Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022

It was with great sadness that Marketing Derby learnt of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who died at Balmoral last Thursday 8th September and the staff team, board members and Bondholders offer our sincere condolences.

Managing director John Forkin commented: “Her Majesty was always supportive of Derby and Derbyshire and she understood the important role that our tech-based advanced manufacturing economy plays and was a regular and very welcome visitor to both city and county. As a company, winning the coveted Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2020 and on a personal level, my recognition as an MBE last year, are both highlights of which we are proud.”

Visits to Derby by Queen Elizabeth tended to be associated with landmark occasions; from her first in 1949 (as Princess) to open the Council House, through awarding city status (1977), to opening the Queen’s Leisure Centre (1992) and Pride Park Stadium (1997). In 2010, Her Majesty made a significant visit to Derby Cathedral to distribute the Royal Maundy, followed by lunch at the Cathedral Quarter hotel and the opening of the Royal Derby Hospital. She visited the county many times including to John Smedley, Thorntons, Repton School and, of course, Chatsworth House.

Over the weekend, the High Sheriff for Derbyshire, Michael Copestake, and Lord-Lieutenant, Elizabeth Fothergill CBE, have been making the Proclamation of the Accession of King Charles III in ceremonies held in Matlock, Derby and across the county.