It is with deep sorrow and grief that Bishop Philip Egan has learned of the death of Queen Elizabeth II this evening.

Bishop Egan said: “A woman of faith, service, and duty: We remember Queen Elizabeth II in our prayers and offer up thanks to God for a woman who served the people of our kingdom tirelessly for over seventy years. We pray for the repose of her soul and that the Father receive her into His Eternal Kingdom. Our prayers and thoughts are with the royal family at this sad time.”

In her official role as ‘Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England’, the Queen, through her words and actions, always showed herself to be a woman of a deep Christian faith. Throughout her reign Queen Elizabeth II also ensured a relationship of mutual respect between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was an extraordinary woman who will not be forgotten by her people. May she rest in peace.

The all-night vigil that was planned at St John’s Catholic Cathedral in Portsmouth for this evening with the relics of St Bernadette will now also provide a place of calm for people to come, pray and reflect on the life of Queen Elizabeth II throughout the night.

ENDS

Notes for Editors

1 Throughout her reign Queen Elizabeth II ensured a relationship of mutual respect between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.

2  Her last visit was to Pope Francis in 2014, where they shared a pot of tea and exchanged gifts, renewing the hand of friendship that she had cultivated over the years.