Pharmacy bodies have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following the announcement of her death last night.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society said its president Claire Anderson was writing to the Royal Family to express its since condolences, commenting: “Her Majesty gave 70 years of public service to this country. She was the much-valued Patron of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and her death will be deeply felt by pharmacists and the whole pharmacy family.

“The Queen became Patron of RPS after the death of her father, King George VI, in 1952. In 1988, The Queen agreed that the title "Royal" should be granted to the then ‘Pharmaceutical Society’. 

“RPS was originally granted a Royal Charter of Incorporation by Queen Victoria. The Queen’s father, King George VI, also Patron of RPS from 1937 until his death in 1952.”

Meanwhile the National Pharmacy Association is to cancel its scheduled online conference next week in accordance with the national period of mourning. 

NPA chair Andrew Lane said: “The board and staff of the National Pharmacy Association are very saddened at the news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen, after her long service to the nation. She was truly a towering figure in our nation and around the world.

“We pay tribute to King Charles III, who so recently welcomed hundreds of pharmacists into Clarence House to recognise the NPA’s centenary and recognise the work of our members.

“In line with protocol, we will minimise public NPA events, unless essential, for the period of mourning until after the funeral. We will continue to provide comprehensive support to help our members in the vital work they do; our advice lines and support services remain open as usual.”

The Pharmacists’ Defence Association also said it was suspending all media and campaigning activity, commenting: “We send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family, for their personal loss.”

The PSNC also issued a statement, saying it was “very saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

“At this time of national mourning, we join the rest of the country in sending our thoughts and condolences to the Royal Family.”