As our Queen for the past 70 years, her wisdom and courage have shone out as a beacon for us all and exemplified her deep sense of duty to her people during periods of great change.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to the King and other members of the Royal Family and our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time. We hope that they will be comforted by the outpouring of grief and gratitude for an incomparable Queen.

May she rest in peace.

The College represents a broad and international community and this news will affect different people in different ways. Our Sanctuary is open for our community as a space of reflection at this sad time. Our Chaplain has placed a book of remembrance in there in which all alumnae and alumni, staff and students are invited to write a message of condolence if they wish.

The photo shows Queen Elizabeth II as a young Princess visiting St Hilda's College in 1948.