Rangers Football Club has acknowledged the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
The loss will be felt and marked all over the United Kingdom, throughout the Commonwealth and further afield in this historic moment, Ibrox will be no different to that.
As a club steeped in Unionism, proudly Scottish and British, the sad news will have a particular resonance.
Buckingham Palace announced this evening that “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Then came a statement from the club, expressing its sorrows at the passing of the monarch, who will be succeeded by King Charles III:
“It is with great pride that her portrait has hung in our home dressing room at Ibrox Stadium as a mark of the club’s appreciation for her phenomenal service.”
“The thoughts of everyone at Rangers Football Club are today with the Royal Family and all those mourning the loss of Her Majesty at this exceptionally difficult time.”
Respects
There is obviously plenty going on at Ibrox just now, on and off the pitch, but football and other aspects of public life will take something of a back seat in the coming days as the nation prepares for a period of mourning.
An announcement will be made very soon regarding domestic fixtures, as well as other public events.
As a mark of respect, the Union Flag at Ibrox Stadium has been lowered to half-mast.
The thoughts of everyone at Rangers Football Club are with the Royal Family and all those mourning the loss of Her Majesty at this exceptionally difficult time. pic.twitter.com/G84pcBAZSn
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) September 8, 2022
In due course, further official marks of respect will follow from Rangers Football Club which will be backed by the vast majority of supporters.