The nation mourns its longest reigning monarch

The UK’s longest-reigning monarch died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on Thursday afternoon at the age of 96.

She was an incredible woman who devoted over 70 years of her life to the country – steering the monarchy through some of its most turbulent times.

HM The Queen was a Patron of the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Sir Julian Young, IET President, has said: “On behalf of everyone at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and our global engineering community, we are saddened to learn of the death of HM The Queen, Patron of the IET.

"Her Majesty was an unwavering advocate of engineering and technology and graciously consented her patronage to the Institution in 1953. During the IET’s 150th anniversary in 2021 she credited those within the profession as playing a key role in solving global challenges, as well as continuing to improve the lives of millions of people all over the world.

"We’re extremely grateful for The Queen’s loyal service over the last 70 years. Our greatest sympathies go out to the Royal Family."

The photo above depicts HM The Queen in 1971 during the IEE Centenary celebrations at the Royal Festival Hall.

Lord Browne of Madingley FREng FRS, Chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering Foundation, said: “Trustees, judges and staff of the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Throughout her reign, Her Majesty has witnessed the profound impact that engineering developments have had on lives around the world, and her service and admiration to what she termed a ‘noble profession’ has been unwavering.

“From enlisting in the Auxiliary Territorial Service as a subaltern during World War II, to driving a tube train during the launch of the Victoria Line, and opening several bastions of modern engineering, such as the Severn Bridge, Channel Tunnel, and Diamond Light Source synchrotron facility, Her Majesty’s personal connection to engineering has been evident. In 2011, we were honoured when Her Majesty gave her name to the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, and in 2013 she awarded the inaugural prize to the inventors of the Internet and World Wide Web.

“We are proud to maintain the legacy of Her Majesty’s support to engineering by continuing not only to celebrate the greatest achievements in modern engineering, but also to encourage and inspire young people from across the world to follow their curiosity and take up the world’s toughest challenges as the engineers of tomorrow.”

King Charles III, who became the new monarch immediately, is expected to address the nation today.

Our thoughts are with the Royal Family in their grief.