Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died

Buckingham Palace announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II this afternoon. She was the UK’s longest serving monarch.

Her eldest son, Charles, becomes King Charles III, and the head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms. He said the death of his mother is ‘a moment of the greatest sadness’.

As we mourn the loss of our Queen, we take comfort that she trusted Christ as her Saviour and is now in his glorious presence. The Queen recently wrote to the Lambeth Conference of Anglican Bishops sharing that throughout her life the ‘message and teachings of Christ have been my guide… And in them I find hope. It is my heartfelt prayer that you will continue to be sustained by your faith in times of trial and encouraged by hope in times of despair.’

Queen Elizabeth saw much political and technological change during her reign, but she has remained a constant figure, always reassuringly present.

We grieve with her family in their sorrow. We pray for her family to know God’s comfort and guidance.

We give thanks to God for such a consistent, faithful and honourable public servant and head of state.

And we pray that the UK may be led by heads of state and ministers of government who likewise submit to the higher authority of God.

At this time of political change and financial uncertainty may God turn many hearts to Jesus Christ, the King who lives forever.