Hundreds of church goers and Berkshire officials came together for a service of mourning today (18/9) at Reading Minster.

Following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, residents were invited to mark her passing and funeral in a public Civic Memorial Service.

Reading officials, members of the Clergy and valued pillars of the community led the service with readings, sermons, and blessings alongside hymns by the Minster choir.

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Bishop of Reading, REVD Olivia Graham started her sermon by saying: “It is a great honour to be standing here sharing with you this solemn occasion of commemoration of the life, witness and service of lady majesty, our beloved Queen Elizabeth II.’

In a time of national sadness, her service to the country was expressed in both word and song, with the bishop quoting the former Archbishop of Canterbury about the way Queen Elizabeth II united the country.

“The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams has said, ‘in her we were able to gather around something other than our own preferences, anxieties and prejudices and to know that in spite of our differences, in spite of the things that might divide us, we are kin.’”

Throughout the service the Minster Choir rang through the church as church goers sat in quiet rapture.

A tribute was made by Miam Saleem from the Reading Pakistani Community Centre where he spoke about his own experience and remembrance of the Queen.

He said: “I stand here today for all the Muslim community of Reading. My father and uncle were in the British Army and the Queen served in Pakistan from 1952 to 1956, so for a lot of families they loved the Queen.

“It’s a great loss but we’re all looking up to King Charles III, and hope that he can live the same as his Mum and from the whole nation there is as much love and respect for him from all of us.”

A ‘floral tribute and reading marking the death of her majesty was given by the Mayor of Reading.

Following the service, Mayor Cllr Rachel Eden said: “One of the things that was very striking over the past week and half is how much people want to be together and to share their thoughts, their sorrow, and their gratitude.

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“Reading is somewhere where so many people have such fond memories of the Queen and by coming together as a community from all walks of life, being together and sharing our thoughts, I think the service was both solemn but also a very wonderful experience.

“The job of the mayor is to be the friend of the people of Reading. Your friend is there in good times, your friend is there in difficult times so my job is to do whatever the people of Reading need.

“At this time, it’s being together, taking stock and it’s helped me process my thoughts because like everyone I had a sense of shock and sorrow when I heard the news just over a week ago.”

The Vice Lord Lieutenant, Graham Barker was present in the procession alongside cadets and petty officer cadets.

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He said: “It's a great privilege to be here today. As the Bishop said it’s very important to continue the ritual and provide the opportunity to express our thanks to this very great lady that we were fortunate to have throughout our lives.

“I think it was so important to have it here in the Minster because this is the heart of Reading and all the important ceremonies happen here in the heart of Berkshire”.

Micky Leng, Labour Councillor for the Whitley ward expressed his thoughts and sadness following the passing. He explained: “It’s wonderful to celebrate her life. I’m from a typical working class background and I’ve always been very fond of the Royal family. I think they serve our country well and long may it continue.

“I think we were all in shock at the start but as it’s gone on it’s more of a celebration of what she has achieved in her life. I’ve known nothing but the Queen, she’s always been my Queen. I think Charles will make a great King, but it will take a while to get used to.

“We have been through some very difficult times over the past few years and I think it’s the only thing that has managed to bring us together. Although it’s a sad time, it’s a celebration as well.”