Lancashire pays tribute to the Queen
It is with the deepest sadness and respect that Lancashire's leaders remember Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, our Queen and The Duke of Lancaster.
Martin Ainscough DL, High Sheriff of Lancashire, said:
"This is a time of great national sorrow and reflection. It is the close of the second Elizabethan era.
"Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth was one of the most respected of dignitaries in the world.
"She will be recognised in history as a great leader and Monarch of the British Isles and the Commonwealth. We were fortunate that in Lancashire we could also call her our Duke. Her Majesty has had a very special place in the hearts and lives of so many people here. Her passing will be even more deeply mourned locally because of her long devotion to, and interest in, the North West of England.
"As High Sheriff of Lancashire, I was appointed by Her Majesty through her role as the Duke of Lancaster, and it's been a great honour to serve her.
"We now look forward to welcoming the new King and there will shortly be a proclamation in Lancashire to mark the beginning of his reign."
Books of condolence and floral tributes
The online book of condolence has now closed.
View the published messages.
Proclamation of the new King
National and local proclamations have taken place to mark the accession of the new King:
- The national proclamation for the new king took place at St James's Palace on Saturday 10 September 2022
- The local proclamation took place at the Harris Museum on Preston Flag Market on Sunday 11 September 2022
- Other local proclamations by Mayors in boroughs have taken place across Lancashire
The local proclamation in Preston
See a collection of photographs from the historic Proclamation of the Accession of His Majesty King Charles III read by the High Sheriff of Lancashire, Martin Ainscough DL.
Duke of Lancaster factfile
- Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had a very special connection to our county as the Duke of Lancaster
- This ancient title, which has been held by the monarch for hundreds of years, is steeped in history and will be passed on to the new King following the proclamation
- The Duke of Lancaster is the owner of the estates of the Duchy of Lancaster
- The duchy is a separate organisation that currently generates income for the monarch
- The loyal toast to the crown was often announced as being to 'The Queen, Duke of Lancaster' at formal dinners across our county and in Lancashire regiments of the armed forces
- Historically, up until as late as the second half of the twentieth century, it was fairly common to hear our national anthem sung as 'God save our gracious Queen/King, long live our noble Duke' throughout Lancashire
For more information, visit www.royal.uk