AS a period of national mourning begins, the Advertiser took to the streets of Andover to ask residents to share their reactions to the Queen’s passing.

The 96-year-old monarch died peacefully at Balmoral on Thursday afternoon surrounded by her family.

News of her death has been met with deep sadness and in Andover the atmosphere in the town centre was sombre with both the Guildhall and nearby St Mary’s Church flying the Union Flag at half mast out of respect to Her Majesty.

Andover residents were quick to praise and remember The Queen, with a particular focus on her long service to the British people.

Duncan Hammond, 41, called The Queen’s death “quite sad”.

“She was the only bit of stability we had in this country,” he added.

SEE ALSO: Book of condolence to the Queen open at The Lights theatre in Andover

Read the full story in the week's edition of the Advertiser.

Also in this special edition:

  • Hundreds of people filled Andover High Street on Sunday as the Mayor of Test Valley and and Professor Khalid Aziz LVO DL read the proclamation of King Charles III
  • The Mayor of Test Valley led the borough’s tributes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth after she died aged 96
  • Test Valley Borough councillors have been paying tribute and sharing their heartfelt condolences as the country continues to mourn the death of our beloved Queen
  • A book of condolences has been opened at The Lights theatre in Andover to allow residents to pay their respects to the Queen
  • Sadness, shock and reflection are just some of the feelings shared by Andover town councillors who have paid tribute following the death of the Queen
  • The royal visit that defied local folklore - David Borrett latest flashback column  pays tribute to the queen
  • Hundreds gathered outside the Great Hall, in Winchester, to pay their respects to Her Majesty The Queen as a Proclamation was read by the High Sheriff of Hampshire
  • As the country mourns the death of its longest-reigning monarch, we look back at the time the Queen visited Overton.
  • PLUS an eight-page special supplement dedicated to and looking back at the life of the Queen's amazing 70-year reign

READ MORE: Where you can watch the Queen's funeral across Hampshire on Monday

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