HM The Queen 1926–2022
The Trustees, staff and volunteers of Harewood House Trust are saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, first cousin once removed and Godmother to the 8th Earl of Harewood, David Lascelles.
As a mark of respect, and as a former Royal Household, Harewood closed on Friday 9 September.
The site will be closed for the The Queen’s funeral on Monday 19 September.
Patron to more than 600 charities, Her Majesty’s passion for upholding the importance of education, the arts, outdoor life and the environment has given places such as Harewood such resilience and support throughout her reign.
During this period of mourning, visitors have the opportunity to sign a book of condolence in Harewood’s Gallery or All Saints Church, whilst on the front steps of Harewood House, flowers can be laid.
Princess Mary, the Princess Royal (Queen Elizabeth II’s aunt and sister to King George VI), married the Viscount Lascelles in 1922; the couple later moved to Harewood following the death of the 5th Earl where as 6th Earl and Countess of Harewood they lived from 1930, making Harewood a Royal Household. The Queen and her late husband The Duke of Edinburgh visited on a number of special occasions.
The Queen’s most recent memorable visit was during her Golden Jubilee celebrations, twenty years ago in 2002. As well as a tour of Harewood, and the newly and purpose-build Emmerdale set on Harewood Estate, the day’s celebrations centred on an hour-long pageant celebrating cultures from across Yorkshire watched by thousands.
Sincere condolences from all of us here remain with The Queen’s closest family members, His Majesty King Charles III, his brothers The Duke of York and The Earl of Wessex, and his sister Anne, The Princess Royal; her friends and her loved ones.
The Queen’s calm, patient, yet totally committed approach to her life’s work and her reign, and her measured, selfless demeanour and service to this country remain a lesson to us all during these turbulent times.
Photograph © Ranald Mackechnie