We are deeply saddened by the announcement of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Having celebrated her Platinum Jubilee this year, Her Majesty has dedicated her entire life to serving the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and its people.

She has seen us through some of our most challenging times, providing us with a voice of calm and reason and filling us with hope, as well as our most joyous moments, helping us to celebrate national achievements.

This year’s Jubilee celebrations saw millions up and down the country paying tribute to her 70 years on the throne and are testament to the incredible impact that she has had. At Wates, we are proud to have welcomed Her Majesty to a number of projects over the years, not least when she opened the new Queen Elizabeth Unit at the Royal London Hospital this April.

Our thoughts are with the Royal family at this sad time. On behalf of the Wates Family and the Wates Group, I would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty for her unparalleled service to this country. We mourn her loss alongside the rest of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.

Sir James Wates CBE