The advertising and marketing industry has paid its own tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who died yesterday aged 96, with senior figures, industry bodies, and brand advertisers joining millions around the world in mourning her passing.
IPA director general Paul Bainsfair said: “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.”
Advertising Association chief executive Stephen Woodford added: “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.”
Meanwhile, ISBA – the body which represents client marketers – has issued its own statement in reaction to the news. It said: “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.”
DMA managing director Rachel Aldighieri commented: “The DMA is greatly saddened by the loss of her Majesty the Queen. We thank her for her inspirational leadership, her work for our society and her service and dedication to the people of the UK and Commonwealth. Our thoughts are with the Royal family at this time of deep sorrow.”
Marketing groups have also shared their thoughts. WPP said: “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.”
Dentsu added: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. We are thankful for her 70 years of service and extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family.”
Elsewhere, the CWU, which represents Royal Mail postal workers, said it had chosen to cancel immediate strike action. CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: “Following the very sad news of the passing of the Queen, and out of respect for her service to the country and her family, the union has decided to call off tomorrow’s planned strike action.”
Commercial TV and radio stations have also confirmed they will be suspending all advertising as they dedicate their schedules to rolling news coverage commemorating the Queen’s 70-year reign.
ITV has said there will be no commercial breaks on its main TV channel until at least the end of today (Friday), Channel 4 has confirmed that all advertising and sponsorship has been temporarily suspended, while radio group Bauer Media has also said all commercial messaging will be suspended.
Social platforms are also restricting advertising, with Twitter understood to be turning off ads in the UK for 48 hours.
Meanwhile, out-of-home networks will be suspending activity. In a statement, Clear Channel said: “As a sign of respect for the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, all Clear Channel UK digital displays will be blacked out until 6am on Saturday.”
JCDecaux has also confirmed it will not run any new advertising and will pause all commercial advertising on its digital screens for at least 24 hours. All of its digital screens will instead show a tribute to the Queen.
