President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Thursday declared the national flag to be flown at half-mast in mourning following the passing away of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch and head of the Commonwealth.
Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years. She died peacefully on Thursday afternoon at her Scottish estate, where she had spent much of the summer.
The Maldives would observe a three-day mourning with the national flag flown at half-mast from September 9-12, 2022. Queen Elizabeth II is a recipient of the Maldives’ highest honour, the Grand Order of the Distinguished Rule of Ghaazee.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has sent a message of condolence to the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland His Majesty King Charles III, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch.
“I am deeply grieved to hear of the passing of your beloved mother, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The people of the Maldives join the rest of the Commonwealth in mourning this unfathomable loss.
Her Majesty’s glorious reign of 70 long years has seen a life full of giving – to her duty, her people, and her commitment to making a difference in the world. Her Majesty has also been a beacon of strength and unity for the Commonwealth.
We believe that the stories of Her Majesty’s perseverance and sense of duty will live on to inspire generations to come. As a nation, Maldivians fondly remember Her Majesty’s visit to the Maldives on 13 March 1972.
We mourn and commemorate Her Majesty’s extraordinary life of continued service to the Great Britain and the Commonwealth, as a stabilizing force towards peace and progress. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.”
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.
Her son King Charles III said the death of his beloved mother was a “moment of great sadness” for him and his family and that her loss would be “deeply felt” around the world.
[Source: President’s Office]
