Tributes have been paid to The Queen by Dorset’s business and civic leaders.

Her Majesty’s death, at Balmoral, was announced at 6.30pm on September 8.

She was 96.

The Queen was on the throne for 70 years and was the longest-reigning monarch in British history.

Caron Khan, pictured right, President of Dorset Chamber, said: “All at the Dorset Chamber are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal family at this time of such great sorrow.

“The profound loss we now feel is mirrored by thanks for her life of exemplary public service, including her support for business as Patron of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

“Her Majesty performed her duties with such dignity and calm assurance during a remarkable reign which has served as an inspiration and example to so many.

“Elizabeth II is the only monarch many of us have ever known and she has remained a constant presence as a symbol of unity through good times and bad.

“Although this is a very sad day, her legacy will live on through her family and the country she has helped to shape with such wisdom and leadership over so many years.

“On behalf of our members in the Dorset business community, we pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen.”

Angus Campbell, pictured left, Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset said: “The country is in deep mourning following the loss of Her Majesty.

“All our thoughts are with the members of the Royal Family at this most difficult time.

“Whilst still a Princess, on her twenty-first birthday, Her Majesty broadcast a declaration to the country and the Commonwealth which included the words:

“I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”

“Those words encapsulate the love, service and pure strength of character with which Her Majesty has led the monarchy of Great Britain and the Commonwealth over her extraordinary seventy-year reign.

“It is so special to see the words of a twenty-one-year-old Princess so perfectly foreshadowing her long life of dedicated service to us all.

“We have all lost a unique, loving and determined monarch who has, over seventy years, not only delivered the extraordinary, devoted service and support she promised at such an early age, but given us so very much more besides.

“Our loss is incalculable.”

Cllr Val Pothecary, pictured right, Chairman of Dorset Council, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and the country as we mourn the loss of Her Majesty, and I would like to offer them our heartfelt condolences.

“We give thanks for her wonderful life and years of devotion to serving the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

“She has been an inspiration to us all.”

Cllr Nigel Hedges, pictured left, Chairman of BCP Council, said: “The people of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and all of us at the council will mourn the loss of Her Majesty The Queen and I know that their thoughts are with the Royal Family at this exceptionally sad time.

“We share fond memories of Her Majesty’s visits to Bournemouth, including Bournemouth Gardens in 1966, the police station in 1979 and King’s Park and the seafront in 2004.

“As part of her visit in 1966 she visited Christchurch Priory and contemporary photographs show The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh being driven along the High Street which is filled with huge crowds.

“In 1969 she opened Poole’s new hospital and in 1995 awarded Poole’s Ryvita factory a Royal Warrant.

“The 2004 visit that began in Bournemouth continued with a visit to Poole’s Lighthouse and tour of the new RNLI training college.

“Thousands lined Poole Quay as the royals left on a lifeboat.

“Many local people will have attended these historic events and will treasure their own recollections of those days.”