As the second Elizabethan era ended on Thursday 8 September 2022 and the reign of King Charles III began, lawyers reflected on the Queen’s long years of service.
Law Society president I Stephanie Boyce said: ‘On this sad occasion we share in the grief of the nation at the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
‘On behalf of the solicitor profession, I would also like to offer our condolences to the Royal Family. As the holder of a Royal Charter, the Society has been very grateful to the Queen for her role in public life, as a defender of the constitution and source of stability in an era of great change.
‘As our longest serving monarch we’re thankful for the way she dedicated her life to the service of this country.’
Mark Fenhalls KC, Bar Council chair, said: ‘The Officers, members and staff of the General Council of the Bar of England and Wales join with colleagues across the legal professions in mourning the loss of our country’s most devoted public servant.
‘Throughout a long, loyal, and steadfast reign, Queen Elizabeth II embodied the symbolic role of the figure in whose name justice is carried out with great integrity. I have written to offer our deep and sincere condolences to His Majesty The King. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.’
The Bar Council stated that it had been advised by the Crown Office that the title Queen’s Counsel (QC) changes to King’s Counsel (KC) with immediate effect—one of many administrative changes that will need to be made. The change is automatic so there are no new Letters Patent.
CILEX Chair, Chris Bones said: ‘We are deeply saddened on the news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen. On the behalf of CILEX, we send our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family.’
On behalf of the judiciary, Lord Burnett, the Lord Chief Justice, said: ‘Her Majesty’s service to this country and the Commonwealth throughout the seven decades of her reign has been unparalleled.
‘I am sure many of you will want to pay your respects over the coming days.’
Lord Burnett said guidance will follow on any changes to court and tribunal business during the period of national mourning.
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