Two minutes silence observed at Worcester Crown Court for The Queen

Cases were halted as everyone assembled in Courtroom 1 of Worcester Crown Crown as a mark of respect to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II at 10.15am on Friday morning, (September 9).

Worcester's most senior judge, His Honour Judge James Burbidge KC - leading barristers and judges using the King's Counsel (KC) rather than The Queen’s Counsel initials - welcomed everyone and said: "We know why we are all gathered here.

MEMORIES: The Queen has passed away aged 96. Picture: PA (Image: PA)

"We will observe a two minutes silence". 

A tannoy announcement was made before around 40 people including Judge Martin Jackson and His Honour Judge Nicholas Cartwright - packed into the courtroom using the jury and press boxes - stood in silence for two minutes. 

READ MORE: How the national anthem will change as Queen passes away aged 96

READ MORE: Full list of closures and cancellations as Queen's death sparks national mourning

Although not the key figure in the enforcement of law that the Sovereign once was, during her reign The Queen retained an important symbolic role as the figure in whose name justice is carried out.

Until her death, criminal prosecutions in the UK were brought in the name of The Queen, with official documents putting defendants against “The Queen” or “Regina”.

A change to “The King” or “Rex” is expected, but has not yet been made.

Worcester Shire Hall, which has a statue of Queen Elizabeth II's great-great-grandmother outside, enjoyed a visit from the then Princess Elizabeth on June 9, 1951, just eight months before she acceded to the throne following the death of King George VI.

Her visit to Worcester Shire Hall took place during celebrations associated with the bi-centenary of the Royal Worcester Porcelain Factory.