A steady stream of well-wishers arrived at the British Embassy yesterday to pay their respects on the death of the Queen.
Its book of condolence – one of a number opened across the country to allow the public to pay tribute to the late British monarch’s death – opened between 12pm and 4pm.
Upon entering the gates on Dublin’s Merrion Road, people were guided to a room to sign one of two books which were laid out with a framed photograph of the late Queen who died on Thursday aged 96.
Read more: Mary Byrne pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth and says 'she reminded me of my mother'
Outside, floral tributes were left at the outside wall to mark Her Majesty’s passing. Among the bouquets of sunflowers, lilies, roses and carnations, one note simply read: “The Queen, a legend, an inspiration. Thank you for your service.”
Another note attached to a floral tribute read: “Thank you your Majesty for all your devoted services to us all. You were our rock. Rest in peace Ma’am.”
One well wisher had written: “Thank you for your years of service. Thank you for the example that you set for young women. You weathered many storms. May you rest in peace.”
Another read: “In memory of the Queen. She loved horse racing. I always wanted her horses to win.” One note had the message: “For my Queen. Much love and sympathy to your family.”
Christine Newman, who lives in Rathmines but is originally from London, arrived just after midday to pay her respects. She said: “The Queen has been a constant in all our lives.
“I was five when the Coronation happened so I kind of remember all the bunting. I was devastated when I heard she had passed away.
“I saw her on Tuesday on the television and I thought months maybe but not days. It’s very sad. It’s the end of an era and it’s a huge change for Britain.”
Christine said she can’t get used to Prince Charles becoming King Charles III. She added: “It’s so strange. I can’t get used to it at all. He has been trained for it all his life but it’s a hard act to follow.”
Fiona Bird, whose grandfather Bill was a guard for Queen Elizabeth, said she is “devastated” at her passing. Despite having lived in Ireland for 30 years, she added: “I wasn’t just a fan. I am British and my grandfather was one of the Queen’s guards for many years.
“After I’d seen her with the UK’s new Prime Minister Liz Truss on Tuesday it really hit home how frail she looked, especially since the Jubilee. I kind of knew it was coming but not so soon. And funny enough, before it was even announced on Thursday I got that heart-wrenching feeling .
“I texted my sisters saying I think she had gone. And later on we heard the sad news. This [British Embassy]is the only place we have to come to.”
Sean Burke, from Marino, North Dublin, arrived early at the Embassy to pay his respects. He said: “It’s very sad. I worked for a long time in London as a civil servant. I enjoyed life over there and my daughters are married and living there so I still have strong connections.
“I think Charles will have a few words to say about the environment. He’s replaced the Queen a lot recently but he has kept a very low profile. Is he going to keep a low profile now?” As the rain started to fall yesterday, the public continued to arrive .
Dr David Irwin made the trip from his home in Blessington in Wicklow to sign the book of condolences. He said: “It’s the end of an institution.
“This person gave their life to public service and was an exemplary model for most of us. And I wish King Charles the best of luck.”
Lauren Byrne, from Ringsend, South Dublin accompanied her London-born partner Justin Holdon to the embassy. She said: “It’s so sad. It’s the end of an era.
“She is literally all we know. It’s so sad. Then you just feel for the family as they have to resume their duties and they lost their dad last year. It’s God Save the King now. I would have preferred if King Charles passed it on to Prince William, he’s a family man and we’d have more faith in William. The Queen has left big boots to fill.”
Justin added: “She reminded me a lot of my own nan because she worked her whole life and did everything for herself. And the Queen seems like she was there forever.”
Tara O’Connor, from Dublin, whose mother is British, said she was in London for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June, which marked her 70 years on the throne. She said: “I’m glad for the Queen that she got to celebrate the historic milestone.”
Yesterday, the British Embassy in Dublin tweeted: “We would like to thank everyone across Ireland for their kind messages of support and condolence, during this period of national mourning.”
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