With great sorrow Balliol joins the University of Oxford and the rest of the nation in mourning Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who died on 8 September 2022. We offer our sincere condolences to His Majesty King Charles III, the Queen Consort and all the Royal Family.
The Chancellor of Oxford University, the Rt Hon the Lord Patten of Barnes, CH (Balliol 1962), paid this tribute: ‘Queen Elizabeth was one of Britain’s greatest monarchs, which is not solely because of the achievements and length of her remarkable reign, as well as the changes and challenges the UK and the world underwent during that time. It is, above all, because of her utter dedication to duty, responsibility, decency and brave integrity. We are all profoundly grateful for her services to the UK and the Commonwealth, which she carried out at all times with generosity of spirit, good humour and wise judgement. Requiescat in pace.’
The College is flying the Union flag at half mast in her memory, with our gratitude for her life and work, and her long service to the country.
The University will be holding a service of thanksgiving and remembrance and will make a book of condolences (in person and online) available: details of these will be posted on the University website here.
Balliol College Chapel is open to any College Member who wishes to spend time in prayer or reflection there.
Updated 27 September: you can read here the Chancellor’s tribute at the Service of Thanksgiving and Commemoration for her late majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 18 September.