As the nation mourns the death of HM The Queen, Norwich Cathedral and many churches across the Diocese of Norwich are offering spaces for people of all faiths to pay their respects and reflect on the life and service of Queen Elizabeth II.

Reacting on behalf of the Diocese of Norwich, the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher said:

“The news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, brings immense sadness to our nation and particularly to this Diocese of Norwich for which she always had great affection. Our thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty The King and the whole of the Royal Family.

“Her Majesty has served our nation and Commonwealth with distinction and devotion. As Supreme Governor of the Church of England she has spoken movingly about her own faith, and it is clear that she reigned out of a deep sense of God’s calling upon her life, a life of anointed service.

“Her Majesty’s visits to Norfolk, to her beloved Sandringham, meant that she has been held in special esteem and fondness in the County of Norfolk and Diocese of Norwich. I have very fond memories of being her guest at Sandringham and experiencing her kindness.

“Many will want to join in prayers and acts of thanksgiving, and churches will be kept open across the Diocese for people to visit, for prayer, for times of reflection and thanksgiving, and to sign the books of condolence that will be made available.

“As we begin to mourn the death of a great Sovereign, so we pray also for the new King and his family, and for our nation and Commonwealth.”