Cllr Stephenson-McGall, added: “On behalf of the council, and the people of Bath and North East Somerset, I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Royal Family.

“We are truly saddened to learn of the death of HRH Queen Elizabeth II who visited our area on a number of occasions and was much admired by the people of Bath and North East Somerset.

“As well as being a respected figurehead locally, nationwide and worldwide, we must remember that at heart, HRH Queen Elizabeth II was a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. And it is with her family that our thoughts lie at this difficult time. We hope and pray that they will find comfort and strength in each other and through our own words of respect and remembrance.

“People are also welcome to lay flowers in Parade Gardens in Bath, in Keynsham Memorial Gardens, in the Hollies Garden in Midsomer Norton and Haycombe Cemetery, to honour the Queen.”

Metro Mayor Dan Norris called the Queen “an exemplar who always put service first”.

“It is almost unimaginable such a reliable fixture in our lives is no longer with us,” he added.

“As so many across the country mourn this huge loss, I send my deepest sympathies and those of residents of the West of England, to the King, the Queen Consort and everyone who loved this most remarkable woman.”

The Rt Revd Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells and the Rt Revd Ruth Worsley expressed their sorrow at the news. In a joint statement they gave thanks for “a life of service and daily steadfastness in which the light of Jesus Christ has shone throughout the years”. “For almost all of us, we cannot recall life before the Queen’s steady, consistent presence among us, and we are reeling at her loss,” they added.