Flowers from the Heart

MESSAGES left with floral tributes spoke of gratitude for a lifetime of service, with one reading: “Rest easy, Your Majesty. Your work is done.”

More than 50 bouquets were placed around the plinth of the Heart of Steel at Minster Gardens, in the shadow of Rotherham Minster.

Beneath an official portrait of the Queen could be seen a pencil drawing of the monarch in profile, with the message: “Dear your majesty, may you fly high and rest at peace. So many hearts you have touched.

“I just want to say thank you, from Molly.”

One card read: “Good night and God bless. You will be forever an inspiration to me for the poise and dignity with which you constantly performed a role which was thrust upon you.

“In my heart forever. God save the Queen.”

There was also gratitude from one mourner whose bunch of yellow roses bore the message: “Thank you for your lifelong service to our country and your steadfast love of your people.”

Another, from a Swinton family, said simply: “RIP Queen Elizabeth II. Thank you for 70 years of service for our country.”

There were also bouquets with short messages, such as one reading: “God bless, Ma’am” and “God save a wonderful queen.”