Salisbury Cathedral mourns Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Photo taken during the Queen’s 2012 Jubilee visit to Salisbury Cathedral, photography by Ash Mills.
Following the announcement of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Salisbury Cathedral has entered a period of mourning.
At midday today Books of Condolence were opened into the North Transept for those wishing to pay their respects and sign. Prayers were led by The Dean to mark the opening.
The Condolence Books will remain in place until further notice.
There will also be opportunities to reflect, pray, and give thanks for the life of Her Majesty in the coming days. Details of services are below, including The Eucharist at 10:30 on Sunday 11 September – Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926–2022: A Service of Holy Communion. The service will be live streamed and The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury will preach.
Services over the period of mourning
Floral tributes
An area to the left of the Visitor entrance has been set aside for those wishing to leave a floral tribute.
The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury said:
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s life has been one of extraordinary and exemplary service to the nation and its Church. We give thanks for her selfless example and remarkable witness and join our voices with those of millions of others as we pray for her, and for all those who feel her death most closely and keenly.
We pray for the King, who takes the throne at a time when our nation is experiencing great change and turbulence. We are confident that he will be inspired by Queen Elizabeth II’s example, and that he will reign with the same dedication.”
The Bishop of Salisbury, The Rt Revd Stephen Lake said:
“It is with the most profound sadness that we mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Almost all of us alive today have known only this great monarch as our Queen. Her life of service, of constancy and faithfulness, underpinned by her own very personal faith, has been an inspiration to people across the world. Seventy years ago, the Queen asked us to pray that God would grant her wisdom and strength: these prayers that were answered in abundance.
Now we continue to pray: for her family and all who grieve, and for all of us as we come to terms with the loss of our Queen. On behalf of all our worshipping communities and schools in the diocese as we commend Her Majesty in prayer into the loving arms of Jesus Christ her Saviour.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory.”
From noon on 9 September, the Cathedral will be open for people to pay respects and sign the Books of Condolence from 09.30 until after 17.30 Evensong Mon to Sat and from 13.00 until after 16.30 Evensong on Sunday 11 September.