Care leaders have begun paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II after the sad news of her death.

The nation has begun 10 days of mourning after Her Majesty’s death at the age of 96 at Balmoral yesterday.

Nadra Ahmed OBE, executive chairman of the National Care Association, said: “After a lifetime of flawless public service Queen Elizabeth II has passed on the reins to her beloved son. Her capacity to unite the nation was unrivalled so her loss at this challenging time leaves a void which will need to be filled. The grief we all feel today is a testament to her as it shows our love for her as our monarch, a world leader and an inspirational individual. May her soul rest in peace. Our thoughts are also with King Charles III as he deals with his personal grief whilst preparing to take on the role of our monarch.”

Professor Vic Rayner OBE, chief executive of the National Care Forum, said: “We mourn with the nation in our loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who has been a model of dedicated service for over 70 years. As the patron of many of our member organisations she has demonstrated unreserved commitment to care, charity and community through her ongoing patronage and her previous patronage of members.

“Many of the people in care will be thinking about her and remembering the huge part she has been in all of their lives and how key chapters in their lives have been shaped, influenced and in harmony with key elements of her reign – from her wedding, coronation, jubilees, children, annual Queen speeches and many more. Care settings have always marked these moments with love and gratitude for her dedication and service and will be deeply saddened by the news of her death at this time.

“Our thoughts are with her family and King Charles III as he takes to his new responsibility as monarch and King.”

Avnish Goyal CBE, chair of Care England and Hallmark Care Homes, said: “We are all deeply saddened to hear of Her Majesty, The Queen’s passing. We will forever be grateful for her dedication and service to this country and the impact she has made to charities in the UK and abroad. Today is a very sad day.”

Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, said: “Care England is deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty the Queen and we will always be grateful for her support to so many charities and care services over her long and distinguished reign. We send our condolences to HM the King and all the Royal Family.”