President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed have travelled to the United Kingdom (UK) on an official visit to convey their condolences and sympathies in person to King Charles III and the family of the late Queen Elizabeth II who passed away on September 8 at the age of 96.
will attend the state funeral during the visit and convey their last respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II will take place on September 19 at Westminster Abbey in the Houses of Parliament, where she will lie in state in the capital. State dignitaries from numerous countries will be attending the funeral.
President Solih sent condolences to King Charles III following the demise of the British monarch at the age of 96. The president noted the glorious reign of 70 long years of Queen Elizabeth II has seen a life full of giving to her duty, her people, and her commitment to making a difference in the world. He also said Queen Elizabeth II was a beacon of strength and unity for the Commonwealth. He added that Maldivians fondly remember her visit to the country in 1972 and the Maldives mourns and commemorates her extraordinary life of service to Great Britain and the Commonwealth, as a stabilising force toward peace and progress.
The Maldives observed three days of mourning with the national flag flown at half-mast. President Solih and First Lady are scheduled to conclude the visit to the UK and return to the Maldives on September 22.