The farming industry has united to pay heartfelt tributes to Her Majesty the Queen, the UK’s monarch for the past 70 years, who has died suddenly aged 96.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
See also: Platinum Jubilee: Farmers Weekly celebrates Queen’s reign
The Queen’s family travelled to Balmoral amid concerns about her worsening condition on Thursday after doctors placed her under medical supervision.
The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
In June, the UK held a long weekend of national celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. She was the first monarch in history to celebrate 70 years on the throne.
The Queen suffered the heartbreaking loss of her husband, HRH Prince Philip, who died aged 99 on 9 April 2021. They were married for 73 years.
Her Majesty said the loss of her beloved husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, had left a “huge void” in her life.
With her passing, her eldest son Charles, the Prince of Wales, will become king and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, will be known as the Queen Consort.
The farming industry has expressed deep sadness and shock over the Queen’s passing. But it has also paid tribute to her dedication and service to the country.
‘Deep sadness’ – NFU
NFU president Minette Batters has shared her deepest condolences with the Royal Family, following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
She said: “Words cannot describe the deep sense of sadness that I and the rest of the farming community will feel at the news of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.
“Her Majesty has been the embodiment of duty and public service, seeing the country through seven decades where we have seen huge change in our nation and in our fields.
“The Queen’s deep connection to the countryside has been valued enormously by farmers and has left a remarkable legacy that will continue for generations.
“On behalf of farmers in England and Wales, I would like to send my deepest condolences to the King, Queen Consort and the Royal Family at this truly sad time for our country.”
‘Never be forgotten’ – NFUS
Martin Kennedy, president of NFU Scotland, said the nation was in mourning for Her Majesty the Queen.
“Over many decades, she has given exceptional service and dedication to the UK and the Commonwealth, and millions will feel a deep and profound loss at her passing,” said Mr Kennedy.
“Here in Scotland, we fondly remember her long-standing enthusiasm and support for farming, rural life, and the countryside as well as her patronage and visits to the Highland Show.
“Her lifelong association with Royal Deeside and the estate at Balmoral, famed for its Highland cattle and Highland ponies, often saw the Queen, accompanied by the Royal family, enjoy rural Scotland at its finest.”
Mr Kennedy said the Queen’s service to farming and rural communities up and down the country will not be forgotten.
“Many farmers, crofters and landowners will be able to reflect on the role they recently played in marking Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee by supporting the nationwide network of beacons lit this summer to mark the occasion or participating in the Queen’s Green canopy tree-planting initiative, which will grow into a fitting legacy.”
‘A constant in an ever-changing world’ – CLA
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) said the Queen was a steadfast champion of the British countryside and rural way of life.
CLA president Mark Tufnell said “It is with profound grief that we note the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, but it is also with sincere gratitude that we remember her tireless service to our nation and its rural community.
“In an ever-changing world, the Queen was a constant. Her devotion and sense of duty inspired us all.
“On behalf of everyone at the Country Land and Business Association, I send my very deepest condolences to all members of the Royal Family, and pray that they will find comfort in the outpouring of love being shown to them from around the world.”
‘A huge inspiration to all’ – TFA
The Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) said it joined with citizens across the nation and the Commonwealth in mourning the loss of Her Majesty the Queen.
TFA chief executive George Dunn said: “By any measure she has been an immense and unparalleled force for good on the world stage.
“Her love of the countryside, farming and rural communities has been of enormous significance and there are many within the farming community who have been gladdened by her interest in and support for the work that they do.
“Over the years, I have heard much about Her Majesty’s private visits with farm tenants on both her Sandringham Estate and through the Duchy of Lancaster, which will have left lifelong, warm memories of her.
“Her strong Christian faith, which has been her guiding light throughout her reign, has also been a huge inspiration to us all.”
Crowds gather outside Buckingham Palace as concern grows for the Queen’s health, 8 Sep 2022 © Vuk Valcic/Alamy Stock Photo
