ON the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's death, North Hampshire leaders and representatives paid their respects to the monarch who dedicated over seven decades to serving the nation.

Elizabeth II died aged 96 at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire on September 8, last year.

She died just months after her Platinum Jubilee which marked 70 years on the throne.

READ MORE: Queen Elizabeth II's reign and her life in pictures

Dame Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke, acknowledged the Queen's extraordinary contributions and the cherished memories she left behind.

She said: "People up and down the country will always remember the incredible contribution made by Her Late Majesty.

"Queen Elizabeth II lived an extraordinary life underpinned by duty and dedication. She selflessly served our nation for over 70 years and today, on the anniversary of her passing, people across the United Kingdom will reflect on their cherished memories of this exemplary monarch."

Kit Malthouse, MP for North West Hampshire, expressed gratitude for living through the "second Elizabethan age."

He said: "A year on, it is still hard to remember that Her Majesty the Queen is no longer with us. Over the decades she had become indelibly woven into our own lives, and by her life of service, woven into the fabric of our nation.

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"When we do recall those remarkable days following her death, our sadness is mixed with profound affection and admiration for her devotion to duty and to us, and immense gratitude that we were lucky enough to live through the second Elizabethan age. May she rest in peace.”  

Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Cllr David Leeks said: “The late Queen was held in the highest esteem by the people of Basingstoke and Deane and the commitment that she had to her role and public service is matchless.

“The late Queen came to the borough on many occasions, especially to visit Highclere Castle, but her last formal visit to Basingstoke was in November 1973 when she officially opened Fanum House, the Basingstoke headquarters of the AA. Her signature in the visitors’ book from that day is still displayed with pride in our Mayor’s Parlour.

“On behalf of the borough, I want to send my thoughts to everyone in the Royal family on this difficult day as they mark the anniversary of the death of the late Queen.”