Buckingham Palace announced yesterday that the Queen had died peacefully at Balmoral that afternoon. Elizabeth came to the throne in 1952 at the age of 25 and has died at the age of 96.
Elizabeth was crowned at Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953, aged 27.
Purnima Tanuku OBE, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), said, ‘The National Day Nurseries Association family and the whole early years sector across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
‘As the nation mourns, we convey our deep condolences to the Royal Family and we will be paying our respects in this period of national mourning. We would also like to celebrate her service, commitment to the country and achievements during her historic reign. Many of those working in early years have had the honour of being recognised for their contributions to society in the Queen’s name.
‘As our longest reigning monarch her Platinum Jubilee was celebrated by children up and down the country and her reassuring presence will be hugely missed.’
Laura Henry-Allain MBE, producer, storyteller, educationalist and consultant, said, 'I was deeply saddened to hear the news of the Queen's passing. She has been a constant presence throughout my life, as she has for so many others. It almost felt as if she would live forever.
'I remember her first and foremost for being a family person and for the work that she did, especially for children, young people and their families.
'My thoughts and prayers are with her family, and especially King Charles as he prepares to continue her work.'
Dr Julian Grenier, head teacher, Sheringham Nursery School and Children’s Centre, said, 'I am deeply saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Royal family
'I feel immensely privileged that I was awarded a CBE by the queen in her final birthday honours. Working in public service, I find it hard to express my feelings about the scale of her achievement in serving our country for 70 years.
'She was an inspiration to children and adults throughout her long reign, with extraordinary dignity and an unswerving sense of duty.'
Kidzrus nursery group shared their condolences on Twitter, ‘God Bless our gracious Queen. Offering our deepest condolences on the passing of our beautiful Queen who has gracefully given her life to serve our Country and the Commonwealth. RIP Queen Elizabeth we are deeply saddened.’
During her long reign, the Queen was patron of many national organisations including charities Action for Children, Barnardo’s, the NSPCC and Save the Children.
The Queen became patron of Action for Children, formerly the National Children’s Home, in 1967 and was succeeded by the Duchess of Cambridge in 2017.
Sarika Patel, chair of Trustees at Action for Children, said, ‘Action for Children is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
‘We are proud and privileged to have had The Queen as our Patron for almost 50 years from 1967 to 2016. She had long been a supporter of our charity and our children’s welfare before she took on the patronage of what was then known as, the National Children’s Home.
‘We are so grateful to Her Majesty for her enduring and dedicated support of our work with children, young people and families. In a centenary message to the charity in 1969, The Queen said: "The record of the Home over a hundred years of unremitting service to children is remarkable…and I send you my warmest good wishes for the continued success of your work”.
‘We send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and to our current patron, The Duchess of Cambridge.’
In a message of condolence, Norland College, said, ‘Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the royal family and their loved ones following the passing of our late Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth the Second.
‘Our sadness at this time is shared by people across the globe, as we remember with affection and gratitude the lifetime of service given by our longest-reigning monarch.’
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said, ‘The Queen’s dedication to public service has been an inspiration to children and adults alike over the past 70 years.
‘We are deeply saddened by her death. She will be hugely missed by the nation, including all those in the world of education, where many people will have fond memories of the [Platinum] Jubilee and other royal events during her reign.
‘Through her dignity and unswerving sense of duty, the Queen has set an extraordinary example to us all, and she has been a reassuring presence through many turbulent times. We pay tribute to her and we send our deepest sympathies to her family.’
The general secretary of the NAHT school leaders’ union, Paul Whiteman, said, ‘This is a terribly sad time for the Royal Family and the nation. Queen Elizabeth has been a constant in all of our lives. Her service to the nation cannot be underestimated and will never be forgotten.’
