Yesterday (8/9), Buckingham Palace announced that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had died aged 96. Tributes poured in from across the world and Cambridge was no exception.

The University announced that it was deeply saddened by the news, with Stephen Toope, the vice-chancellor, commending the Queen’s “devotion to public service” and “sense of duty and strong moral compass”.

He added: “This news brings great sorrow for the United Kingdom as a whole, for the Commonwealth, and most particularly for members of the Royal Family, to whom we extend our heartfelt condolences”.

University societies were quick to follow. The Cambridge Union described the late Queen as a “peerless figurehead”, stating: “the country, and the world, will be far poorer for the loss of her dignified presence.”

The Labour Club (CULC) also offered their condolences in the wake of the Queen’s passing, thanking her for “her exemplary record of lifelong public service”.

Cambridge University Liberal Association (CULA) tweeted: “Rest in peace to Her Majesty The Queen. An extraordinary life lived. Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with her family at this time”.

Cambridge University Conservative Association (CUCA) wrote: “Never before has a life been led with such a sense of devotion, faith, service, duty, and love as hers. Her Majesty and her family remain in our prayers.”

A Student Union representative told Varsity: “My thoughts are with those who were close to the Queen and those affected by the news of her passing.”

Queens’ College, where the Queen had been patroness since 2003, also released a statement expressing “profound sadness” and commending the late monarch for her “extraordinarily inspirational leadership”.

In the statement, the president of Queens’ College, Mohamed A. El-Erian, described the several visits the Queen made to the College, where she “encouraged and inspired several generations of students, staff and Fellows”. He offered his “deepest gratitude” for Her Majesty’s support and announced that the gatehouse of the College would be draped in black, mourning banners.

The master of Trinity College, Dame Sally Davies said: “I am deeply sorry to hear of Her Majesty The Queen’s death”. Heather Hancock, the master of St John’s College, extended her sympathies to the royal family: “The Queen’s historic reign had an immeasurable impact on the nation. She was an extraordinary woman with an unparalleled sense of duty.”

Meanwhile, Magdalene College announced that it would be flying the Union Jack at half-mask. Magdalene, along with Pembroke College and Peterhouse College, also said they would be holding tributes.

King Charles III, an alumnus of Trinity College, Cambridge, has now taken over as sovereign of the United Kingdom and 14 other realms.