Her Majesty the Queen
Statement from the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen Margaret University
The Queen Margaret University community is saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty the Queen, deeply conscious of her great significance in our nation’s history and culture, and her tireless service throughout her long reign.
We remember with pride and great fondness her interactions with Queen Margaret University, notably Her Majesty’s visit to officially open our new campus in 2008, a hugely important day in our institution’s history.
Our flags are flying at half-mast in honour of Her Majesty.
The University is open and operating as usual, and most events will run as planned. If any events at the University are cancelled or postponed, those involved will hear of this through the usual channels, usually directly through the event organisers.
The University will let staff and students know as soon as possible how the arrangements for the State Funeral might affect QMU, and will share details of opportunities to mark our respect to Her Late Majesty.
Sir Paul Grice FRSE, FAcSS
9 September 2022
Update from the Principal issued on 12 September 2022
Passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II and accession of King Charles III
The ceremonial events taking place in Edinburgh yesterday, today and tomorrow to mark the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II give us a privileged opportunity to celebrate her life and to look back with pride at her connections with Scotland.
King Charles III will be in Edinburgh as part of today’s events. On behalf of the QMU community, I would like to wish him, and the Queen Consort, fortitude in the days and weeks to come, and a long and prosperous reign.
Arrangements for the day of the State Funeral
The State Funeral will take place at 11am on Monday 19 September, which will be a public holiday. For QMU, this means there will be no classes on that day, and, as appropriate, programme teams will be in touch in due course as regards re-scheduling of classes. Staff will be on leave, with the exception of essential Campus Services staff . The atrium tiers and LRC will remain open, unstaffed, for private study. There will be reduced catering services, with Campus Services providing details of provision in due course.
In the lead up to the date of the State Funeral, the University is open and operating as usual, and most events will run as planned. If any events at the University are cancelled or postponed, those involved will hear of this through the usual channels, usually directly through the event organisers.
Opportunities for us to pay our respects
Queen Elizabeth will lie at rest at St Giles’ Cathedral before her coffin journeys to London. There is an opportunity for the public to view the coffin at rest and pay respects. This is expected to begin around 5pm today (Monday) and end on Tuesday afternoon. The time it will end is still to be confirmed and you will find information on the City of Edinburgh Council website.
Should you wish to sign a Book of Condolence, you can find details of where you can do so in Edinburgh on the City of Edinburgh Council website. If you would like to sign a book in East Lothian, you can find details how on their website. In addition, the Royal website has an online book of condolence.
Sir Paul Grice FRSE, FAcSS
