Judges and lawyers pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Senior members of the judiciary and legal professional bodies have been among those marking the passing of Queen Elizabeth II with tributes and messages of condolence.

The Queen died in Balmoral on Thursday (September 8), bringing her seventy-year reign to a close.

A period of national mourning was announced today by the Government. The period will conclude at the end of the day of her state funeral.

Numerous tributes to her have been made in the wake of her passing from legal professionals and institutions.

Responding to the news, the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, Lord Burnett of Maldon, said: "Today is a day of great sadness for all judicial office holders in England & Wales, across the United Kingdom and around the Commonwealth.

"Her Majesty’s service to this country and the Commonwealth throughout the seven decades of her reign has been unparalleled.”

He continued: "I am sure many of you will want to pay your respects over the coming days. Guidance will follow on any changes to court and tribunal business during the period of national mourning."

Mark Fenhalls KC, Chair of the Bar, gave his condolences on behalf of the Bar Council: “The Officers, members and staff of the General Council of the Bar of England and Wales join with colleagues across the legal professions in mourning the loss of our country’s most devoted public servant.

“Throughout a long, loyal, and steadfast reign, Queen Elizabeth II embodied the symbolic role of the figure in whose name justice is carried out with great integrity.

“I have written to offer our deep and sincere condolences to His Majesty The King. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.”

Alongside Mark Fenhalls KC's message, the Bar Council said it had been advised by the Crown Office that the title QC changes to KC with immediate effect, adding that the change is automatic so there are no new Letters Patent.

The President of the Law Society of England and Wales, I. Stephanie Boyce, marked the news with the following statement: “On this sad occasion we share in the grief of the nation at the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

"On behalf of the solicitor profession, I would also like to offer our condolences to the Royal Family.

“As the holder of a Royal Charter, the Society has been very grateful to the Queen for her role in public life, as a defender of the constitution and source of stability in an era of great change. As our longest serving monarch we’re thankful for the way she dedicated her life to the service of this country.”

Lord Reed, President of the UK Supreme Court issued a statement which said: “On behalf of the Supreme Court, myself and my fellow Justices, I wish to express our profound sorrow at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”

A statement from Lawyers in Local Government read: "On this sad occasion, LLG would like to express sincere condolences to the Royal Family and share in the grief of the nation at the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

"LLG recognises and offers thanks for the service provided to the country throughout Queen Elizabeth II's reign."

Councils have also joined in paying tribute to the Queen. In a statement, Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, said: "On behalf of all councils across England and Wales, I’d like to express our sincere condolences to the whole Royal Family on the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I have today written to His Majesty The King following the news.

“Her Majesty’s dedication to every one of us, alongside her continuous hard work and loyalty to her United Kingdom, was clear to see throughout her life. Her high regard for local government was also truly reflective in her focus and appreciation of councils’ work and determination in her annual Queen’s Speeches.”

Cllr Jamieson added: “Councils have been proud to serve Her Majesty throughout her reign and will continue to do so by now putting into place local arrangements to support the public in expressing their own sympathies. These arrangements will include the opening of both public and virtual books of condolence, ensuring flags are flown at half mast, and overseeing arrangements for the laying of flowers in public areas.”

Lawyers in Local Government has issued guidance for its members on the holding of local authority meetings during the period of mourning.

Adam Carey