Front Page Tributes to The Queen
The Queen being greeted by hundreds of delighted schoolchildren to Centenary Square 2012 Credit BPM Media
Newspapers and journalists across the UK produced front page tributes and special editions to mark the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, who has died at the age of 96 after 70 years as monarch.
Regional titles, many of which have long had plans in place for how they would cover the story, immediately started preparing special editions, with mastheads turning black, after the official announcement on the evening of 8 September that The Queen had died peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire.
Her Majesty had been patron of The Journalist’s Charity since her Coronation in 1953 (although it was then known as the Newspaper Press Fund) – following in the footsteps of Queen Victoria, who became the first Patron when the charity was granted its Royal Charter in 1890.
Paying tribute, Midlands journalist Laurie Upshon (pictured here with The Queen), a trustee and former chairman of the charity, recalled the time that The Queen accepted an invitation to attend an event to mark the charity’s 150th anniversary. He said: “We were delighted to learn after many months of waiting that The Queen had accepted an invitation to celebrate the charity’s 150th anniversary, an invitation sent much more out of hope than expectation because of the considerable demands on her time.
The Queen with Laurie Upshon
“The Queen agreed to attend a special reception to be held at Stationers’ Hall in London on 7 May 7, 2014 - 84 years to the day since her father spoke at the fund-raising dinner. As the charity’s chairman, it was my job to meet The Queen on arrival and introduce her to more than 300 journalists waiting eagerly inside the historic hall.
“During my career I had attended several royal events and always wondered how to talk to the Queen if you met face to face – and how does she carry out that role with a smile on her face, shaking hands and being polite to hundreds of people day after day, year after year.
“I found out. She was an absolute professional. It was her life, her duty, her vocation, too.
“I spent about an hour with her, introducing her to journalists from newspapers, television, radio and on-line and of all ages from those at the peak of their careers to those just taking their first steps. Throughout she was charming with a keen sense of humour.
“The Queen wasn’t just a figurehead patron, keen to learn the problems facing the charity in modern times. She wanted to know how journalists worked in a frenetic world of instant news, feeding many masters and outlets in this fragmented multimedia age.
“She wanted to know about training and, in particular, she was surprised to learn from the NCTJ’s Joanne Butcher that shorthand was still being taught as an essential skill for journalists. She engaged with the young journalists we had invited. Many there will remember the day for the rest of their lives.
“Throughout her visit, The Queen was also conscious of the historic links between the charity and the monarchy. She seemed absolutely delighted when we presented her with a copy of that speech her father had made on 7 May, 84 years earlier.
“I have been involved with the charity for many years now and have always thought that raising money for journalists was very much like passing the hat round for bankers, estate agents, MPs or lawyers. The difference, of course, was that the Queen was OUR patron – and what a difference that made.
“On behalf of all the charity’s trustees, staff and supporters, I’d like to express our heartfelt condolences to Her Late Majesty’s family, and to His Majesty King Charles III.”
Bob Warman, President of Birmingham Press Club – the oldest organisation of its kind in the world – said: “The sheer volume of media coverage and archive material, surely unmatched by any individual in history, emphasises the immeasurable stability, dignity and prestige Her Majesty bestowed on our nation across so many years.
“On behalf of our members we extend our deepest sympathies to The King and the Royal Family.”
Meanwhile, the Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, John Crabtree, has sent a letter of sympathy on behalf of the region to King Charles III. He said: “On behalf of the County of West Midlands we send our deepest sympathy to The King. There is great sadness across the West Midlands, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth at the death of The Queen. Our thoughts are with His Majesty and the Royal family at this time.
“As an expression of our sadness, flags are flying at half-mast and many books of condolence are being opened at locations throughout the County of West Midlands.”
Paying tribute to The Queen and her work during her 70-year reign. Mr Crabtree added: “I am sure I speak for all of the citizens of West Midlands when I say that our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this very sad time. Her Majesty was a frequent visitor to the West Midlands and the people of this County always welcomed her with great warmth.
“During Her extraordinarily long reign, the longest of any British Sovereign, she served us faithfully and whilst her support will be deeply missed, her contribution and outstanding service will be long remembered.
“We now reflect on the past with gratitude and offer our future support and loyalty to The King and the Royal Family.”
Deb Leary, president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “My admiration and respect for Her Majesty will remain with me forever. Her sense of duty and her commitment to her country is an example to us all. Having met her on a number of occasions, she was warm, incredibly witty and interested in the person who stood in front of her.”
