Leading figures from the City and University of Oxford have paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on Thursday afternoon.
The Chancellor of the University, Lord Patten of Barnes, said: âQueen Elizabeth was one of Britainâs greatest monarchs, which is not solely because of the achievements and length of her remarkable reign, as well as the changes and challenges the UK and the world underwent during that time.
âIt is, above all, because of her utter dedication to duty, responsibility, decency and brave integrity. We are all profoundly grateful for her services to the UK and the Commonwealth, which she carried out at all times with generosity of spirit, good humour and wise judgement. Requiescat in pace.â
The Queen maintained a long association with Oxford over the course of her long life. In 1948, the then-Princess Elizabeth was awarded a Degree by Diploma and toured Oriel (even meeting its College tortoise, Mr Testudo).
As College Visitor, Her Majesty served as an âimpartial overseerâ of Christ Church, Oriel, University, and St Antonyâs. She laid the foundation stone of St Catherineâs in 1960 and of Wolfson in 1969.
“one of Britain’s greatest monarchs … we are all profoundly grateful”
Later visits included participating in the 750th anniversary of University College in 1999 and the 550th anniversary of Magdalen in 2008. In 2013, she returned to Oriel and distributed âMaundy Moneyâ at Christ Church. The last monarch to conduct this ceremony in Oxford was Charles I.
In an email to staff yesterday, Professor Louise Richardson, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, said that The Queen had âinspired generations with her quiet dignity, her wisdom and restraint, her commitment to her country, and her indomitable sense of duty.â She noted that there would be âan ineffable sense of sadnessâ at her death.
The Vice-Chancellor recalled meeting The Queen during Her Majestyâs âcourageous and historic visitâ to Ireland in 2011, and shared her memories of spending a weekend with the Royal Family at Balmoral.
Colleges have issued statements of condolence, and flags are being flown at half-mast across the city. The bell in Christ Churchâs Tom Tower tolled half-muffled following the announcement.Â
Support for the institution of the monarchy is by no means universal among students, particularly in the light of Britainâs colonial legacy. However, there has been much personal sympathy at Her Majestyâs passing.Â
âAlong with all the uncertainty and contemplation that comes with her demise, there is a sense of thanksgiving and loss at the duty, service, and dignity which she brought to this country and the many nations of the Commonwealth,â said Darian Murray-Griffiths (History and Politics, Christ Church). âThe Queenâs passing has affected me greatly.â
He observed that, in contrast to the âfickle or failed leadershipâ of politicians, The Queen was âable to bring us together and represent as close as possible the modern ideal of faithful and responsible service.âÂ
Oxford University Labour Club, Oxford University Liberal Democrats, and Oxford University Conservative Association all followed their national parties in offering condolences. The Oxford Union fondly recalled hosting Her Majesty in 1969.
“the modern ideal of faithful and responsible service”
The Vice-Chancellor confirmed that University business, including forthcoming degree ceremonies and next weekâs Open Day, would continue as usual. She said that further arrangements would be announced for the day of the State Funeral, which His Majesty The King today approved as a Bank Holiday.
A University book of condolence is open for signatures at the Weston Library until 5 pm on the day following the State Funeral. A Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance will be held at the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, with details yet to be announced.
The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Cllr James Fry, said that the people of Oxford were âdeeply saddenedâ by the death of the first reigning monarch to pay an official visit to the City (as opposed to the University).
âMy thoughts, and those of the people of Oxford, are with the Royal Family at this time and we join with people around the world as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest-reigning monarch, whose Platinum Jubilee we celebrated so recently.â
The accession of Charles III will be formally proclaimed in Oxford tomorrow at 1 pm in a civic ceremony at Carfax Tower. As the country pauses to reflect on a remarkable life, a new chapter begins.
Image description: Her Majesty The Queen smiles at a ceremony for the Grenadier Guards at Buckingham Palace in 2013.
Image credit: The Ministry of Defence via Flickr (Crown Copyright)