Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opening the Library in 1964

On 8 September 2022, Vice-Chancellor Sasha Roseneil emailed all students. You can read the message in full below:

Dear student,

I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Queen Elizabeth has been a constant in the lives of many millions of people, a public figure who undertook her inherited duty and responsibilities with dignity, grace, and care throughout her historic reign. She lived through a period of unprecedented technological transformation, through times of great political, social, and economic change, and through war and peace, always embodying calmness, strength, and humanity. Throughout her life, Queen Elizabeth was viewed with respect and loving affection by people across the world. Her death will be deeply mourned and she will be greatly missed.

The Queen, official Visitor of the University of Sussex, came to our campus twice, first to open the Library in 1964, and then to visit The Keep archive in 2013. Information about these visits, along with images and information about the links between the Queen with our University, will be published in coming days.    

To mark this sad occasion, an online book of remembrance will be made available, along with a physical book in the Chaplaincy. I recognise that some people may need a listening ear or more formal support at this time and I would encourage you to talk to friends and classmates, or to contact our Counselling Services, or a member of our Chaplaincy. The death of such a globally important public figure will stir, for many people, strong emotions, including about the loss of own's own loved ones. 

In line with official protocol, and as a mark of respect, the flag on the University’s estate will fly at half mast for the duration of the official mourning period. The flag will be flown at full mast, however, during the Proclamation Day period from 11am until 1pm the following day.  

Sussex is a richly diverse community, in which members hold a wide range of personal views and beliefs. This diversity makes our university the vibrant place that it is, and I am sure that everyone across our community will respect the opinions and feelings of others during this period, both in person and online. 

With my best wishes,

Sasha Roseneil  
Vice-Chancellor  

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