Leaders in the sectors have issued messages expressing their sorrow and gratitude to the late Queen for her lifetime of service to the country.
Shropshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Richard Sheehan said: “We are greatly saddened to learn of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“She was a great supporter of business and enterprise, and a patron of the British Chambers of Commerce.
“On behalf of all of our members, patrons and staff we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family on their profound loss.”
Mandy Thorn MBE, chair of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership and a deputy lieutenant for Shropshire, said the Queen’s passing marked the end of a remarkable golden reign.
“For 70 years Her Majesty’s devotion to duty and service has been the common bond which has united this country. She served with dignity, wisdom and grace and never lost sight of the need for her role to evolve as the nation she served evolved.
“She was an incredible role model for so many, a female leader and icon whose dedication to service and duty was exemplary. Her death is like losing a beloved relative who has always been there, constant and unwavering, holding everything together.
“I have been privileged to work on Her Majesty’s behalf representing the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in Shropshire and have seen at first hand the incredible benefit they have brought across the business community.
“I know that the entire business community is deeply grateful for all the support she has given over the last 70 years and the tireless role she has played in promoting British industry, innovation and excellence.
“This is a deeply sad moment in the history of the nation as we mourn her passing. Her reign is unlikely to ever be rivalled both for its length and the historic nature of the changes she helped guide us through.
“The thoughts and condolences of everyone in the business and wider community are with her family and we offer all our thoughts and support to King Charles III in particular as he begins his own reign.”
National Farmers' Union president Minette Batters said: “Words cannot describe the deep sense of sadness that I and the rest of the farming community will feel at the news of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.
“Her Majesty has been the embodiment of duty and public service, seeing the country through seven decades where we have seen huge change in our nation and in our fields.
“The Queen’s deep connection to the countryside has been valued enormously by farmers and has left a remarkable legacy that will continue for generations.
“On behalf of farmers in England and Wales, I would like to send my deepest condolences to the King, Queen Consort and the Royal Family at this truly sad time for our country.”
NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said: “There is a deep feeling of melancholy amongst the Welsh farming community following news of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.
“Her Majesty was a symbol of dedication and commitment to public service, she has been a stoic servant to the country for an extraordinary seven decades, a remarkable reign at the throne of our monarchy.
“The Queen’s warm affiliation with the Great British countryside is well documented and that connection has been valued and appreciated by the nation’s farmers.
“On behalf of farmers across Wales, I send my deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this very sad time and offer my heartfelt best wishes at this time of national mourning.”
