and had reigned for 70 years.

Further official announcements will follow. Our village will have an opportunity to pay its respects in a timely manner in due course and details of this will be made available over the next few days. In the meantime, the Union Jack is flying at half-mast at St Peter’s Church and a Book Of Condolences will be made available by our vicar, the Rev Simon Willetts, at the church from tomorrow.

Hambledon sends it sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family.

The church will be open for those who wish to say private prayers or to have a period of personal reflection on the the life of our departed Monarch and the service she has given to our country.

The above photo was taken this evening at dusk, minutes after villager George Pitt lowered the flag at St Peter’s to half-mast. It was pouring with rain, reflecting the sombre mood so many will be feeling. Stewart Payne, chairman of the parish council, was in attendance and will be liaising with the relevant authorities regarding local responses to the death of the Queen. Please revisit this website for more details over the next few days.

Picture of the Queen courtesy of the BBC