I am sure you all share the deep sorrow I feel at the death of Her Majesty The Queen yesterday and I am sure we all will be thinking of her family at this time.
I had the privilege of being a guest at the Royal College of Pathologists annual dinner last night, where the President, Dr Mike Osborn, made the sad announcement and held a minute’s silence for the Queen, their patron.
Her Majesty was a person of extraordinary personal qualities and I think everyone, whether royalist or republican, will feel moved by our loss as a country.
The Royal Household has set up an online book of condolence if members wish to leave a tribute.
Members are also advised to consider whether your business location will be affected by events taking place in London over the next ten days. Large crowds are expected in the capital during the official period of mourning, with transport and hotel bookings likely to be impacted.
Parliamentary business will now be suspended for a period of 10 days – meaning that Parliament will not sit before the official conference recess. For the NHS, there will be a pause on proactive communications, except those relating to operational issues and patient interactions. Planned Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union strikes on 15 and 17 September have also be cancelled.
Doris-Ann Williams
Chief Executive, BIVDA
