Around the world, local government acts as a locus of remembrance and grief. In this week’s Global Local bulletin, we give space to the complicated legacy of colonialism and consider what it means to be a compassionate city. Here we collect how Queen Elizabeth II was honoured by local government officials and institutions and provided a centre for local people to express their grief.

Global Local bulletin: Public mourning and difficult conversations

Blackburn with Darwen Council in Northwest England, for example, shared this message.

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If you’ve been affected by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in a way you didn’t expect, you’re not alone and help is out there.

Many of us have felt a sense of grief at the loss of someone who was such a large part of our lives for seven whole decades. pic.twitter.com/LZkmPMibBS

— BwD Council (@blackburndarwen) September 12, 2022

Other tributes from around the world...

We offer our deepest sympathy to those around the world mourning the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Melburnians will have many memories of her visits (one pictured in 1954, outside Town Hall), and we know many across our city will be feeling this loss today. Vale. pic.twitter.com/bGOCP6lLMx

— City of Melbourne (@cityofmelbourne) September 9, 2022

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II ♥ ♥ A condolence book will be available at Puke Ariki from this afternoon and people can leave floral tributes at the band rotunda in Pukekura Park. RIP Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) Read more: https://t.co/uuVkLEFy0P

— NP District Council (@NPDCouncil) September 9, 2022

We now have books of condolence available for people to acknowledge the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The books are at our Civic Centre reception and Dunedin City Library.
Anyone wishing to leave flowers is also welcome to do so on the front steps of St Paul’s Cathedral. pic.twitter.com/1ckEXnhxuw

— Dunedin City Council (@DnCityCouncil) September 9, 2022

We mark today the end of the Elizabethan era, which lasted over 70 years, and we mourn the loss of a leader who earned the respect of our nation and the world.” – Mayor @phil_goff #OurAKL #QueenElizabeth
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— Auckland Council (@AklCouncil) September 9, 2022

Queen Elizabeth II’s reign spanned 70 years, but her first visit to #Winnipeg was as Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh, in 1951. Royal Tours would bring her to the city a total of six times in her life. A look back: https://t.co/RBNzNF0XEX pic.twitter.com/qAmrySkBv5

— City of Winnipeg (@cityofwinnipeg) September 8, 2022

Books of condolence for Her Majesty The Queen are open in Brent libraries and at Brent Civic Centre.

Alternatively, fill in Brent’s online book of condolence ➡️ https://t.co/N9nNgdVtB1

Or the Palace’s book of condolence ➡️ https://t.co/bG2wNNvRFN pic.twitter.com/SAJMx7C2Ds

— Brent Council (@Brent_Council) September 12, 2022

Councillor Linda Scott, from Sidney and chair of the Australian Local Government Association.

On behalf of the nation’s 537 local governments, I extend my deepest sympathies to all members of the Royal family, following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who has passed away at the age of 96. pic.twitter.com/tGsGRHutaE

— Councillor Linda Scott (@ClrLindaScott) September 8, 2022

Scarborough Council in Northeast England

Scarborough Town Hall will be lit up in regal purple each night for the duration of the period of national mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/F11XrC0K57

— Scarborough Borough Council (@ScarboroCouncil) September 12, 2022

André Dickens, Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia

The City of Atlanta joins the world in mourning the loss of the Queen. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms. pic.twitter.com/AQZlEloKOO

— Andre Dickens (@andreforatlanta) September 8, 2022

As we wake today to the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we will be lowering the flag at Preston Town Hall in commemoration.
On behalf of Council, we send our condolences and deepest sympathy to King Charles III and the Royal Family at this time of loss. pic.twitter.com/aOuT9uM1jy

— City of Darebin (@CityofDarebin) September 8, 2022

“The last four days have marked a significant, historic occasion, and it is with immense pride that we look back on Edinburgh’s contribution” – Lord Lieutenant, Robert Aldridge.

A major operation to get the city moving again is now underway: https://t.co/aeZsyuUDK2 pic.twitter.com/B66zQnbKJD

— The City of Edinburgh Council (@Edinburgh_CC) September 13, 2022

Tonight, the Leader and @rbkcmayor paid their respects, welcoming Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II home to London as her coffin made its way through the borough to Buckingham Palace. pic.twitter.com/nk1YkLw4Av

— Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (@RBKC) September 13, 2022

Applause from the crowds breaks out for the @CityWestminster workers who’ve been cleaning and prepping the streets this morning. pic.twitter.com/hxvFM7FoAK

— Sarah-jane Sewell (@sarahjanesewell) September 14, 2022