Southampton mourns the Queen: Lord Mayor leads book of condolence signing

Councillor Jacqui Rayment was in full black regalia as she signed the book - one of four in Southampton - at Shirley Library on Friday morning.

Strict royal protocol meant Cllr Rayment - the Queen's representative in Southampton - could not speak to the press beyond her official statement released on Thursday.

Those who followed in signing the books put out by Southampton City Council have told the Echo of being moved on this day of mourning.

Library worker Liz Whale said: "I phoned up my mum and dad yesterday who are in their 90s now.

"My mum was remembering when she heard that King George had died and she said everyone was standing outside and crying.

"So, they are just in their 90s and they can only just remember a time before Queen Elizabeth so for the rest of us really this is a brand new thing.

"I was not expecting this but I was really moved."

READ MORE: Southampton mourns the Queen - Latest updates

Over at Central Library Janet Gregory, 74, from Southampton, said: “I work for the government, my children’s dad worked in the forces, and I feel in a way we both served her.

"King Charles is six months older than me, we grew up in the same decade so this has affected me a lot.”

Denise Hacking, 75, Southampton, added: “She’s been part of my life for over 70 years, she’s been a wonderful queen.”

Malcom May

Malcolm May, 72, added: "I want to show my respects for the Queen.

"I was in the Armed Forces and swore allegiance to her.

"I think the book of condolences is important and we intend to go up to London for the lying in state."

Vilyati Bhatti

Market trader Viljay Bhatti, 52, said: "It’s a great thing and I couldn’t just walk by the book. It’s a very touching time.

"The Queen sorted the nation and the Commonwealth.

"A lot of people should be made aware that the book of condolences is here.

"As a city, we should come together and do this."

May Schofield, 73, from the city, said: “She’s a major loss, she provided us stability and I think currently the country in a state of flux so many things go wrong but she was always there. "

At Shirley library mourners were paying their respect by signing the book of condolence.

Ronnie Motwari Krishan said: "I am sad since the Queen has died.

"I want to reveal testimony to all what I (believe) the Queen would have felt, displaying a light of my feeling towards expressing how much she could change some faces of sadness as she made a political and sentimental difference."

Out in the city people going about their day have told of feeling the loss of the Queen.

Speaking to the Echo at Above Bar Street Izzy Myall, 36, a stay-at-home mum from Freemantle, said: "I think there's a really strange atmosphere around since the announcement was made.

"It's a really strange time. She was an incredible lady, she worked until she was nearly 100.

"I think the while country will mourn her for a really long time."