A number of business groups have shared messages of condolence to the Royal Family, following the death of the Queen.
Earlier today, Her Majesty’s doctors raised concerns about her health and “recommended she remain under medical supervision”. At 6.30pm, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Queen had died.
The 96-year-old monarch celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years since her accession to the throne, earlier this year. During her reign, there have been 15 different UK prime ministers, the latest of which, Liz Truss, met with the Queen in her Balmoral residence on Tuesday.
The Institute of Directors director general Jonathan Geldart says: “It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
“In her 70 years on the throne, the Queen showed a selfless commitment and dedication to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She was loved and held in the highest esteem by the people of her country and around the world.
“The thoughts of the IoD and all our members are with Her Majesty and the Royal Family at this very sad time.”
The British Chambers of Commerce also shared its reaction to the news of the Queen’s death. In a statement it says: “She was a great supporter of business throughout her reign. On behalf of the Chamber Network we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family on their profound loss.”
British entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group Richard Branson paid his respects to the Queen, who he says “redefined what it means to be a leader”.
He adds: “The Queen has been a constant presence in public life for nearly as long as I have been alive – I was two when she took the British throne. She lived a life of service, standing for the best of British values, providing grace and consistency in an ever-changing world.
“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting The Queen many times over the years and I’ve always admired her strength of spirit and sense of duty. From attending royal gatherings to events celebrating entrepreneurship – the Queen always had such a dignified, stoic presence. She was extremely calm, very astute and a great listener – all excellent qualities in a leader.”
Tony Danker, director general of the Confederation of British Industry, joined the UK business community in mourning the passing of the Queen. In a statement he says: “Throughout her unprecedented 70 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II served the nation with distinction as a stalwart example of British values of honour, dignity and resilience. She dedicated her life to the people of the UK and the Commonwealth, providing compassionate and inspirational leadership during the many challenging times of her long reign.
“Times are hard right now – made more so by the loss of our much-loved Queen – and our tribute should be to work tirelessly to build a better future for the people of this country in memory of Her Majesty.”
The Federation of Small Businesses, which represents SMEs across the UK, sent a message in response to this afternoon’s news too, saying: “We send our thoughts and condolences to the Royal Family following the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.”
CEO of the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development Peter Cheese says: “We are thankful for Her Majesty’s service, and for granting our Royal Charter in 2000, which we hold in the deepest regard.
“On behalf of everyone at the CIPD, we send our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family for their immeasurable loss.”
