Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, has died aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.
Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama says Fijian hearts are heavy this morning as we bid farewell to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
David Beckham and Tyson Fury paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her state funeral.
Former England football captain Beckham remembered Her Majesty as a unique, inspirational and caring leader.
Heavyweight boxing champion Fury says may she rest in heaven for eternity.
Sport came to a standstill once more on Monday as a mark of respect for the UK's longest-serving monarch, with sporting personalities and organisations sharing condolences.
Beckham, who queued for 13 hours to see the Queen lying in state in Westminster Hall.
He wrote on Instagram, "Our Queen is home. Today we said a final farewell to Her Majesty The Queen.
He says this week the world has mourned the loss of a unique, inspirational and caring leader.
He also says her legacy of service and devotion to duty will endure. Long live the King.
[Source: BBC]
Not one speck of lint on a jacket was to be seen.
For the grandest, most gorgeous of occasions the dress code was resplendent solemnity, in pearls and pillbox hats, high heels and sharp tailoring.
For the royal family this was, as the archbishop of Canterbury noted, a portrait of grief under the brightest spotlight.
The Queen Consort, the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex found a little privacy under wide-brimmed hats, or veils, or both. And while Britain was looking at the royal family, the rest of the world was looking at Britain.
The frilled white collars of the clergy and the rich scarlet and gold military uniforms contrasted with the simplicity of the black-clad mourners, a reminder that the death of the Queen has put not just the current Windsors but the whole notion of Britishness under the spotlight.
It has been a busy 10 days for milliner Stephen Jones, who following the death of the Queen turned his central London store over to selling black hats only in anticipation of funeral orders.
“Everyone wanted to be appropriately dressed, not fashionably dressed,” said Jones. “Hats were a symbol of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, because she herself always wore them.” The most popular styles have been discreet black hats, in neutral textures.
The arcane rules which decreed that as a non-working royal Prince Harry could not wear military uniform, despite having seen more active service than most of the family, are the kind of thing that makes the monarchy look petty and nonsensical in the eyes of its critics.
But Harry defused the tension, issuing an advance statement that he would be in a regular suit, and on the day it was Princess Anne, trim in her smart white hat and starched gloves, who looked the most dapper in military regalia.
At Britain’s last state funeral, that of Winston Churchill in 1965, mourners came in top hats and mink coats, while Lady Churchill was dramatically submerged beneath yards of black lace.
Modernity has done for the full-length veil, with a “birdcage” length which covers the top half of the face preferred this time by Kate and Camilla. Other modern touches included Carrie Johnson’s nod to sustainability in a rented Karen Millen coat dress.
Kate and Meghan were dressed in almost mirror-image harmony, a quiet riposte – or at least, no comment – to salacious interest in the fissure between the Sussexes and the new Waleses.
Both women wore saucer shaped hats – Kate’s softened with a small veil, Meghan’s with a wave in the brim.
Both chose clean-lined, unfussy tailoring by female British designers, with Meghan in Stella McCartney and Kate rewearing a favourite Alexander McQueen coat dress.
Only Kate’s showstopper four-row pearl choker and matching bracelet from the late Queen’s collection, which rather overshadowed Meghan’s simple pearl drop earrings, hinted at the discrepancy between their positions.
Outside the circle of close mourners there were touches of individual glamour.
Jacinda Ardern wore a kākahu, a traditional Māori cloak made from feathers, which is a symbol of ritual and prestige in New Zealand.
[Source: theguardian.com.uk]
Britain and the world said a final goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II at a state funeral last night that drew presidents and kings, princes and prime ministers — and crowds who massed along the streets of London to honour a monarch whose 70-year reign defined an age.
The ABC reports that in a country known for pomp and pageantry, the first state funeral since Winston Churchill's was filled with spectacle.
Queen Elizabeth has been laid to rest alongside Prince Philip at the King George VI memorial chapel.
Huge crowds showed up on the streets of London and at Windsor Castle to witness the moving, grand procession and ceremonies.
About 2,000 people who attended the service, with about 500 presidents, prime ministers, foreign royal family members and dignitaries.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Fiji’s High Commissioner to the UK, Jitoko Tikolevu attended the funeral service on behalf of the people of Fiji.
In a private family service, the coffins of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were moved from the vault to be buried together in the same chapel where her father, King George VI, mother, and sister, Princess Margaret, also rest.
[Source: ABC]
The King and other royals walked behind the Queen’s hearse as she was taken to St George’s Chapel for a committal service attended by 800 people.
During the committal service, the crown jewels were taken from it, and a ceremonial wand of office broken and put in their place.
Queen Elizabeth's coffin was lowered into the royal vault in St George's Chapel, in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
The Royal Family will return to the chapel for a private event that will see Elizabeth interred alongside her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.
A period of royal mourning continues for another week until the end of next Monday.
Earlier in the day, it started with the conclusion of the Queen’s lying-in-state period, and the procession of her coffin to Westminster Abbey.
A funeral service was attended by around 2,000 people including many heads of state from around the world.
A larger procession then marched the coffin of Elizabeth II to Wellington Arch, a landmark with triumphal significance in British history.
The late sovereign was then placed in a hearse and driven to Windsor.
Source: BBC
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is in London and will be attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II today at the invitation of Buckingham Palace.
Bainimarama tweeted that he had an emotional arrival in London.
He joined mourners at Westminster Hall to honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II lying-in-state.
He also witnessed the changing of the guard, also known as catafalque party, saying that it was a show of duty, discipline, and affection that he will never forget.
Meanwhile, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere will also host a live-broadcast Commemoration Service at 10am tomorrow at the State House.
King Charles III while speaking to some people at Lambeth Bridge in London recognized a Fijian amongst the thousands queueing to see the late Queen Elizabeth II lying-in-state at the Westminster Hall.
As the King was making his way down the line shaking hands and thanking people he stopped and asked a man if he is from Fiji to which the man smiled widely and nodded his head.
King Charles is then seen having a short conversation with the man.
Another video has been making the rounds on social media showing a Fijian with his two children doing the ‘va-cobocobo’ in front of the Queen’s coffin at the Westminster Hall .
He sat down in front of the Queen’s coffin and clapped his hands three times as a sign of respect.
Fijian, Peni Vuiyale who is a member of the Royal Regiment of Scotland was one of the pallbearers during the Queen’s funeral procession last week.
The Queen’s funeral is at 10pm tomorrow.
Source: The Royal Family Channel
Prince William, Prince Harry and Queen Elizabeth II’s other grandchildren held a vigil at her lying-in-state, as the royal family prepares to bid farewell to the late monarch at her state funeral.
The brothers stood watch for 15 minutes over the Queen’s coffin in Westminster Hall, where it has been displayed to the public since Wednesday.
They were joined by Princess Anne’s children Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, Prince Andrew’s daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and Lady Louise and Viscount Severn, who are the children of Prince Edward.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex were present to support their children as Louise and James are comparatively younger than their cousins.
Harry wore military uniform during the appearance at the request of King Charles III.
As a non-working member of the royal family, he has appeared at other events in a morning suit.
Source: CNN
Mourners in London have been braving a chilly night and waiting times of at least 24 hours to pay their last respects to Queen Elizabeth II.
Officials say the queue, nearly five miles long, is at near total capacity.
They appeal for people to stop joining the line for now.
King Charles III and his three siblings – Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward held a vigil by the coffin in Westminster Hall earlier.
It's been confirmed that, at the King’s request, both Princes William and Harry will be in uniform when they take part in a vigil beside the Queen's coffin tomorrow evening.
Source: BBC
English football legend David Beckham joined the throngs of mourners, some famous, who came out to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II and to view the monarch as she lies at the Westminster Hall.
Beckham says the communal experience where they celebrate the amazing life of the Queen is meant to be shared together.
Former Prime Minister Theresa May was also spotted curtseying to the Queen’s coffin.
Queen Elizabeth will lie in state at Westminster Hall until her funeral on Tuesday.
The queue to visit her is more than five miles and 14 hours long.
It’s expected that 75,000 people will come to pay their respects to her.
King Charles III will lead a vigil over his mother’s coffin today.
Source: Forbes
It was an honour to serve her in her Diplomatic Service for 36 years and nothing makes a British diplomat prouder than to serve their Diplomat in Chief, the irreplaceable Queen Elizabeth II.
This was stated by the Acting British High Commissioner to Fiji, Paul Welsh who says her Majesty was the embodiment of grace, charm and dignity.
While speaking during the Queen’s remembrance service at the Anglican Cathedral in Suva, Welsh says her Majesty once famously said grief is the price we pay for love.
Welsh says her Majesty visited Fiji on six occasions, the first being on her Coronation Tour in 1953 and her final visit being in 1982.
He says her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne at the age of 25 in 1952.
Welsh also says for over 70 years she served the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth with devotion and dedication.
He also says her Majesty touched the hearts and lives of millions of people across the world and no words can fully describe the extent of the nation’s loss.
He says the Queen was a constant throughout our lives providing stable and dedicated leadership.
He adds she was a role model of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Welsh says he vividly remembers the celebrations and street parties in 1977 to mark Her Majesty’s Silver Jubilee.
He further says he thinks of her drinking a bilo of Kava during her coronation tour in 1953, receiving a bouquet of flowers from a young Adi Kainona in 1963 and arriving in Suva Harbour on the Royal Yacht Britannia during her Silver Jubilee Tour in 1977.
The Acting High Commissioner says the Queen always had a smile on her face when in Fiji as she enjoyed the warmth of Fijian hospitality and the smiley Bula spirit.
He says he has had conversations this week with Fijians who were fortunate enough to meet Her Majesty on several occasions.
The Acting High Commissioner adds they recounted to him how she always remembered the details of her trips to Fiji and always referred to Fijians that she knew on first name terms.
He says there have been many messages, cards and floral tributes including some very special and moving tributes by schoolchildren.
Welsh says as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, Her Majesty was inspired and strengthened by her faith, she relied on her faith to guide her through good times and bad.
He says they at the British High Commission have been touched by the warmth of the Fijians’ condolences.
President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and the First Lady, Speaker Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and his wife Adi Koila Nailatikau, Health Minister Minister Ifereimi Waqainabete, Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, former Prime Minister and People’s Alliance leader Sitiveni Rabuka were some of the people that were in attendance at the remembrance service.
A two-minute nationwide silence will be held shortly after the state funeral service for Queen Elizabeth II concludes on Monday.
The meticulously planned arrangements are set to be a fitting farewell to Britain's longest-reigning monarch, and will see King Charles III and members of the royal family walk behind the coffin once more as it is moved from the heart of the British parliamentary estate to Westminster Abbey for the hour-long service.
The Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk says it is aimed to unite people across the globe and resonate with people of all faiths, while fulfilling the Queen and her family's wishes to pay a fitting tribute to an extraordinary reign.
Heads of state, European royals, and dignitaries from around the world will descend on the English capital to join the royal family in honoring the Queen's life and unwavering service to the nation and Commonwealth next week.
Source: CNN
Former President, Jioji Konrote, signed the condolence book for the late Queen Elizabeth II at the British High Commission today.
Konrote met Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in 2016 during his visit to the United Kingdom and described it as a warm meeting.
The current President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, is among the others who signed the condolence book, which is open to the public at the British High Commission.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama will attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London on September 19th at the invitation of Buckingham Palace.
President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere will also host a live-broadcast Commemoration Service at 10am Tuesday, 20th September, at the State House.
Meanwhile British Deputy High Commissioner to Fiji, Paul Welsh says the High Commission has organised a remembrance service for Queen Elizabeth II in Suva tomorrow.
The service will be at the Anglican Cathedral at MacArthur Street at 9am.
The condolence book is open to the public at the British High Commission.
British Deputy High Commissioner to Fiji, Paul Welsh says there will be a remembrance service for Queen Elizabeth II in Suva on Friday.
The service will be at the Anglican Cathedral at MacArthur Street at 9am Friday.
Welsh says the commission has a condolence book which is open to the public.
Meanwhile President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, signed the condolence book for the late Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, at the British High Commission this morning. The President had earlier tweeted that Fiji was profoundly grieved by the news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
President Katonivere says this irreplaceable loss leaves in its wake the end of a dedicated life and dutiful sacrifice and the continuation of a legacy of grace that will inspire the people of all nations in perpetuity.
School students from Suva have set up a heart-touching tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II outside the British High Commission.
The students have placed drawings, cards and flowers on a beautiful piece of Masi which symbolizes esteem and respect.
British Deputy High Commissioner to Fiji, Paul Welsh says the commission has a condolence book which is open to the public.
When asked by Legend FM News on any confirmed plans with the Fijian government on a special tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, he says he is not sure about any plans the Fijian government may have.
Nothing has been revealed publicly by the Fijian goverment.
We have also asked the Prime Minister’s Office on the government’s plans and whether any Fijian representative will attend the late Queen’s funeral on September 19th.
The Queen's coffin has arrived at Buckingham Palace to cheers from the crowd.
Alongside King Charles III, the hearse is being received by Princes William and Harry and other members of the Royal Family.
A huge cheer went up as the Queen’s hearse passed those waiting beside the palace.
After a previously sombre atmosphere came a respectful celebration of the late Queen.
Applause and shouts of “rest in peace” also met the cortège as it proceeded towards the Mall and round the Victoria Monument.
The Queen will be laid to rest on Monday.
Source: BBC
The Queen's children carried out the traditional Vigil of the Princes around the coffin of their late mother in St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh.
The symbolic move sees four people position themselves at each side of the coffin to stand guard for a short time - today's event lasted 10 minutes.
King Charles III took up the role alongside his three siblings, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex.
About 20,000 people have been waiting in a mile-long queue for several hours to enter St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, where the Queen's coffin lies at rest.
Source: BBC
Peni Vuiyale, the Fijian member of the Royal Company of Archers who was part of the Royal pallbearers during the Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral procession says he saw his parents’ face when he was doing his duty as a pallbearer.
Vuiyale hails from Mualekaleka Village in Rewa, and is a member of the Royal Company of Archers, the Monarchs regiment in Edinburgh.
He says he was so happy that he had played a part in the Royal funeral procession and he was thinking of Fiji, his vanua and his family.
The Marama Bale “Na Roko Tui Dreketi” Ro Teimumu Kepa, on her Facebook account, acknowledged the young Fijian man for making Fiji proud.
She says the young Fijian lad may have not been fully aware of how Fiji cherished the late monarch but scenes of him performing gave closure to many Fijians watching back home.
Ro Teimumu says Fiji is proud and she is more than proud to see a Rewan doing duty to her sovereign Queen.
She hopes to see more Fijian men and women serving in The British Army participate in her grand farewell.
Queen Elizabeth II's cortege has arrived in Edinburgh following a six-hour journey from Balmoral.
A respectful silence fell as people waited for the procession to pass by before they burst into polite applause and cheers.
Crowds have also gathered to hear King Charles III proclaimed across the UK.
The Queen’s funeral will be on Monday 19 September.
[Source: BBC]
Australians will get a one-off public holiday on the national day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II later this month.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the ABC that September 22nd would be a holiday to coincide with a memorial service for the Queen.
Queen Elizabeth II will be laid to rest on 19th September.
Albanese and Governor-General David Hurley will travel to London for the Queen's funeral, with the memorial to be held upon their return.
[Source: ABC]
Sir Elton John paid tribute to the late Queen at his concert in Toronto.
He said she led the country through some of their greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency and a genuine caring warmth.
He encouraged the audience to celebrate her life through music.
The British singer was knighted by the late monarch in 1998 for his contributions to music.
[Source: BBC]
Fiji born British Army soldier, Sergeant Rusiate Bolavucu can still recall the iconic moment he met the late Queen Elizabeth II when she visited the Lake District in Cumbria on July 17th, 2013 and sat down to show the Fijian traditional sign of respect.
Well wishers cheering Queen Elizabeth II that day were startled when Sergeant Bolavucu suddenly sat down on the road.
Many thought he had collapsed with heat exhaustion during the royal tour of Kendal.
But Her Majesty knew exactly what was going on and did not bat an eyelid.
The monarch understood what the crowds did not and that it was a Fijian mark of respect for royalty.
Speaking from Scotland today, Sergeant Bolavucu, 42, who hails from Nausori says before the Queen arrived that day, he went and asked the Officer who was with him if can do what he did on that day.
His request was approved where he had also informed the rest of the soldiers what he was going to do, just so they do not think he had fainted.
Sergeant Bolavucu adds that he remembered Queen Elizabeth as his leader and Colonel in Chief when he was in the Army.
He believes that God taught us all a lesson that day about humility, a simple act that moved so many Fijians around the world.
He never knew that it would reach 5.6 million views on YouTube.
"Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived," King Charles III said, as he renewed his "darling Mama's" promise of lifelong service.
In an emotional first address to the nation, he praised her warmth, humour and ability to see the best in people.
Prince William and Catherine will become Prince and Princess of Wales, he said, as he expressed his love for his son Prince Harry and wife Meghan.
Across the UK and overseas, flowers have been laid, bells have tolled, and Gun Salutes have been fired in tribute to Her Majesty The Queen.https://t.co/bOd1a1Gu7T
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 9, 2022
Gun salutes have taken place in all four nations of the United Kingdom and on board Royal Navy ships at sea, to pay respects to The Queen after 70 years of service to the country. pic.twitter.com/Ddm5Oo96E5
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) September 9, 2022
The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral in Scotland yesterday.
The speech was broadcast as a service to remember the late Queen, attended by senior politicians and 2,000 members of the public, got under way at St Paul's Cathedral.
It saw the first official rendition of the national anthem - God Save the King - since Charles became monarch.
[Source: BBC]
Former Prime Minister and People’s Alliance Leader, Sitiveni Rabuka says the people of Fiji join the people of the United Kingdom and the international community of nations in mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Rabuka says Queen Elizabeth was looked upon with affection, love and respect by the people of Fiji, and many other countries especially those of Great Britain.
He says Her Majesty made six official visits to Fiji.
Rabuka says her rule continued and strengthened our nation’s historic link with the British Crown that started in 1874 when the chiefs of Fiji voluntarily ceded our islands to Queen Victoria.
The Former Prime Minister says a royal milestone was reached in 1970 when her son, a youthful Prince Charles, delivered the instruments of independence for Fiji at Albert Park to the then Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.
He says there would be numerous others when members of the Royal Family made visits to Fiji.
Rabuka says they were always received with warmth and care.
He says photographs of the Royal Family could be found in many a Fijian homes and the progress of the Royals, especially the younger members, were often the subject of discussion at the dinner table.
Rabuka says he met Queen Elizabeth on a number of occasions.
He says the last time was in 1997 at Windsor Castle when he formally and traditionally apologised to her for the military coup he conducted in 1987.
Rabuka says his apology was received with kindness and grace.
He also claims in the statement that in 1987, the Queen had accepted the advice of Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, her Governor General, that led to the declaration of Fiji as a republic.
According to historical accounts and as reported by the BBC, Rabuka had staged a second coup in 1987, proclaimed Fiji a republic and appointed Governor-General Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau President.
Fiji was then expelled from the Commonwealth.
Meanwhile Rabuka says he had personal meetings with the Queen in 1970 in Buckingham Palace when he was a member of the Fiji Rugby team; at the opening of the 1974 Commonwealth Games, in Christchurch when he was the flagbearer, and during the 1977 Royal Visit when he was Guard of Honour Commander.
He says in 1981, he was awarded an OBE (Military Division) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Rabuka says in war and peace, the Princess Royal, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, later to be Queen Elizabeth II, stood earnestly in graceful resolve, honour and dignity amidst the turmoil of human history.
He says we mourn her passing, yet we celebrate a life very well lived.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont has joined the rugby family in paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away today.
The longest-serving British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth was synonymous with some of the sport’s greatest events, presenting the Webb Ellis Cup to the victorious captains of the men’s teams at Rugby World Cup 1991 in England and Rugby World Cup 1999 in Wales.
World Rugby joins the people of the United Kingdom, The Commonwealth and all those around the globe in mourning the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) September 8, 2022
Her Majesty was also the first royal patron of the Rugby Football Union, taking the title in 1952, the year she came to the throne, and holding it for 64 years until 2016.
Leading the tributes from World Rugby, Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont says World Rugby joins the people of the United Kingdom, The Commonwealth and all those around the globe in mourning the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Source: World Rugby
The National Federation Party says they join the world in mourning, and offer their immense condolences to the royal family after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
The party says the respected House of Windsor and the royal family has had a long and lasting connection with Fiji, and indeed many of their party elders, met and engaged with members of the royal family whenever national celebrations occurred, to welcome them to Fiji.
They say Fiji owes Queen Elizabeth, our heartfelt respects for her warmth and attention to Fiji from the days of British colonial rule, to the negotiations of our founding fathers of Fiji at Marlborough House, right up until Fiji welcomed independence, with His Majesty King Charles III present in Fiji, to officially hand over our instruments of independence.
Helen Mirren is expressing her condolences after Queen Elizabeth II's death.
In a message on Instagram, Mirren — who won an Oscar for playing Queen Elizabeth in the 2006 film The Queen and again portrayed her onstage for the play The Audience on Broadway in 2015 — called the late monarch the "epitome of nobility."
Mirren was appointed a dame by Queen Elizabeth back in 2003.
The Queen, which told the story of Princess Diana's tragic death and the Queen's reaction to it, was written by Peter Morgan, who would go on to create Netflix's The Crown.
[Source: people.com]
As the Union flag was lowered to half-mast over Windsor Castle following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, a rainbow appeared.
Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and a rock of stability across much of a turbulent century died this morning after 70 years on the throne. She was 96.
Rainbow at Buckingham Palace. pic.twitter.com/qHNJMcj5UH
— Andy Lines (@andylines) September 8, 2022
With the death of the queen, her 73-year-old son Charles automatically becomes monarch, though the coronation might not take place for months. He will be called King Charles III.
Source : wvtm13
Former Prime Minister and Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry says the nation mourns with the people of Great Britain, the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, at the age of 96.
Chaudhry says the Queen was held in high esteem and with deep affection by our people as a beloved matriarch who for the last seven decades signified peace and continuity in the face of the traumatic changes we have undergone as a nation.
He further says he had the privilege of having lunch with the Queen seated right next to her and that momentous occasion came during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in South Africa in 1999 when he was Prime Minister and he was invited to lunch along with five other Pacific Island leaders.
Chaudhry adds all of them were relatively newly elected to office and rather nervous about the protocols to be observed but she immediately put them at ease by engaging in a conversation about their respective people and countries.
He also says the Queen will be mourned the world over for she was seen as a mother figure by most world leaders.
Chaudhry says they send their deepest condolences to the Royal family and the people of Great Britain.
SODELPA Leader Viliame Gavoka has paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II who passed away this morning.
In a statement, Gavoka says that Fiji shares historical ties with the United Kingdom and the Royal Family since we were ceded to Great Britain in 1874 by our chiefs.
The SODELPA Leader adds that following her succession, she became the first monarch to visit Fiji in 1953.
This afternoon, I signed the Condolence Book for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, offering our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom, for the loss of a beloved mother, grand-mother, great-grandmother & leader. pic.twitter.com/TosqSjOy9R
— Bill Gavoka (@BillGavoka) September 9, 2022
Gavoka says that the disaffiliation from the Monarch in 1987; changing our status from Dominion to Republic; was unpopular to many in our country who continued to regard Her Majesty as Queen of Fiji.
He further states that Her Majesty’s passing will not only be felt by the United Kingdom but the Commonwealth and the globe as she was a constant fixture of stability in our lives.
Gavoka says this also symbolises an end of an era, a bright and shining light that is no more.
World leaders and dignitaries have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who has died at the age of 96.
They have honoured her deep sense of duty and her resilience, as well as the Queen's sense of humour and kindness.
France's Emmanuel Macron lead the tributes, remembering "a kind-hearted queen" who was "a friend of France".
And former US President Barack Obama said the Queen had "captivated the world" with a "reign defined by grace, elegance, and a tireless work ethic".
Current US President Joe Biden described the Queen as "more than a monarch - she defined an era".
The US flag has also been lowered at the Whitehouse.
[Source: BBC]
Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, has died aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.
Her family gathered at her Scottish estate after concerns grew about her health.
The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.
With her death, her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King and head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said that the Queen died peacefully at Balmoral.
Her reign spanned 15 Prime Ministers starting with Winston Churchill, born in 1874, and including Liz Truss, born 101 years later in 1975, and appointed by the Queen earlier this week.
The new King will officially be known as King Charles III, it has been officially confirmed.
[Source: BBC]
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U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss spoke to the nation after the death of Queen Elizabeth.
The official notice read: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
Crowds had gathered close to Buckingham Palace shortly before her death was announced
Prince Harry arrived at Balmoral later to join other senior royals
Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama says Fijian hearts are heavy this morning as we bid farewell to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Bainimarama has tweeted that we will always treasure the joy of Queen Elizabeth II’s visits to Fiji along with every moment that her grace, courage, and wisdom were a comfort and inspiration to our people, even a world away.
Sport has paid tribute after Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, died aged 96.
Messages poured in from sporting governing bodies and personalities after her death was announced earlier this morning.
A minute's silence was held at Manchester United, Arsenal and West Ham's European matches.
And in horse racing, the sport most closely linked to Her Majesty, she was described as its "greatest supporter".
Other sports such as Rugby Union, Rugby League, Tennis, Cricket and Golf paid tribute to the late Queen.
Source: BBC
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