Armed Forces pay tribute to Her Majesty
NEWS
The Queen 'understood the burdens and the glory of a life in uniform' The heads of the Armed Forces pay tribute to Her Majesty following her death aged 96.
Britain's most senior officers have expressed their condolences to His Majesty King Charles III and the Royal Family as they paid their own personal tributes to the Queen on behalf of all members of the Armed Forces and their families.
Leading the tributes, the Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin spoke of the Queen's deep personal relationship with the Armed Forces, including through her own service during the Second World War, and as the wife, mother and grandmother of service personnel, adding that she "understood better than most the burdens and the glory of a life in uniform".
The heads of the Armed Forces spoke as the nation began mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and head of state for more than 70 years, who passed away "peacefully" yesterday at the age of 96.
Adm Radakin said: "On behalf of the Armed Forces, I would like to express our condolences to His Majesty The King, and to the Royal Family. The relationship between the Queen and the Armed Forces was deeply personal. Through her own service in the Second World War, and as the wife, mother and grandmother of service personnel, the Queen understood better than most the burdens and the glory of a life in uniform. In the coming days our sailors, soldiers and aviators must perform their final duty to a much-loved Sovereign. We do so with admiration and gratitude. For those of us who have the privilege to now wear the King's uniform, there remains no greater honour than to serve our Crown and Country."
The First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sir Ben Key said: "The very sad news today of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has touched every member of the Royal Navy. "In all our lives, her reign has been a constant, and her dedication and lifetime of service was utterly inspiring. "She exemplified qualities we all aspire to. As the daughter, wife and mother of Royal Naval officers, Her Majesty had a close affinity with the men and women in her Royal Navy and those who support us and she took close personal interest in their wellbeing, as well as that of their families. We owe her a debt we can never repay. "May she rest in peace. God Save the King."
First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key spoke of the Queen's "dedication and lifetime of service"
Chief of the General Staff General Sir Patrick Sanders said: "It is with profound sorrow that the Army marks the death of Her Majesty The Queen. "The nation has lost its Sovereign. The Army has lost its Commander-in-Chief. The Royal Family has lost a dedicated mother, grandmother and great grandmother. "Her Majesty epitomised duty, selfless commitment and loyalty. Her service inspired generations of soldiers". "She will be remembered by all ranks of the British Army with the deepest affection."
Chief of the General Staff General Sir Patrick Sanders: "Her Majesty epitomised duty, selfless commitment and loyalty"
Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, Chief of the Air Staff, said: "It is with overwhelming sadness that the Royal Air Force and Royal Auxiliary Air Force mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II". During her long and glorious reign, she has been the embodiment of a life dedicated to the service of the Nation and the Commonwealth, and for that has been admired by millions around the world". "Her Majesty, as Head of the Armed Forces, has been a constant source of inspiration and a pillar of strength to all who have been privileged to serve her. Those who had the honour of meeting Her Majesty will never forget their interaction and the deep sense of pride they felt in that moment". "On behalf of everyone in the Royal Air Force, serving, retired, and their families, I offer our deepest condolences to His Majesty The King and The Royal Family."
