Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Edward Harley OBE, says the Queen was “a positive force for good” throughout her long 70-year reign.

In a statement, he said: “I am deeply saddened to hear the news regarding our late Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“The Queen has been a constant, reassuring and positive part of all our lives – for many of us in the United Kingdom, there has been no other Monarch. Throughout her reign Her Majesty brought wisdom, stability and peace, and was a positive force for good throughout.

“The Queen paid many visits to Herefordshire during the course of her reign most recently for her Diamond Jubilee (2012) when over 25,000 people came to the city (Hereford) to share the celebrations.

“As her Lord-Lieutenant it has been a great honour and privilege to have served The Queen and act as her personal representative in Herefordshire.

“I look back in gratitude and look forward to offering support and loyalty to The King.

“My thoughts are with all members of The Royal Family at this very sad time.”