A SERGEANT at Mace who once welcomed the Queen to Worcester says the reaction to her death showed the city 'at its best'.
Paul Harding, a Sergeant at Mace for the City of Worcester, was present at the Lower Hall in Worcester Guildhall as hundreds came to sign the book of condolence for the Queen before her State Funeral on Monday.
READ MORE: City's heartbreak after death of the Queen
Many fought back tears as they signed books of condolence at Worcester Cathedral and the city's Guildhall.
Some at the Cathedral also lit candles for the Queen or left flowers at the war memorial while the bells tolled 96 times in honour of Her Majesty as large crowds gathered.
The Sergeants at Mace wore black bowties while the maces themselves, symbols of the monarchy, were given a black mourning ribbon below the crown.
Mr Harding, also a historian for Discover History, said: "I witnessed Worcester at its best.
"From meeting people in the Lower Hall, signing the book of condolence to the city coming to a complete standstill as the Cathedral rang 96 times at 12 midday.
"I had some interesting conversations and saw the outpouring of emotion in regards to the death of our most loved Queen.
"It's hard to imagine that it was in the Lower Hall, as a Macebearer in 2012, I met Her Majesty. Queen Elizabeth has remained a constant in all our lives and has never given us cause to question her abilities or actions. I remember the words she promised at her Coronation - “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service.'
"Our sovereign has kept this promise to the very end and I thank her for all that she has done. I will join many in mourning her fully in the days and weeks that follow. I am going to miss her greatly. Having taken the Oath of Allegiance, I look forward to serving King Charles III, his heirs and successors. God Save the King."
A total of 4,450 messages were left in the Books of Condolence opened at Worcester Guildhall following the announcement of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Worcester City Council opened the books within hours of the news being released by Buckingham Palace.
The first message to be left was from the Mayor of Worcester, councillor Adrian Gregson.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here