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Condolences to Queen
Her Excellency Rena Lalgie
Bermuda Governor
As a British woman, very much a child of the Commonwealth, The Queen’s devotion to service, her resilience and the example she set as a female leader continues to be an inspiration to me.
The Queen’s commitment to her people, within the United Kingdom, the Overseas Territories and the Commonwealth, was declared on her 21st birthday when she dedicated her life to service with the words “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service”.
Throughout her 70 years on the throne, The Queen’s dedication to service was steadfast and made a real difference in the day-to-day lives of people around the world. The imprint of The Queen’s selfless service is exemplified by her patronage of over 600 charities, military associations, and public organisations.
Queen Elizabeth II was a much loved and respected figure in Bermuda and will be remembered fondly.”
Justin Trudeau
Canadian Prime Minister
“For most Canadians, we have known no other Sovereign. Queen Elizabeth II was a constant presence in our lives. Time and again, Her Majesty marked Canada’s modern history. Over the course of 70 years and twenty-three Royal Tours, Queen Elizabeth II saw this country from coast to coast to coast and was there for our major, historical milestones.
“She would proclaim ‘it was good to be home’ when returning to her beloved Canada. She was indeed at home here, and Canadians never ceased to return her affection.
“Her Majesty vowed to devote her life to the service of the Commonwealth and its people. On behalf of all Canadians, I thank Queen Elizabeth II for honouring this vow and for a lifetime of service.
“Her Majesty’s reign spanned so many decades – a period when we came into our own as a confident, diverse, and forward-looking country. It is her wisdom, compassion, and warmth that we will always remember and cherish.
Jacinda Ardern
New Zealand Prime Minister
“I know that I speak for people across New Zealand in offering our deepest sympathy to members of the Royal
“The Queen was a much loved and admired monarch, whose record reign of 70 years is an absolute testament to her, and her commitment to us all. She was extraordinary.
“People throughout the world will be feeling an acute sense of loss at this time and New Zealanders most certainly share that grief. The Queen was a much respected constant through unprecedented global change.”
The Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions
The Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions joins all those we serve in mourning the death of
Throughout seven decades, Her Majesty was a symbol of unity and strength at the heart of the Commonwealth. The Queen led in times of great change when the guarantee of our universal human rights was precarious and protections hard won.
The National Human Rights Institutions of the Commonwealth remember Her Majesty and a life of public service advocacy for the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family. This is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. The loss of Her Majesty will be deeply felt. Our thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty King Charles III and members of the Royal family in this sorrowful time.
Paul Kagame
President of Rwanda, Chairman of Commonwealth
“In this moment of sorrow at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we recall her 70 years of stewardship of the Commonwealth of Nations.
The modern Commonwealth is her legacy. I extend my deepest condolences to His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen Consort, and the entire Royal Family, as well as the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.”
Anthony Albanese
Australian Prime Minister
“Queen Elizabeth II is the only reigning monarch most of us have known, and the only one to ever visit Australia.
Her Majesty was a rare and reassuring constant amidst rapid change. Through the noise and turbulence of the years, she embodies and exhibited a timeless decency and enduring calm.”
Fumio Kishida
Prime Minister of Japan
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida lauding how she “contributed significantly” to strengthening bilateral relations,
A statement from Emperor Naruhito conveyed by the Imperial Household Agency exalted the queen’s life of service, saying, “I express my heartfelt sorrow and deep sadness. From my heart, I declare my gratitude and esteem for her many achievements and contributions.”
Kishida said the queen “contributed significantly to the strengthening of Japan-United Kingdom relations in particular.” He said her passing “is a great loss not only to the people of the United Kingdom but also to the international community.”
Photo Credit: Photo of the Sydney Opera House in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II taken by Muhammad FAROOQ / AFP