By Rajnish Singh
New Delhi: India on Friday declared one-day mourning on September 11 on the passing away of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Elizabeth II, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, passed away on Thursday.
“As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the Government of India has decided that there will be one day of State Mourning on September 11th throughout India,” reads a statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
On the day of Mourning, the statement mentions that the National Flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India on all buildings where the National Flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on the day.
Queen Elizabeth II breathed her last in Scotland. Condolences poured in from around the world following the demise of the 96-year-old monarch.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered her as a “stalwart of our times”, saying she “provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people” and “personified dignity and decency in public life”.
The Queen was not keeping well of late and was under medical supervision as doctors were “concerned for Her Majesty’s health”.
Buckingham palace announced she died at Balmoral Castle where members of the royal family had rushed to her side after her health took a turn for the worse.
The Queen had been suffering from what Buckingham Palace called “episodic mobility problems” since the end of last year. After her coffin is brought back to London, the Queen will lie in state in Westminster Hall for about four days before her funeral.
Several leaders globally expressed grief over the passing away of the Queen, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister recalled his memorable meetings with the Queen during his UK visits in 2015 and 2018. “I will never forget her warmth and kindness. During one of the meetings, she showed me the handkerchief Mahatma Gandhi gifted her on her wedding. I will always cherish that gesture,” PM Modi tweeted.
The Prime Minister said Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered as a stalwart of our times.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday expressed grief over the passing away of Queen Elizabeth II, saying she guided the United Kingdom into contemporary times.
“On the passing away of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, express my deepest condolences to her family and people of the United Kingdom. She guided her nation into contemporary times and will be remembered for her warmth and compassion,” Jaishankar tweeted. Elizabeth II died at Balmoral castle aged 96, the royal family said in a statement on Thursday. The UK’s longest-reigning monarch was placed under medical supervision earlier on Thursday after her condition deteriorated.
Her eldest son, Charles III, will officially become the King on Friday.
The Union Jack flag at the British High Commission in New Delhi was flown at half-mast on Friday following the demise of Queen Elizabeth II.
“Her Majesty lived a life of service, of constancy which inspired and continues to inspire deep respect and affection. On this sad day I remember what She gave to my country and to so many people around the world,” British High Commissioner to Alex Ellis tweeted.
The UK lawmakers are expected to swear an oath of loyalty to King Charles III on Saturday, UK newspaper The Independent reported, citing the UK House of Commons authorities. (ANI)