The following statement is released on behalf of the Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev James Newcome, following today’s announcement by Buckingham Palace of the death of Her Majesty The Queen:

“It is with huge sadness that we have all learned, today, of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. She has, of course, been our longest ever serving monarch, reigning longer than any other king or queen in the history of our nation.

“When she first became Queen, at a very young age and very unexpectedly, she committed herself to the service of this nation and all who live here and throughout the subsequent years she has never faltered in that service.

“Another thing that people will remember very much is her strong Christian faith. That has been evident both in the way that she has conducted herself in thousands and thousands of public engagements in her life with her family but also in her remarkable Christmas broadcasts that have brought encouragement and hope to so many people over the years.

“Having had the privilege of meeting her on various occasions and working in a very small way with her, I’ve also been constantly struck by her great personal warmth and kindness and that will be missed by everybody too.

“She has given through the years, a deep sense of security and continuity to this country, to the whole of Great Britain and throughout the Commonwealth. We will miss her and miss that sense of rock-like dependency enormously.

“At a time like this, of course, people will want to think and reflect, to give thanks and to pray and our churches throughout Cumbria will be open for that purpose.

“We wish the rest of the Royal Family our gratitude for her life and all that she has given in such a remarkable way and we want to assure them of our prayers at this very difficult time.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

The Bishop of Carlisle was given an honorary role to preside over the Queen’s Chaplains in 2014. As Clerk of the Closet the Rt Rev'd James Newcome supports all 36 Chaplains who preach in the Chapels Royal according to the Rota of Waits. His other duties include suggesting possible names to the Private Secretary to the Sovereign, should a vacancy occur in the list of Chaplains as well as presenting new diocesan Bishops to the Sovereign when they do homage. He also preaches annually in the Chapel Royal or at the Queen's Chapel in St James's Palace and examines any theological books to be presented to the Sovereign.

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.