Pharmaceutical bodies across the United Kingdom have shared their tributes to Queen Elizabeth II following the announcement of her death yesterday.
Her Majesty, who is the UK’s longest-serving monarch, died yesterday aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) said: ‘It is with great regret that we learnt of the death of our Patron, Queen Elizabeth II.
‘Her Majesty gave 70 years of public service to this country. She was the much-valued Patron of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and her death will be deeply felt by pharmacists and the whole pharmacy family.’
The Queen has been the patron of RPS since the death of her father, King George VI, in 1952. The society was originally granted a Royal Charter of Incorporation by Queen Victoria and was bestowed with its ‘Royal’ title by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988.
RPS president Professor Claire Anderson will write to the Royal Family to express sincere condolences from the RPS.
Andrew Lane, chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said that the board and staff of the NPA were ‘very saddened’ at the news, praising Her Majesty for her ‘long service to the nation’.
‘She was truly a towering figure in our nation and around the world,’ he said.
‘We pay tribute to King Charles III, who so recently welcomed hundreds of pharmacists into Clarence House to recognise the NPA’s centenary and recognise the work of our members.’
The NPA has postponed its national conference, which was scheduled for next week, out of respect for the Queen and her family in mourning.
Mr Lane added: ‘In line with protocol, we will minimise public NPA events, unless essential, for the period of mourning until after the funeral. We will continue to provide comprehensive support to help our members in the vital work they do; our advice lines and support services remain open as usual.’
Other pharmaceutical bodies have also joined in paying their respects to the monarch.
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