Her Majesty the Queen’s “tireless” service to our country has been praised by politicians from all parties across Hampshire.

Following the news that the Queen died at Balmoral earlier this afternoon, MPs, councillors and police commissioners have paid tribute to a monarch they have described as “unparalleled”.

East Hampshire MP, Damian Hinds, said our lives will “never be the same” after the Queen’s death.

“On our nation’s saddest day, we also give thanks for the life and peerless service of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II,” he said.

“She has been a constant through all our lives, and those lives will never be the same. May she rest in peace. God save the King.”

Adam Carew, district councillor for Whitehill & Greatham and former East Hampshire District Council chairman, paid an emotional tribute to the Queen.

“I am so sad,” he said. “There has not been a British monarch that has worked so hard or so long for this nation. I am so pleased she lived to see her Jubilee.

“Our prayers go with you Queen Elizabeth II – God bless you your majesty! God Save the King.”

East Hampshire’s Liberal Democrat group also paid tribute, saying Queen Elizabeth II was “a stalwart of great strength”.

It said in a statement: “We share with you our sadness in the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. An incredible lady, a stalwart of great strength. We will miss her. Our thoughts and prayers go out to us all as we grieve the death of Her Majesty the Queen.”

At Hampshire County Council’s headquarters buildings in Winchester, flags have been lowered to half mast, and a public book of condolence will be opened at the Great Hall in due course.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Rob Humby, said: “Hampshire County Council extends our deepest sympathies to the royal family following the news of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth – our longest-reigning monarch and beloved Queen.

“Hampshire has great pride in its royal associations, with a strong history of connections to the monarchy. Over the years, our county has had the honour and privilege of welcoming Her Majesty on many visits to Hampshire and we now remember with warmth and fondness these treasured memories.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole of the royal family, in sincere condolence as we mourn with the rest of the nation and Commonwealth at this very sad time.”

Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esq, added: “The death of Her Majesty the Queen represents a day of very great sadness across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth and the loss of the head of a worldwide family of 2.5 billion people.”

Meon Valley MP Flick Drummond said: “The loss of our respected, globally admired and much-loved Queen is a huge blow to the country and Commonwealth.

“This is a very sad day and one we always knew would come but it is a shock nonetheless.

“My thoughts are with Her Majesty’s family at this difficult time.

“The Queen’s seven decades of tireless service may never be repeated. So many of us know of no other monarch and I know people across Meon Valley will be upset and grieving. It is the end of an era but one our United Kingdom should be immensely grateful for.”

Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner, Donna Jones, said the Queen’s death will touch the lives of many people across the county – a great number of whom will have served the monarchy in one form or another.

She said: “The Queen gave a lifetime of service to our country and I wish to send my condolences to the royal family at this very sad time.

“Many people in our communities proudly serve the monarch, including serving in the Royal Navy, the British Army and the RAF based here in Hampshire.

“This is a time for us to reflect on Her Majesty’s dedication to our kingdom and how she inspired unity, dignity, and leadership. She touched the lives of multiple generations as one of the longest serving monarch’s in history.

“This is a national time of mourning and reflection for people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and around the world. As commissioner, I will be supporting Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary, as servants to the crown, to support communities in mourning and the coming together to mark this historic moment.”