This past week, condolences and tributes have poured in across the UK and the world after the passing of Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at age 96 at Balmoral Castle. That includes scores of retail, hospitality and other food industry entities who got to know her during her reign.
Here are some of the kind words that were delivered in the wake of her death, including some on social media, as they mourned her death and looked ahead to the future as her son Charles became King and his wife Camilla became Queen Consort.
Minette Batters, President of the National Farmers Union: “Words cannot describe the deep sense of sadness that I and the rest of the farming community will feel at the news of the passing of Her Majesty the QueenHer Majesty has been the embodiment of duty and public service, seeing the country through seven decades where we have seen huge change In our nation and in our fields. The Queen’s deep connection to the countryside has been valued enormously by farmers and has left a remarkable legacy that will continue for generations. On behalf of farmers in England and Wales, I would like to send my deepest condolences to the King, Queen Consort and the Royal Family at this truly sad time for our country.”
Food and Drink Federation: “The United Kingdom’s food and drink industry is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral on 8 September. The Food and Drink Federation, our member companies and all those who work across our industry express our sincerest condolences to His Majesty King Charles III and the Queen Consort, and to the whole Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth dedicated her life to serving our nation, and we owe her a debt of gratitude.”
Charles Reed, CEO of William Reed: “William Reed is deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty the Queen. In a long and glorious reign, the Queen lived a life of extraordinary public service, and her wholehearted support for UK business was a particular feature, most notably through the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, but also through her countless visits to open factories and supermarkets, as well as her passionate support for related charities. The Queen touched the lives of many people in the food and drink industry and we are truly grateful for the devotion she has shown to the country and the Commonwealth. We send our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, and wish health, happiness and longevity to the Queen’s heir: King Charles III.”
Soil Association: “We are deeply saddened at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts and condolences are with our patron, His Majesty King Charles III and the entire Royal Family. It is with immense admiration that we reflect on Her Majesty’s extraordinary service to the UK and the Commonwealth and we share the nation’s sorrow at her loss. We will celebrate and miss her equally as a remarkable monarch, inspirational woman and a warm and trusted constant across seven decades.”
Simon Roberts, CEO of Sainsbury’s: “We are very sorry to learn of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. She was a truly remarkable woman and an inspiration to so many people, all over the world. Some of our colleagues had the honour of hosting her at our Sainsbury’s 150th birthday celebrations and we were so grateful to her for the time she took to celebrate with us. We thank her for her extraordinary decades of service to our country and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Her Majesty’s family at this sad time.”
British Retail Consortium: “We extend our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family. For over 70 years, The Queen has been a source of solidarity and strength for this nation. Her loss will be felt across the country and she will be greatly missed.
Harrods: “Her Majesty stood as a symbol of Britain, bringing comfort, leadership and steadfastness to millions over her 70-year reign.”
Tesco: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family, as we mourn the loss of our longest-serving British monarch. We are indebted to her dedicated service to this country.”
Liberty London: “Liberty is deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and grateful for her long life of dedication and service. Our heartfelt sympathy are with the Royal Family at this sad time. As a mark of respect, our store will be closed until Saturday 10th September at 10am while we join the country in mourning.”
Fortnum & Mason: “It is with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We are proud to have held a warrant from Her Majesty since 1954, and to have served her and the royal household throughout her life. As a sign of our deep respect, we have lowered our flag to to half-mast and have stepped the Piccadilly facade clock. We are grateful to Her Majesty for a lifetime of devoted service to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.”
John Lewis: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty the Queen. She faithfully served the national as our Sovereign during her long, happy and glorious reign. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to The Royal Family.”
Marks & Spencer: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. For over 70 years she has dedicated her life to service for her country and the Commonwealth, and been a figure of national unity and stability at a time of enormous change. She has led us at all times with a quiet determination and selfless devotion, and has been all that is the very best in us. We join the Royal Family and the nation in their grief and offer the Royal Family our heartfelt condolences.”
Asda: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen and profoundly grateful for her steadfast service to our nation.”
