Political leaders and members of the community in Watford have been paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II following her death at the age of 96.

Britain’s longest-reigning monarch passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday (September 8) afternoon, the Royal Family said.

The nation is now in a period of mourning as people reflect, remember and pay tribute to Her Majesty, who served the country on the throne for 70 years.

In Watford, politicians, businesses, schools, religious groups, charities, emergency services, community groups, residents, celebrities, and sportspeople have been among those sharing poignant words and statements about what the monarch meant to them.

Read more: Watford shoppers memories and tributes to the Queen

Watford Observer: Image: PAImage: PA (Image: PA)

The town’s Conservative MP Dean Russell said the whole country will grieve the Queen’s passing “deeply” and said her lifelong service “will never be forgotten”.

Peter Taylor, the mayor of Watford, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty dedicated her life to our country and the Commonwealth, and we unite as a nation to mourn her passing and to show our gratitude for her lifetime of outstanding service.”

Mr Taylor’s Liberal Democrat colleague and chairman of Watford Borough Council, Cllr Amanda Grimston, said the Queen demonstrated “unwavering commitment” and “outstanding dignity”.

Read more: Memories of Queen Elizabeth II's visits to Watford

Watford Observer: Mayor Peter Taylor and council chairman Amanda Grimston pay their respects. Image: Watford Borough CouncilMayor Peter Taylor and council chairman Amanda Grimston pay their respects. Image: Watford Borough Council (Image: Watford Borough Council)

The chairman of the Watford Labour party, Cllr Asif Khan, said he was “saddened and heartbroken”, adding: “It marks an end of era and magnificent reign unlike any other in history.”

Conservative MPs Gagan Mohindra (South West Herts), Oliver Dowden (Hertsmere), and Sir Mike Penning (Hemel Hempstead) also shared tributes.

Mr Mohindra said the Queen displayed “steadfast, gracious and selfless” service while Sir Mike offered his heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and hailed that Queen Elizabeth had “faithfully” kept her pledge of dedication to serving the country.

Three Rivers District Council said all of its councillors and officers are “deeply saddened” and confirmed it is flying a flag at half-mast and opened a book of condolence, along with Watford Borough Council and Hertsmere Borough Council.

Watford Football Club has confirmed its weekend fixture with Reading at Vicarage Road has been postponed and said it was “deeply saddened” to learn of the Queen’s death.

Former Hornet Luther Blissett, who is also a freeman of the borough of Watford, said: “The heaviest of hearts. May Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II rest in peace. Thank you for your incredible dedication to us. It was an honour to play for your country & serve you in the community.”

The club’s honorary life president and legendary singer Sir Elton John hailed the Queen’s “inspiring presence”.

Sir Elton added: “Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly.”

Other famous Watfordians, including boxer Anthony Joshua, YouTuber KSI, Spice Girl Geri Horner, also took to social media to pay their respects.

Watford-born England football manager Gareth Southgate said: "In remembering and celebrating the life of Her Majesty The Queen, we are also acknowledging her remarkable leadership and lifetime of dignified service.

"I was proud to have her as our patron and to sing God Save The Queen before every match."

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