COUNCILLORS across south London have paid their tributes after the death of the Queen.

The UK's longest-serving monarch died at Balmoral after reigning for 70 years.

She died at the age of 96 on Thursday afternoon at her Scottish estate, where she had spent much of the summer.

Mayor of Bexley, Nick O’Hare, said the Queen devoted herself to her role and played an important part in the life of the nation.

He said: “On behalf of the Council and the people of Bexley I would like to record our great sadness at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“The Queen ruled our country for 70 years, during a period of unprecedented change.

“Throughout her long life, she devoted herself to her role and played an important part in the life of the nation, both through her actions and the principles she embodied.

“Those of us who were fortunate enough to be there will never forget Her Majesty’s visit to the borough in 2005, as older people remember her visit to Erith after the catastrophic floods of 1953.

“The latter was just one example of the way her presence brought comfort and reassurance to people at times of trouble.

“The great responsibility of her role will pass to the former Prince of Wales, Charles as the new King.

“We wish him well and assure him of the continued loyal support of the London Borough of Bexley throughout his reign, which we hope will be long and happy.

“God save The King"

The Mayor of Bromley, councillor Hannah Gray said: “It is with deep sadness that we are gathering following the official announcement. 

“Few of us will know a time in our life when Her Majesty has not been our Sovereign. 

“Many of us will have our own personal memories, including when the Queen visited our Borough, which we remember with fondness. 

“It is right to come together as we mourn at this time, with our flag flown at half-mast out of respect.”

Leader of the Greenwich Council, Anthony Okereke, said was dedicated to duty and the diverse communities she represented.

He said: “The Queen was a remarkable sovereign who leaves behind a hole in our borough and our hearts.

“The example she set as a public servant was a humbling demonstration of a life dedicated to duty and the diverse communities she represented as Head of State.

“She was an inspiration to us all.”

Mayor of Merton, councillor Joan Henry, said: “We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

“We join together with the rest of the capital, the country, the Commonwealth and the world in paying tribute to her lifetime of service and duty as Britain’s longest reigning monarch.”

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletters to get updates sent straight to your inbox.