A tribute to Her Majesty the Queen

Following the deeply sad news last night of the death of our Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I write to convey the School’s expression of sadness.

For most of us, Queen Elizabeth has been our only monarch. She has been a constant and steadfast presence in our lives, and has led our country with dedication and integrity. We are thankful for her life, the way she guided our nation and touched so many of our hearts. May she rest in peace.

Our thoughts are with the Queen’s family as they seek to heal their sorrow and face the future without her.

I recognise that this news will affect us all in different ways. For some, this loss will be felt deeply, and for some it may trigger related feelings of grief or loneliness. We are providing support to those that need it, and encouraging everyone in our School to be sensitive to those in our community who are particularly affected by this news. 

Our buildings will remain open and planned activity will continue until the day of the Funeral, the date for which has not yet been confirmed. On the day of the Funeral, the School will close as a mark of respect and in line with most other organisations across the country. Please refer to our website and social media channels for details of any performances affected by the School's closure.

We expect there to be opportunities for students and staff to pay tribute to Her Majesty, for example via observing collective moments together or to sign books of condolence within the City. We will share this information once we have it for those in our community wishing to take part. 

Professor Jonathan Vaughan

Principal

Pictured: Princess Elizabeth, along with her sister Princess Margaret, attending a Guildhall School performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe on 28 November 1946.
Image © SuperStock/Alamy Stock Photo.