Print mourns as presses roll in tribute

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The UK print industry has joined the nation in mourning the Queen’s passing while newspaper and magazine printers step up as publishers honour Her Majesty’s storied life.

Newspaper publishers' well laid plans to commemorate the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II were greenlit as soon as the speculation of the Queen’s passing was confirmed at 6.30pm yesterday (Thursday, 8 September).

The vast majority of the national dallies produced commemorative pull-outs, the notable exception being The Daily Mail, which largely dedicated the entire issue to the Queen, who died aged 96.

As well as adding their condolences on the Queen’s passing, leading magazine and supplement printers detailed the impact on the sector in the coming days and weeks.

Richard Gray, managing director of Prinovis UK, which prints for News UK and a number of other large publishers, said: “Obviously there’s been an uplift in print orders, particularly for next week. Our clients are all very different in how they’re going to cover it.”

“It’s a privilege for Prinovis to be producing supplements that will celebrate the wonderful life of our Queen.”

Alex Evans, non-executive director of magazine specialist PCP, met the “absolutely radiant” Queen and Prince Philip at a newspaper industry event with other Claverley Group directors a few years ago.

He said: “The Queen represented everything that was good about Britain. Just think about the amount of plates, paper and ink that will be required over the next couple of weeks for special supplements and magazines. It will be immense. People will want that tangible, printed memory of her extraordinary life.”

BPIF chief executive Charles Jarrold led the sector's broader response to the news of Her Majesty’s death.

“I think we’ve been fortunate to have such a fantastic head of state over such a long period of time, and I think that is absolutely exemplified by the fact that just a few days ago she was shaking hands with our incoming Prime Minister and still fulfilling her duties, which just demonstrates her incredible dedication to the good of the nation," he said.

“She has been an extraordinary head of state in every respect – our condolences to the Royal Family.”

The Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA) shared a famous quote from The Queen’s first televised Christmas Message in 1957, where she promised her heart and devotion to her people, as part of its tribute on LinkedIn.

It offered its condolences to the Royal Family with: “Her kindness, resilience, humility, good humour and strength set an example of leadership and excellence. Rest in peace your Majesty.”

The Stationers’ Company said it was “deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and sends our condolences to Honorary Liveryman King Charles III and all the members of the Royal Family".

The livery company said it had been privileged to welcome the Queen to Stationers’ Hall on several occasions, adding that she took especial interest in the launch of the Queen’s Royal Bindery Apprenticeship Scheme in 2016.

“We mourn together with our printing community and remember the personal sacrifices she made when she gave her life in service to our great country.”

Her Majesty with the then Master Helen Esmonde and the former Clerk, William Alden MBE DL at the Apprenticeship Scheme’s launch

A number of UK print firms hold Royal Warrants for Her Majesty, including Barnard & Westwood, Blissetts, Hobs Repro, Impress Print Services, Langstane Press, Leighton Printing Company, Service Graphics, Stephen Austin & Sons, Signs Express Aberdeen and The Wren Press.

The Wren Press has held a Royal Warrant to the Queen since 2002. It also holds a warrant for the Prince of Wales, now King Charles III.

"We have treasured our close relationship with Buckingham Palace and the opportunity to serve the Monarch to the best of our ability," said Wren Press owner Elgin Loane, who has been the warrants’ grantee since 2010.

Overnight the business supplied mourning stationery to The Royal Household and has staff at Buckingham Palace today ensuring signage is under appropriate display for the mourning period.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and all the staff at The Wren Press express their sincerest condolences to The Royal Family. God save the King," Loane stated.

Both the Royal Mail and The Bank of England, who use The Queen’s image on their most famous products, added their condolences to the Royal Family and the nation.

Both organisations said that there would be no announcements on using the King’s image on future stamps, banknotes and coins until after the period of mourning and consultation with Buckingham Palace. Seperately, the CWU has called off today’s planned Royal Mail strike action, following the death of the Queen.

The entire Printweek team would like to pass on its condolences to the Royal Family and is proud to be part of an industry that is playing a pivotal role in celebrating Her Majesty’s life.

Some of the special pull-outs produced to celebrate the Queen's life