Local councils have joined the nation in mourning, following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II which was announced on Thursday 8 September 2022.

In accordance with protocol, the Union Flag will fly at half-mast at the Bath Guildhall, Keynsham Memorial Gardens, and Midsomer Norton Library and Information Service (formerly The Hollies) as a mark of respect.

There will also be books of condolence at Bath Guildhall, Keynsham Community Space, and Midsomer Norton Library for residents to put in their messages of sorrow. In Midsomer Norton the book will be available 9.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 4.30pm on Friday, and 9.30am to 1.30pm on Saturdays. Midsomer Norton Town Council has said that as a mark of respect, all public meetings over the next ten days will be postponed.

Her Majesty died at Scottish residence of Balmoral Castle on Thursday afternoon, aged 96. Prince Charles, 73, heir to the throne since the age of three, is now king, and the Duchess of Cornwall is now Queen Consort.

The Queen represented stability and continuity for the United Kingdom, from the early 1950s to the 21st century. 

Since the news of her death, tributes have come flooding in, paying homage to the life and work of the UK's longest-serving monarch.

The Very Revd Dr John Davies, Dean of Wells, said: "Wells Cathedral has received the news of the death of Her Late Majesty The Queen with huge sadness. Hers was a life of faith, duty and loyalty that brought such reassurance and a sense of unity to so many. She has been a source of constancy and strength to many throughout her reign and has provided stability in a world that has changed so much. Our prayers are for the King, the Royal Family, and loved ones. The doors of this Cathedral stand open for all who wish to offer prayers and condolences, light candles and find solace as this nation mourns the passing of someone so very special. May our late and beloved Queen rest in peace and rise in glory."

Chair of Somerset County Council, Cllr Mike Best, said: "On behalf of our residents, Somerset County Council offers deepest sympathies to the Royal family on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. 

"Details on books of condolence, church services, floral tributes and funeral arrangements will follow in due course." 

Annie Maw, Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, said: "We have lost one of the greatest people of our age. On behalf of the people of Somerset, I would like to offer my most sincere sympathy to her family who, we must remember, have lost a beloved, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

"As a nation, we too, have lost a person without whom life will never be the same. We must now repay her trust by acting with the dignity and respect which she would have expected and which she deserves. During her long life she has set us an exemplary example of devoted service to us all within the Commonwealth. Against so many odds, her message has always been one of peace, unity and partnership.

"We have been immeasurably privileged to have her as our Queen and Sovereign for so many years. We now wish to welcome and support her son, Charles, as our King.

"From the people of Somerset, Long Live the King."

The following statement is from Avon and Somerset Police Chief Constable Sarah Crew:

"We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her devotion and extraordinary public service have been a continual source of pride and inspiration to us all.

"On behalf of our officers, police staff and volunteers, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, as well as to the public we serve at this time of national mourning.

"Now is the time for communities to come together for a period of remembrance and reflection, as we pay our respects to a monarch who has faithfully and stoically served us during her historic reign.

"We will be flying our flag at half-mast across Avon and Somerset as a mark of respect at our Police Headquarters in Portishead, as well as other police locations.

"Memorial plans will be announced by local authorities in due course.

"A book of condolence is being set-up and details of how members of the public can sign it will be announced as soon as they have been finalised."