Queen Elizabeth II

President of the Supreme Court, Lord Reed, said: “On behalf of the Supreme Court, myself and my fellow justices, I wish to express our profound sorrow at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”

Lord Burnett of Maldon, Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, said: “Her Majesty’s service to this country and the Commonwealth throughout the seven decades of her reign has been unparalleled.

“I am sure many of you will want to pay your respects over the coming days. Guidance will follow on any changes to court and tribunal business during the period of national mourning.”

Dean of Faculty, Roddy Dunlop KC, said: “It was with deep sorrow that the Faculty of Advocates heard the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who served the nation with grace and distinction for decades, and was an honorary member of Faculty. We may not wear weepers any more, but we shall mourn her nonetheless. Faculty extends its sincere condolences to the Royal Family.”

Mark Fenhalls KC, chair of the Bar Council, commented: “The officers, members and staff of the General Council of the Bar of England and Wales join with colleagues across the legal professions in mourning the loss of our country’s most devoted public servant.

“Throughout a long, loyal, and steadfast reign, Queen Elizabeth II embodied the symbolic role of the figure in whose name justice is carried out with great integrity.

“I have written to offer our deep and sincere condolences to His Majesty The King. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.”

President of the Law Society of Scotland, Murray Etherington, commented: “Like the whole country, the Law Society of Scotland mourns the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

“The Queen served our country with dedication and devotion for over 70 years. She was an outstanding ambassador for the UK around the world and a source of inspiration for so many at home.

“We were delighted when the Queen wrote to welcome lawyers from across the world when the Law Society of Scotland hosted the 2015 Commonwealth Law Conference in Glasgow. It underlined her commitment to the Commonwealth and her recognition of the importance of the rule of law within this historic family of nations.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the members of the Royal Family, who will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead.”