Our statement on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Commissioner Anthony Cotterill, Territorial Commander for The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland said:

“We share the sorrow of the nation at the announcement of the death of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II. It brings to an end a reign lasting more than 70 years. The Queen has remained steadfast in her Christian faith throughout the tremendous challenges and enormous changes the country has come through, in that time.

“Our sincerest condolences and prayers go out to The Queen’s children and grandchildren, and all of the Royal Family, at this extremely difficult time.

“As head of the Royal Family, The Queen has been an inspiration to us all and we give thanks for her long reign and her outstanding service to country and Commonwealth. We especially remember with gratitude and affection the occasions when she demonstrated her support for the frontline work of The Salvation Army.

“Throughout her reign the Queen was a keen supporter of The Salvation Army and she visited our services all over the world. She graced us with her presence at our centenary celebrations in 1965 at the Royal Albert Hall, the opening of Booth House in 1968, and appeared on the cover of Salvation Army publications many times.

"She regularly visited our centres and met the people we look after, including those battling drug addictions and homelessness. She opened many of our facilities, including our home for women in 1980 and numerous others around the country, always taking time to meet and talk with individuals.

"Most recently, The Queen graciously welcomed my wife and I to Windsor Castle to thank The Salvation Army, other faith groups and charities for work during the pandemic. It was an honour to meet her and members of the Royal Family.

“I know that Salvationists throughout the United Kingdom, and beyond, will give thanks to God for her long life of service, devotion to God and people and will continue to pray for the Royal family.”