HM Queen Elizabeth II

A message from our Vice Chancellor to our University community:

It is with sadness that we learned yesterday of the death of Her Majesty the Queen after a lifetime of service.   

On behalf of our Board of Governors, Executive Board and University community, I offer our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and all who knew and loved her. On our York campus, we have lowered the flag to half-mast as a sign of our respect and have opened a book of condolence at our chapel, which you are invited to contribute to. At noon today, the chapel bells will be rung. 

Today marks the first official day of a 10-day national mourning period.  This will end after the Queen’s funeral, which is expected to be on Monday 19 September. The day of the funeral will be a public day of mourning.   

During the mourning period, most of our activities, including scheduled teaching, can continue as normal. 

As a University, we are incredibly proud that many of our colleagues have been recognised by the Queen’s birthday and New Year honours. Earlier this year, we planted a tree on campus as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy Jubilee celebrations. This summer, we welcomed the Queen’s Baton Relay at York St John University Sports Park ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.   

The death of our monarch will affect each of us differently and I trust that we will show kindness and understanding to one another during this time. Our Employee Assistance service and Wellbeing team are, as always, available to staff and students respectively. Our University Chaplain, Jane Speck is also available for anyone who would like to talk to her in person.  

Professor Karen Bryan OBE

Vice Chancellor

York St John University