Her Majesty The Queen – statement from Chief Constable Rod Hansen and Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson

Chief Constable Rod Hansen and Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson have released the following statement: "On this, the saddest of days for our country, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and share their feeling of great sorrow on the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

"We offer in particular our most sincere sympathies to His Majesty, The King and to all members of the Royal Family, some of whom have close connections with Gloucestershire. It remains, an honour to serve and protect them when they reside in our county.

"For the last 70 years every officer of ours, who made their oath of attestation, swore to well and truly serve the Queen in the office of constable, with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality.

"Through this oath, many officers felt a personal bond with the Queen, acknowledging that their principal loyalty was to her. Her late Majesty's dignity and integrity made such service an honour and a privilege.

"Here in Gloucestershire, our loyalty was expressed not just through the oath of office we took, but also in our corporate identity, with the Constabulary crest proudly including the royal cipher.

"Throughout her long reign, The Queen was a frequent visitor to Gloucestershire attending official duties but also paying private visits to those members of her family who live in the county.

"There will be many moments of recollection throughout this period of national mourning, a period that will continue until the day of Her late Majesty's funeral. During this time, the Union flag will fly at half-mast outside police buildings and there will be a book of condolence for officers and members of staff to sign.

"On behalf of Gloucestershire Constabulary and the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, we once again extend our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family and express our pride in having served such a beloved monarch."