Hundreds of people gather as wreath laying ceremony held at Winchester Cathedral in memory of Her Majesty The Queen

A ceremony, which was led by the Dean of Winchester, Catherine Ogle, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Iain Henderson and the acting Bishop of Winchester, Debbie Sellin, saw residents share in prayer. 

Both the Dean and the Bishop performed readings before the wreaths were laid in front of a memorial to the Queen. A minute's silence was then observed.

In a fitting tribute, the cathedral's bells rang out across the city while many queued to sign books of condolence and light a candle. 

Scores more people gathered outside, where an ever-growing collection of flowers could be seen sat against the cathedral's entrance.

The Very Rev Catherine Ogle, Dean of Winchester said: "Like many people I found myself strangely moved and upset. Of course we anticipated this would happen, especially as she was so elderly, but it's still so difficult to come to terms with because she's been there all our lives.

"She has been described by people as a rock for us all, and she has been. She was dependable and steady, just this wonderful influence in national life. We will miss her."

The Dean of Winchester, Catherine Ogle (Image: Newsquest)

The Dean and several vergers and members of staff met for prayer on Thursday evening after the news first broke.

She added: "All these ceremonies help us all to begin to come to terms with this change. We're in a process of mourning, and then we need to be ready to welcome our new King."

Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Winchester and Chandler's Ford, Danny Chambers, attended the ceremony. Recalling a fond memory of The Queen, he said: "From a personal point of view, what stands out for me is when I first realised how impactful she was globally.

"My mum was a New Zealander, so I used to visit family out there a lot as a child. I remember she closed the 1990 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand and everyone turned out to see her. 

Danny Chambers paying his tributes to The Queen (Image: Newsquest)

"That's when you realise that on the furthest point of the planet from the UK she's absolutely revered, providing a sense of stability globally. That's a memory I've kept since I was about eight years old."

The West doors of the cathedral have been opened free of charge and a service of Evensong will take place at 5.30pm. All the cathedral's choirs will be present. 

Patricia Dawson, 75, attended the ceremony with her husband, Jim. She said: “My fondest memory was her lovely smile. She was always there for us, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic when she sat and told us that we would all be together again.”

Jim and Patricia Dawson (Image: Newsquest)

Jim, 79, originally from Scotland, revealed he once performed for The Queen during one of her visits north of the border. He said: "I played the Bagpipes for her one time at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It meant a lot to me."

Hannah Taylor, 35, from Southampton, said: “It has come as a shock but it was to be expected because of her age. It’s a huge loss because she’s always been there offering stability throughout everything. 

Hannah Taylor and her mum at Winchester Cathedral (Image: Newsquest)

“She has been a constant throughout our lives. I feel for King Charles. He’s just lost his mother and now he has to fill a new role. It must be hard.”