The United Kingdom—and many people beyond—are mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, September 8. The mood in London is, expectedly, somber. Flags are at half mast, posters of the Queen adorn bus stations and many other images of her have been posted around the city.
Here, we have rounded up how the travel industry has reacted to the news:
The Stafford London
The Stafford’s Stuart Procter, Luxury Travel Advisor’s General Manager of the Year for 2022, shared with us in a statement, “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a true inspiration and was a fabulous leader of our country. We love the Royal Family here at The Stafford London and The Queen was a truly magnificent woman who brought visitors to London and the U.K. from across the globe. We were privileged to look after at The Stafford for many private events held during her 70-year reign. It is a very sad time for the entire country, and our support is with the whole Royal Family.”
NoteWorthy
“Whilst we knew that recently her health was a concern, today’s sad news has still come as a great shock to us all,” Nicola Butler, owner and managing director of NoteWorthy, tells us.
“We give thanks to the great leadership she has shown—most recently during the pandemic, when she quite rightly foresaw that we would be ‘with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.’
“We are honored to have had the opportunity to celebrate her 70-year reign this summer. The Jubilee celebrations will be just one of the legacies she has left our tourism industry: Showcasing the best of British to the rest of the world.
“Thank you. You will always be an example to us all.
“Our thoughts are with all of the Royal Family.”
Outpouring of Support Online
Additional organizations shared their thoughts on social media.
The Dorchester, 45 Park Lane and Coworth Park—the Dorchester Collection’s three U.K. properties (the first two being in London, the last in Ascot)—released identical statements on Twitter: “We are greatly saddened to hear the news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away today at Balmoral, surrounded by her family.
“Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time as we join the nation in mourning.”
Another London hotel, The Connaught, said, “The Connaught is greatly saddened to hear about the passing of Her Majesty The Queen and joins the British nation and the world in mourning the death of our remarkable Monarch. Our thoughts and prayers are with the royal family at this sad time.”
Elsewhere in the city, The Shard—the tallest building in the U.K.—lit its top floors in dimmed purple in honor of Queen Elizabeth II:
British-founded and -headquartered Cunard Line posted, “All at Cunard are deeply saddened at the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
“Her Majesty had a long association with the company dating back to 1938 and included her naming four of its ships. For that Cunard will be forever grateful to The Queen.
“God save the King.”
Among many others who shared comments, U.S.-based luxury travel agency network Virtuoso, added, “We send our deepest condolences to the entire Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom and everyone around the world whose lives were touched by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
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