After reigning for 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II has passed away aged 96. The UK’s longest-serving monarch was at Balmoral when she passed, surrounded by her family. Preparations for her funeral are underway, which will be held at Westminster Abbey after 10 days of mourning with processions also in London and Windsor.
The former Prince of Wales and her eldest son, Charles, is now the King and head of state for the Commonwealth Realms. He will remain at Balmoral this evening and return to London tomorrow with the Queen Consort.
PasifikaTV will be taking live, continuous coverage of TV1 following along today’s events until 11:59PM NZST 09/09/22. Updates will be posted online as they break.
Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited is saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and offer our sincerest condolences to the Royal Family during this time of mourning. She will be remembered as an influential monarch who forged strong partnerships and overcame many challenges during her reign of seven decades. May she rest in peace.
Leaders and dignitaries from all over the world have relayed their condolences for the passing of Queen Elizabeth and thousands of people are gathering outside Buckingham palace in mourning.
Fiji
Fiji PM Bainimarama has tweeted this morning: “Fijian hearts are heavy this morning as we bid farewell to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We will always treasure the joy of her 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.”
Fijian hearts are heavy this morning as we bid farewell to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We will always treasure the joy of her 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. pic.twitter.com/SpSHLFfx7B
— Frank Bainimarama (@JVBainimaramafj) September 8, 2022
Niue
The Government of Niue’s Premier, Hon. Dalton Tagelagi, on behalf of the people of Niue, expressed his deepest sadness on “The passing of a most extraordinary woman who reigned for over 70 years. Her faithfulness to her duties and dedication to her people was the reflection of a most remarkable leader.”
Tuvalu
The Ministry of Justice, Communication, and Foreign Affairs of Tuvalu posted a memorial on Facebook. “The Ministry mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Through 70 years of dedicated service, the Queen provided stability in a consistently changing world, and deepest condolences are extended to the family and loved ones of the Queen in this time of loss.
Tonga
Tongan Princess Frederica Tuita offered a prayer and her condolences on Queen Elizabeth’s passing:
Fakatauange ke tōtōfā ’a e ‘Afiona ‘i he nonga ‘a ‘etau Tamai ‘i Hevani
Ko hono foaki eni ‘e he Ta’ahine Kuini Elisapesi II ‘a e CBE kia Paloni Tuita (Laufilitonga) pea Naite aipe Tama Tu’i Faleua Pilinisi Fatafehi Tuipelehake e he Taahine Kuini o Pilitania
Imisi mahuinga mo fakaofoofa
We join millions of people in sadness after hearing the news of Her Majesty’s passing. She was loved and respected by our family.
We have so many cherished memories including this one of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with our late grandfather Baron Laufilitonga Tuita. Further right is His late Highness Prince Tu’ipelehake and behind Her Majesty is Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Queen Elizabeth II meeting with Baron Laufilitonga Tuita and His late Highness Prince Tu’ipelehake.
Photo supplied
Also, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, Acting Prime Minister Hon Samiu Vaipulu, and Foreign Minister Hon Fekita Utoikamanu visited the shared premises of the British and New Zealand High Commissions in Nuku’alofa to pay their respects and sign the condolences book.
Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala at High Commission in Nuku’alofa with High Commissioners Lucy Joyce and Matthew Howell.
Solomon Islands
MP Peter Kenilorea Jr has posted a photograph online of his father, Sir Peter Kenilorea Snr, being knighted by the Queen.
“It was an honour to witness her knighting my late father in 1982. I was ten and my sister and I were honoured to witness this solemn ceremony at Government House. It was a privilege to meet her.”
Sir Peter Kenilorea Senior being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II
