Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Statement from the Town Mayor of Bognor Regis, Cllr John Barrett

It was with profound sadness that Bognor Regis Town Council learnt of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

On behalf of the Town Council and residents of the town, Cllr John Barrett, Town Mayor of Bognor Regis, offers sincerest condolences to the royal family at this sad time.

Live Screening of her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II's Funeral - Monday 19th September 2022

Bognor Regis Town Council wish to offer their sincerest thanks to Mr. Adam Cunard and his team, at Picturedrome Cinemas, for arranging this opportunity for our community to join together at this solemn and historic moment in time. If you would like to enquire about tickets, please contact The Picturedrome Cinema box office. Please note, tickets will be limited.

A National Moment of Reflection - Sunday 18th September 2022

On the evening of Sunday 18 September, at 8.00pm, there is to be a National Moment of Reflection to mourn the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and reflect on her life and legacy.

Members of the public are invited to participate in the National Moment of Reflection which will take place the night before the State Funeral and be marked by a one-minute silence.

For those who might wish to come together as townsfolk to observe the silence, the Mayor of Bognor Regis, Cllr. John Barrett, will lead a small group in marking the National Moment of Reflection at the War Memorial in front of Bognor Regis Town Hall in Clarence Road. 

The event will be a simple and informal gathering at which you are most welcome to join us from 7.50pm and be part of this very special moment of pause and reflection. 

However, it is equally appropriate for people who prefer to mark the one-minute silence at home, or on their doorsteps in their immediate community. Everyone will have their own preference for where and how they reflect on the life and service of the Queen on the eve of her funeral.

May be an image of text that says "ER NOTICE Sunday 18 September at 8pm National Moment of Reflection"

The Proclamation of the Accession

At 4.30pm on Sunday 11th September 2022, members of the community came together to hear the reading of the Proclamation of King Charles III, as our new Monarch. The Town Mayor read the the Proclamation to the crowds who had gathered outside Bognor Regis Town Hall, which also included Town Councillors, Town Council staff and our local MP. Partaking in proceedings was the Bognor Regis Town Crier, Bognor Regis Sea Cadet representative Cadet William Hardy and Gary Edgington MBE Commanding Officer. We were honoured to joined by Majors Matt and Sarah Butler, who offered words of comfort and by the Bognor Regis Salvation Army Band, who played a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. A video of the Proclamation can be viewed on the Town Council Facebook page HERE.

Floral tribute photo by Melinda Matthews

Books of Condolence

We understand that you sharing your condolences with the royal family at this time is important. There are several ways you can do this.

In the first instance we would encourage you to sign the Buckingham Palace, online Book of Condolence (www.royal.uk). Should you not have access to the internet then there is a computer available at the Town Hall in Bognor Regis for those wishing to sign the Buckingham Palace, online Book of Condolence.

You may also wish to send a letter or card to us at the Town Council and we will collate these.

There are Books of Condolence at the Town Hall in Bognor Regis, set in a quiet and private space, for you to pay your respects to our late Sovereign. These will be open during the following times:

Friday 9 September 2022 - 9am until 4pm

Saturday 10 September 2022 - 9am until 1pm

Sunday 11 September 2022 - 9am until 5pm (Proclamation of Accession to be read by the Town Mayor, from the steps of the Town Hall a 4.30pm)

Monday 12 September 2022 - 9am until 4pm

Tuesday 13 September 2022 - 9am until 4pm

Wednesday 14 September 2022 - 9am until 4pm

Thursday 15 September 2022 - 9am until 4pm

Friday 16 September 2022 - 9am until 4pm

Saturday 17 September 2022 - 9am until 1pm

Sunday 18 September 2022 - 9am until 1pm. At 1pm on this day, the Books of Condolence will close, to be bound and delivered to WSCC for Public Record.

Tuesday 20 September 2022 - 9am until 4pm

Flags

You will see that flags are flying at half mast as a sign of respect to Her Majesty and the royal family.

On Saturday 10 September 2022, the Union Flag will fly at full-mast to mark the beginning of our new King's reign and will continue to fly full-mast whilst the Proclamation of Accession is read around the United Kingdom.

The Town Mayor, Cllr John Barrett, will read the Proclamation of Accession from the steps of Bognor Regis Town Hall at 4.30pm on Sunday 11 September 2022. Members of the public are welcome to join the ceremony. Upon the reading of the Proclamation, the Union Flag will return to half-mast until the day after the funeral. At 8am on Tuesday 20 September 2022 the Union Flag will return to full-mast.

Laying flowers

If you would like to lay flowers at this sad time you can do so at the War Memorial outside of Bognor Regis Town Hall. Please be respectful of The Queen's wishes that these should not be wrapped in cellophane and ribbon so that they may be disposed of and composted appropriately. Please do not leave cuddly toys.

Faith Services

Church services will take place throughout the district. Information about this will be available from local faith groups.