Care providers have paid tribute to Her Majesty The Queen after the sad news of her death last week.

Tributes have poured in for Her Royal Highness whose coffin currently lies in rest at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

James Tugendhat, chief executive of HC-One, said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“Our thoughts are first and foremost with her family and those who loved her most in their time of great loss.”

Chair of veterans’ care charity Royal Star & Garter, major general Tim Tyler, said: “Her Majesty The Queen’s role as our Patron was just one aspect of a reign characterised by support for good causes and devotion to public service.

“As a veteran herself, Her Majesty had a natural affinity with our residents. Always a proud advocate of the Armed Forces community, the Queen’s support for Royal Star & Garter never wavered. It was an honour and privilege to have had Her Majesty’s patronage.”

Dr Pete Calveley, chief executive of Barchester Healthcare, said: “It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family.

“We are extremely grateful for Her Majesty’s extraordinary service to the nation and the Commonwealth over so many years and extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Royal Family.”

Mike Padgham, managing director of Saint Cecilia’s Care Group, said: “We are saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth II. She was our beloved head of state, our patriarch, our Queen and the mother of our nation.

“Queen Elizabeth was part of the fabric of our lives and our older residents in particular shared so much history and life experience with her. For them especially her loss with be deeply felt and mourned.”