The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover, and the Very Revd Jane Hedges, Dean of Canterbury, have written to King Charles III expressing their condolences on the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Speaking of Her Majesty's legacy, they said: "The late Queen’s many years of devoted service to the people of the British Isles and the Commonwealth will leave a permanent imprint on world history. Her Majesty visited Kent, and Canterbury Cathedral in particular, on many occasions, the last time being for the unveiling of the statues of Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh in 2015. It is an honour that Her Majesty and Prince Philip can be remembered in such a way. Her Majesty’s sure and steadfast faith was certainly an inspiration to many. Although we mourn her loss we give thanks for her great witness of the faith and for the way she spoke openly of her faith and modelled the Christian life."
The full text of the letter is below:
Your Majesty,
On behalf of the Diocese of Canterbury and the Chapter of Canterbury Cathedral we would like to express our deepest sympathy and condolences on the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth, our Sovereign and Supreme Governor.
The late Queen’s many years of devoted service to the people of the British Isles and the Commonwealth will leave a permanent imprint on world history. Her Majesty visited Kent, and Canterbury Cathedral in particular, on many occasions, the last time being for the unveiling of the statues of Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh in 2015. It is an honour that Her Majesty and Prince Philip can be remembered in such a way. Her Majesty’s sure and steadfast faith was certainly an inspiration to many. Although we mourn her loss we give thanks for her great witness of the faith and for the way she spoke openly of her faith and modelled the Christian life.
Our prayers are with you and all your family. As you assume your new role as Sovereign may God grant you wisdom and strength.
May the peace of Christ be with you,
The Right Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover
The Very Reverend Dr Jane Hedges, Acting Dean of Canterbury