Southwark Diocese has paid tribute to the Queen, thanking her for her “courage in adversity, steadfast faith and the duty she rendered devotedly to her country”.
Queen Elizabeth II visited Southwark Cathedral on several occasions during her reign, including in 1955 and 2013.
On April 7, 1955, less than three years into her 70-year reign, the Queen attended the Royal Maundy Service with her husband Prince Phillip.
The Maundy Service takes place every Thursday before Easter Sunday and saw the Queen give money to local pensioners. The service represents Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles during the last supper.
Southwark Cathedral was chosen in 1955 to celebrate the jubilee anniversary of the Southwark Diocese, founded in 1905.
She distributed money according to her age. For example, when she turned 80 she distributed 80 pence worth of Maundy money to 80 men and 80 women in recognition of their contribution to their communities and to the church.
You can watch the Queen’s 1955 visit here: https://bbcrewind.co.uk/asset/6006e4cad3f6450027dfde50?q=queen%20%22southwark%20cathedral%22
Bishop Christopher Chessun said: “It is with great sadness that we have received the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen who has been there for us all for longer than most of us have lived.
“Our beloved Queen will be remembered for her devotion to her peoples, to this nation and to the Commonwealth of Nations and there will be opportunities in the coming days and weeks for us all to express our heartfelt thanks for her life and example.”
The Queen would visit Southwark Cathedral again on Thursday, November 21, 2013, this time to view the Cathedral’s diamond jubilee window.
The royal couple had driven to the cathedral via Duke Street Hill and Tooley Street to be greeted at the Millennium Courtyard by the Lord Lieutenant who had walked ahead in full uniform.
Pupils from the Cathedral School had cheered and waved homemade flags as the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh entered the north door with the Dean the Very Revd Andrew Nunn and Bishop of Southwark the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun.
The Very Revd Andrew Nunn said: “It is with huge sorrow that we received the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Her long reign and careful and loving leadership of our nations within this United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth has helped to create the people that we are. Our prayers, and the prayers of the community at Southwark Cathedral, are with His Majesty The King and the other members of the Royal Family and around the world all who will grieve her loss.
“The Platinum Jubilee celebrations, so fresh in our memories, were an opportunity to show The Queen just how much we loved and respected her and how thankful we are for her 70 years on the throne as our gracious Sovereign Lady.
“We are consoled that she died full of faith in her Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Not only has she been a great monarch but an outstanding Christian, who has testified in word and deed to the one she served. May she receive her reward and rest in peace and rise in glory.”
Southwark pays tribute to Her Majesty The Queen – read our six pages of coverage