The pensions industry has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, “an inspirational example to so many” who spent a “lifetime of dedicated service to the country and the Commonwealth”.

Aged 96, she was the longest-serving monarch in British history, having celebrated the 70th anniversary of her reign in 2022. 

She passed away on September 8, after Buckingham Palace confirmed earlier on that day that the Queen was under medical supervision and doctors were concerned for her health.

Pensions minister Guy Opperman took to Twitter to say “the Queen was the best of us and a constant in a changing world”.

“The shock to our country will be profound, as all our lives have evolved with hers. Thoughts and prayers with her family. They mourn their mother and grandmother, as her country mourns her too,” he wrote.

“Queen Elizabeth II was an extraordinary woman and we are grateful for her lifetime of service to our nation,” noted Chloe Smith, recently appointed secretary of state for work and pensions.

Former pensions minister Baroness Ros Altmann said the Queen’s passing was “devastating news”.

“We have lost a wonderful monarch who dedicated her life to public service and upheld the highest standards of dignity, courtesy, decency and honour. A real loss to our nation.”

The Pensions Regulator’s chief executive, Charles Counsell, remembered the Queen’s “sense of duty and her tireless contribution to public life”, through which she has “set an inspirational example to so many for so long”.

Meanwhile, the Pension Protection Fund recognised the Queen’s “lifetime of dedicated service to the country and the Commonwealth”.

Caroline Siarkiewicz, chief executive of the Money and Pensions Service, said: “Her Majesty the Queen touched the lives of so many people across the world over her 70-year reign and has been a devoted servant to her people.”

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