The Chairman of the Council, Councillor Martyn Ashford has written a letter to the Queen on behalf of the Council and the people of Warwick District to convey our condolences and to send our deepest sympathy to the Royal Family at this sad time.

Following the announcement of His Royal Highness’ death earlier today, the flag at the Town Hall has been lowered to half-mast and will remain in that position until 8am on the day after the funeral.

In line with requests from The Palace, the laying of flowers is not being encouraged, but there are suggested places across the district for this:

• Kenilworth – Abbey End, Globe Hotel Memorial
• Warwick – Pageant Gardens, around the tree
• Leamington Spa – Pump Room Gardens, the bandstand site
• Whitnash - next to the War Memorial outside St Margaret’s Church

You can leave flowers or plants, but please do not leave them wrapped in paper or plastic and avoid leaving candles. Those placed outside of the designated areas will be moved to the official area, and then removed the day after the funeral to be composted, where possible.

Cllr Martyn Ashford, The Chairman of Warwick District Council comments:

“We understand that you will want to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Council did have appropriate plans in place for this, however national restrictions are limiting our ability to organise for gathering together in any of our public places, and I thank you for your continued support with this.

"We hope that when national restrictions are lifted, there will be opportunities for us all to come together to reflect and mourn. I would also encourage you to consider making a donation to one of the charities supported by the Duke of Edinburgh, as an alternative to purchasing flowers if you so wish.”

You are encouraged to send your messages of condolence to the online Books of Condolence on the Royal Family Website – www.royal.uk

The Duke of Edinburgh local tributes and funeral arrangements.