Croydon town hall flag lowered for period of national mourning for Queen Elizabeth II

By Tara, O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

The flag outside Croydon Town Hall will be raised and lowered each morning for the next 10 days following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

A book of condolences is also now open for the public to sign in the Braithwaite Hall in Croydon Clocktower until 8pm today.

Locals can also leave flowers with messages by the flagpole outside the town hall in Katherine Street. The council said it would be issuing further details shortly.

On Friday morning, councillors dressed in black and gathered outside Croydon Town Hall where the Union Flag was raised and lowered to half-mast.

It will be raised every morning and lowered at sunset throughout the 10-day period of national mourning.

The council cancelled planning meetings scheduled for last night and postponed a licensing committee this morning until September 23. It is not clear whether more meetings in the coming week will be cancelled.

The civic mayor of Croydon, Councillor Alisa Flemming, said: “Her Majesty the Queen touched the hearts and lives of millions of people across the world, including here in Croydon where I know our residents will share my own sadness at her passing.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her children, the Royal Family and everyone affected by her loss.”

Croydon’s executive mayor, Jason Perry, said the Queen’s “unswerving sense of duty” has been a “true inspiration”.

He said: “The Queen has been a constant throughout my life, and while politicians come and go, world events pass and fashions ebb and flow, the Queen has served our nation with unparalleled devotion, dedication and service.

“She has been much-respected and much-loved as a head of state throughout the world, including here in Croydon.

“Earlier this year communities across our borough united to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, and the celebrations were testament to the sense of pride and togetherness she has inspired.

“I know we will all be reflecting on special memories of Her Majesty today.”

Labour group leader Stuart King said: “Croydon and the nation are joined together in mourning the passing of the Queen.

“Her unparalleled service and dedication over eight decades has inspired and comforted millions.

“It will continue to do so for decades to come. Croydon feels her loss deeply. God Save the King.”

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-reigning monarch, died yesterday at the age of 96.

Pictured top: Croydon Town Hall lowered the flag to half-mast to mark the death of The Queen (Picture: Croydon council)