Industry Responds to the Death of Queen Elizabeth II
After 70 years on the throne, the British monarch her majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died. The news became public early on Thursday evening, along with the news that the crown has passed to King Charles III. Tributes have already started to come in from advertising industry bodies.
Brands have also started sharing posts on social media and Little Black Book has also heard of several brands that have pulled the launch of new campaigns following the news. As the nation enters an official period of mourning, brands, agencies and media titles are seeking to navigate an appropriate response. News readers on UK channels have switched to black tie, and while national institutions have official guidance according to the leaked Operation London Bridge guidelines, for UK brands this is an altogether novel situation
Statements updated as we receive them.
ISBA
"Everyone at ISBA is deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty the Queen. The thoughts of all of us are with the Royal Family at what will be a time of great sorrow."
Paul Bainsfair, Director General, IPA
"It is with a heavy heart that we hear the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She has been Head of State and our Queen for all of our lifetime and she was revered across the World for her wisdom and her sense of duty. The greatest honour bestowed upon the IPA in its long history was when Her Majesty awarded our Royal Charter in 2015. We extend our sincerest condolences to the Royal Family as the nation enters a period of mourning."
Stephen Woodford, CEO, Advertising Association
“The Advertising Association pays tribute to Her Majesty The Queen, for her dedicated service to our country during her long reign. The Queen was exemplary in her work for our people and society, and we know that the advertising industry will be sensitive to the mood of the nation during this period of mourning.”
WPP
"On behalf of all WPP people and companies we extend our sincere condolences to the family of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"Through decades of profound change, Her Majesty has been a constant in all our lives.
"Her extraordinary life of tireless service is a source of inspiration and pride to countless millions and her loss will be felt around the world."
BBH
"BBH is deeply saddened by the great loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
"From World War II through to lockdown under Covid, hers was a life of service. She led by example and, in so doing, she was an inspiration to millions around the world.
"As a global agency that was born in Great Britain, we proudly won the Queen's Award for Export in the 1990s and it was a further source of pride when Sir Nigel Bogle and Sir John Hegarty were given their knighthoods by Her Majesty for services to advertising.
"Long live the King."
Sir Martin Sorrell
"A very, very sad day for so many of us, not just in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, but all around the World. We will all mourn her passing. The Queen was a constant in my life and my family’s life from my first memory. I can remember watching her Coronation on our flickering black and white TV aged 8 in 1953. Our thoughts and prayers are with King Charles III and the Royal Family. G-d save the King."
dentsu UK
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
"We are thankful for her 70 years of service and extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family."
