The people of Shepton Mallet have reacted with sorrow to the news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

Her Majesty died at Scottish residence of Balmoral Castle on Thursday afternoon (September 8), aged 96. Prince Charles, 73, heir to the throne since the age of three, is now king, and the Duchess of Cornwall is now Queen Consort.

The Queen represented stability and continuity for the United Kingdom, from the early 1950s to the 21st century. The Queen visited Shepton Mallet on a visit to the Bath and West Show in 1966.

During her most recent visit to Somerset in 2019, Her Majesty visited Paul Nicholls' Manor Farm Stables in Ditcheat, the Hauser & Wirth Gallery at Durslade Farm near Bruton and Kings Bruton where she officially opened the new music centre.

Since the news of her death, tributes have come flooding in, paying homage to the life and work of the UK's longest-serving monarch.

Chair of Shepton Mallet Town Council, Matt Harrison, said: "It is at this time of extreme sadness that I, on behalf of the people of Shepton Mallet, convey our condolences to the Royal Family on the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"In an age of constant change, the Queen provided a rock of experience and stability that many of our country's, and indeed the world's, citizens respected. She will be mourned not just in our town but across the globe.

"Her 70 years of selfless public service serve as an inspiration to us all.

"The Town Council is hosting a book of condolence in our office during our opening hours. I welcome all our residents to come and convey their thoughts and messages.

"May you rest in peace ma'am."

At Mendip District Council's offices in Shepton Mallet the flag has been lowered to half mast, as a mark of respect.

Chair of Mendip District Council, Cllr Helen Sprawson-White, said: "I speak on behalf of the whole council and residents of the district when I express how deeply saddened I am to hear of the death of HM Queen Elizabeth ll.

 "She has served us with strength, dignity and grace for most of her lifetime. None of us could possibly have imagined how daunting it was to take the crown at such a young age following the premature death of her father, yet she has led this country with stoicism and loyalty for over seven decades, a true inspiration to us all.

 "On behalf of Mendip Council I send our personal and heartfelt condolences to The Royal Family who today are coming to terms with the loss of a mother, grandmother and great grandmother."

St Paul's Junior School has paid tribute:

A spokesperson for the Royal Bath and West of England Society said:

"The Royal Bath & West of England Society are saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

"The Royal Bath & West of England Society was honoured to have her Majesty the Queen as it's Patron for 70 years.

"Our thoughts are with the Royal Family during this sad time."

A post from the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Shepton reads: We join together with the rest of the nation and the Commonwealth in mourning the loss of Her Majesty the Queen today. We pray for comfort for her family and for all who loved her. We give thanks for her faithful Christian witness and life-long service of others and are confident that Her Majesty the Queen is with our Lord Jesus and will rise as one of His people in glory.

"The church will be open for prayer and reflection."

The Rt Revd Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells and Rt Revd Ruth Worsley Bishop of Taunton said: " On behalf of the Diocese of Bath and Wells and the people of Somerset, Bishop Ruth and we would like to express our sorrow at the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

"When she was just 21, the future Queen Elizabeth said 'I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service'. Today, her long life has come to an end. 

"We give thanks for her life. A life of service and daily steadfastness in which the light of Jesus Christ has shone throughout the years. We now commend her to His care and keeping.

"For almost all of us, we cannot recall life before The Queen's steady, consistent presence among us, and we are reeling at her loss. Our churches are open for you. To light a candle, say a prayer, sign a book of condolence, lay some flowers, talk to someone about your feelings and thoughts. We are here for you.

"Her loss will be felt most heavily by her family and we remember them in our prayers in the coming days and weeks.

"Let us all give thanks for Queen Elizabeth II. May she rest in peace and rise in glory."

MP James Heappey, posted the following tribute on Twitter:

Chair of Somerset County Council, Cllr Mike Best, said: "On behalf of our residents, Somerset County Council offers deepest sympathies to the Royal family on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. 

"Details on books of condolence, church services, floral tributes and funeral arrangements will follow in due course." 

Annie Maw, Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, said: "We have lost one of the greatest people of our age. On behalf of the people of Somerset, I would like to offer my most sincere sympathy to her family who, we must remember, have lost a beloved, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

"As a nation, we too, have lost a person without whom life will never be the same. We must now repay her trust by acting with the dignity and respect which she would have expected and which she deserves. During her long life she has set us an exemplary example of devoted service to us all within the Commonwealth. Against so many odds, her message has always been one of peace, unity and partnership.

"We have been immeasurably privileged to have her as our Queen and Sovereign for so many years. We now wish to welcome and support her son, Charles, as our King.

"From the people of Somerset, Long Live the King."

The following statement is from Avon and Somerset Police Chief Constable Sarah Crew:

"We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her devotion and extraordinary public service have been a continual source of pride and inspiration to us all.

"On behalf of our officers, police staff and volunteers, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, as well as to the public we serve at this time of national mourning.

"Now is the time for communities to come together for a period of remembrance and reflection, as we pay our respects to a monarch who has faithfully and stoically served us during her historic reign.

"We will be flying our flag at half-mast across Avon and Somerset as a mark of respect at our Police Headquarters in Portishead, as well as other police locations.

"Memorial plans will be announced by local authorities in due course.

"A book of condolence is being set-up and details of how members of the public can sign it will be announced as soon as they have been finalised."