North West business and political leaders have paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II after Buckingham Palace announced her death at the age of 96.
Elizabeth II was the country's longest-serving monarch and has been succeed by the Prince of Wales who has now become King Charles III.
In a statement on Thursday night, the Palace said: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
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Business and political leaders from across the North West have paid tribute to Elizabeth II following the news.
Co-op group chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq said: "On behalf of Co-op I would like to offer our deepest condolences to The Royal Family on this very sad day, following news about the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
"Our thoughts at this time are particularly with the Royal Family, and we join all those from around the world who will be reflecting on her historic reign."
Steve Rotheram, the metro mayor of Liverpool, said: "The passing of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II marks the end of a remarkable life from a remarkable monarch - the only one that many of us have ever known.
"The country she leaves behind is one radically different from the one she inherited 70 years ago.
"She was a constant, and for many, reassuring presence throughout that time, a beacon of stability in an often-turbulent world."
Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, said: "Queen Elizabeth II has been an ever-present in our lives.
"Our sense of loss is profound because she gave us all so much.
"As the longest reigning monarch in the history of the United Kingdom, she gave our communities and our country the greatest possible service and guidance. For that, and for her exceptional life, we give thanks."
In a statement, Manchester Airports Group said: "Everyone at Manchester Airports Group is saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
"Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time. Her Majesty visited our airports on several occasions during her reign."
Clive Memmott, chief executive of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: "The chamber and the whole of Greater Manchester will be saddened by this news and we send our condolences to the Royal Family.
"I want to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long years of service to our country, which has seen dramatic changes during her long reign."
“Most people won’t have known another monarch, as those who witnessed her coronation as young children are now pensioners. Her Majesty visited Greater Manchester many times during her reign and many local people will have personal memories of seeing one of her visits.
"From visiting cotton mills in the 1950s to opening the first Metrolink line, the Queen saw major milestones in the development of our region and is part of our shared history."
Jonathan Holt, the chief executive of KMPG º£½ÇÊÓƵ, said: "At KPMG º£½ÇÊÓƵ we offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family. Her Majesty The Queen served our country with loyalty and dedication.
"We were honoured to welcome The Queen to KPMG many times, including at our Puddle Dock office in 1976, our Canary Wharf office in 2010 and most recently in 2020 as part of a virtual visit during the pandemic. We are thankful for her unwavering commitment and contribution to our country."
Manchester City Council said: "Manchester shares its deepest condolences with the Royal Family today following the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"The Union Flag on Manchester Central Library will be flown at half mast for ten days of national mourning."
In a statement Co-op Live said: "Co-op Live are saddened to hear of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts go out to the Royal Family and all those affected by the news."
The Liverpool BID Company said: "We are deeply saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
"Her lifetime of service provided solace and inspiration for so many. We remember with joy her many visits to Liverpool. Deepest condolences to her family."
Bruntwood CEO and chair of Bruntwood SciTech, Chris Oglesby said: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen led an extraordinary life; her commitment to her country over her 70 years of reign has been admirable.
"An unwavering symbol of stability, the Queen dedicated her life to making the º£½ÇÊÓƵ a better place. In her role as Head of the Commonwealth, we witnessed her spirit of togetherness and community, watching as she united people from around the world - something we will continue to be inspired by.
"Our family and business have had the good fortune to meet the Queen on a number of occasions through our philanthropy and, despite the breadth of her activities, we always found her to be engaged, interested and charming whatever our interaction.
"Her Majesty’s legacy will live on through her family and the countless lives she has touched across the globe. Our thoughts are with her family during this time."
In a letter to staff, Timpson chairman Sir John Timpson said: "I am sure that many of you will share with me the significant sense of loss having received news of The Queen's death.
"I was privileged to have met The Queen on two occasions. The second time was when she presented me with my Knighthood at Buckingham Palace, when she asked me questions about our business. She was on great form and despite her age, was considerably more agile than me.
"I was at primary school when The Queen came to the throne and, like all school children, I was given a Coronation mug as a memento.
"I lost that mug a long time ago, but I will never lose my memories of The Queen as a shining role model for us all to follow.
"In particular, she demonstrated the importance of personal contact by going round the country to meet her people face to face.
"This is a very sad time as we recognise The Queen's achievements and express our sympathy at their loss to King Charles and other members of the Royal Family."
Group chief executive at The Growth Company, Mark Hughes, said: " "On behalf of all colleagues at The Growth Company, I wish to express our sincere sadness following the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
"The Queen personified what it meant to be a loyal and steadfast public servant and the impact of her passing will be felt throughout the world. She demonstrated a commitment to service we can all admire. Our thoughts are with her family at this time."
Max Sheridan, managing director at Algeos, said: "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II, and I extend my sincere condolences on behalf of Algeos to The Royal Family.
"Britain’s longest reigning monarch, her majesty served her country for over 70 years and was a constant presence throughout our lives, seeing our nation through war, victory, mourning, and celebrations.
"The Queen dedicated her life to public service and the NHS for the last 74 years. With her dedicated belief in striving for greatness, and with her love of helping others, her Majesty the Queen has been a dignified role model during her reign.
"In the coming days and weeks, we at Algeos will be working with our partners to pay our respects in the communities we have served since 1881."
Alan Pace, the chairman of Burnley FC, said: "Queen Elizabeth II dedicated her whole life to Great Britain and the Commonwealth, serving her country with pride and devotion.
"Her devout sense of duty was admirable and on behalf of the Club I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the Royal Family at this difficult time."
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