Western Morning News (Saturday)
People pay their respects in Truro
DOZENS of people filed into Truro Cathedral yesterday to pay their respects to Her Majesty the Queen by signing a book of condolences opened in her memory.
The book was opened at 8am yesterday with Truro City Council inviting residents in the city and beyond to come to the cathedral.
The council also said that floral tributes to Her Majesty can be placed on the green at the back of the building. Already dozens of residents and visitors to Cornwall’s capital city have been queuing to sign the book or light a candle in memory of the Sovereign who died at her Scottish home, Balmoral.
Among those waiting to write their own message was Diane Leitch, a Truronian who laid a bouquet of flowers on the green. She said: “I loved her. She was our Queen. She was one in a million. I think she wanted to be with her husband Philip. It will be a real tough act to follow for King Charles.”
Dennis Barker and Ruth Smith, from Plymouth, were visiting relatives in Truro and came to the cathedral to pay their respects to the Queen. Dennis said: “She did so much for this country throughout her entire life. It’s the only monarch we have ever known.”
Dennis and Ruth met King Charles III, then Prince Charles, a few weeks ago onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth, the flagship aircraft carrier of the Royal Navy, as part of the Falklands War 40th anniversary commemorations which saw members of the South Atlantic Medal Association receive medals from His Majesty who is the patron of the charity.
He added: “It seems strange that when met him he was Prince Charles and now he’s King. It will take a little while to get used to.”
Mandy and Martin Geary, from Truro, also paid their respects. Both are Royal Navy veterans having served at HMS Raleigh and RNAS Culdrose. Mandy said: “As a veteran, the Queen was my boss. She was our commander in chief. I’m feeling lost. She was a person I admired a lot especially for her morals and dedication to this country and sense of duty she showed throughout her whole life.”
John Percy, from Scotland but now living in Truro, is the UK’s longest surviving HIV patient, having been diagnosed 43 years ago. He too was at the cathedral to pay his respects to the late monarch.