The community of Somerville College is deeply saddened by the news this evening of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She lived an extraordinary life of public service and was, to many, a reassuring constant in a rapidly changing world. Her loss will be deeply felt, and our thoughts are with her family.
This page will be updated with details about the College and University’s services of remembrance alongside further information for staff and students.
We also hope in due course to provide further opportunities for our community to reflect on the Queen’s life and close relationship with the University during her reign.
Flags
The College will be flying the Union flag at half-mast from now until the day after the state funeral, which is expected to occur on Monday 19th September.
Service of thanksgiving and remembrance
A Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance will take place on Sunday 18 September. You can watch it online here.
Book of condolences
The University has made online and physical books of condolence available to staff and students.
State Funeral – Monday 19th September
Following the designation of Monday 19th September as a bank holiday, staff will not be expected to work that day, unless they would normally do so on a bank holiday for operational or contractual reasons. Colleagues are therefore encouraged to move planned activities, such as meetings and events, to an alternative date where possible. Given that the bank holiday falls during the Long Vacation, we wouldn’t expect teaching and assessments to take place. Colleagues are therefore encouraged to move any teaching or assessment to another date/time, and to inform students as soon as possible.