Message on the death of Her Majesty The Queen

A statement from the Master, Professor Sir Mark Welland (2016):

“On behalf of St Catharine’s College, I want to send our deepest condolences to His Majesty The King and all members of the Royal Family. Her Majesty The Queen’s reign was unparalleled in both its duration and her devotion to public service. We are profoundly saddened at the death of such a remarkable woman whose fortitude, integrity, unwavering commitment and humanity have set an example that is celebrated across the world. Long live The King.”

Observing the national period of mourning

Since dawn this morning, the College has been flying the Union flag at half-mast from our flagpole overlooking Trumpington Street. This will remain at half-mast until the evening after the state funeral, except for the period marking the Proclamation of His Majesty King Charles III when it will be raised to full-mast (expected to be from 11.00am on Proclamation Day in London until 13.00 the following day, when the Proclamation has been made in Cambridge).

During this national period of mourning, the College will continue our activities that pertain to our charitable objectives, including but not limited to graduations and open days. Some other College activities will be postponed and we will be contacting attendees to advise them accordingly.

If any externally-organised events are scheduled to proceed, our conference and events team will continue to work closely with organisers to put in place the necessary arrangements for them and their attendees.

Important updates to arrangements

State Funeral

• Monday 19 September, the date of the State Funeral, will be a national bank holiday.
• St Catharine’s is always staffed to some degree and it is a critical time of year as we prepare for Michaelmas term, so we do not expect all staff will be able to take the day off. The main servery will be open as normal, for example.
• The State Funeral starts at 11am on 19 September and will be screened in the McGrath Centre for anyone in College who wishes to watch.
• The College expects anyone using this space to be respectful of the solemn occasion and how the period of mourning may be affecting others.

Reflection and commemoration

• The Chapel continues to be open to anyone wishes to spend some time in quiet reflection. All are welcome, of any faith or none.
• There will be an opportunity for members of the St Catharine’s community to come and light a candle in Chapel between 12 noon and 1pm daily (up to and including 19 September).
• Great St Mary’s, the University Church, will be open 9am to 6pm daily, and a book of condolence will be available to sign. A choral Service of Commemoration, with civic and University representatives, will be held at 5pm on Sunday 18 September.
• Cambridgeshire County Council has also set up physical and online books of condolence for the local community.  

Events during the period of mourning

• Even at this difficult time, the College has extended a warm welcome to a wide range of visitors in recent days: from conference guests to prospective students and alumni returning for reunions. We are looking forward to the following events going ahead over the next week:
  • 15–16 September: Open Days
  • 17 September: St Catharine’s College Alumni Society Reunion & Dinner
  • 18 September: Approximately 34 delegates arriving ahead of an external conference on 20–22 September