​Prime Minister Gaston Browne has sent condolences to the Royal family, the British Government, and the people of the United Kingdom, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the Head of State of Antigua and Barbuda.

In a statement to the press moments after her passing, Browne said the Queen reigned for seven decades, winning the respect and high regard from every corner of the world.

He says her leadership of the Commonwealth of Nations has been superb, joining the hands of the English-speaking states across continents and regions.

“Her Majesty’s life personified the simplest of qualities – tolerance and decency. Her ability to inspire and unite has been one of the many remarkable features of her life which we all admire,” he said.

Before being accorded the role of Head of the State of Antigua and Barbuda, beginning 1st November 1981, the prime minister said her Majesty was shown great affection by the people of our country on her visits, and whenever represented by members of the Royal Family.

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has had an impactful reign, during which her relations with my State and its people have remained mutually respectful and unchanging. All flags throughout the State will be flown at half-mast up until the day of Her Majesty’s burial. God save the King,” he said.

Meanwhile, Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams said they are deeply saddened by the news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away
“We join with citizens of the United Kingdom and wider Commonwealth in celebrating the life and times of the longest serving monarch and Head of the Commonwealth who reigned with dignity, loyalty, and grace,” Sir Rodney said.

He recalled the cordial and engaging meetings they had with Her as she reflected on her visits to Antigua and Barbuda as well as matters affecting the people of Antigua and Barbuda in whom she had a genuine interest.

“As we share with those who grieve today, Lady Williams and I extend sincerest condolences to the heir to the throne and the Head of the Commonwealth, King Charles III, and the other members of the Royal Family and pray that the wonderful memories of a beloved monarch and royal family member will be of comfort at this time,” Sir Rodney said.

In recognition of the life of distinguished service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Governor General’s flag will be flown at half-mast during the official period of mourning.
Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II has been remembered as a pillar of strength and an inspirational stateswoman by leaders of the Caribbean.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said the people of Dominica are saddened at the news of Her Majesty’s death.
He said his prayers are with the Royal Family during this period of grief and her passing ends an iconic 70-year reign and is a profound loss for the Commonwealth of Nations and the world. May she rest in peace.
Premier David Burt of Bermuda was the first leader of the Caribbean colonies to send his condolences to Queen Elizabeth II.
He says she lived a life of undimmed duty, a served as a model of strength and devotion to her country.
President Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali also sent his condolences to the Royal Family and people of the UK saying Guyanese people will always remember Her Majesty’s visits to the country.
St Lucian Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet said for the last 70 years, Queen Elizabeth reigned with honor and distinction.
The United Nations has also added its voice, with the Secretary-General saying that he is deeply saddened at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“I extend my sincere condolences to her bereaved family, the Government and people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the wider Commonwealth of Nations. As the United Kingdom’s longest-lived and longest-reigning Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II was widely admired for her grace, dignity, and dedication around the world. She was a reassuring presence throughout decades of sweeping change, including the decolonization of Africa and Asia and the evolution of the Commonwealth,” Antonio Guterres said

He said Queen Elizabeth II was a good friend of the United Nations, and visited our New York Headquarters twice, more than fifty years apart.

“She was deeply committed to many charitable and environmental causes and spoke movingly to delegates at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow. I would like to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II for her unwavering, lifelong dedication to serving her people. The world will long remember her devotion and leadership,” he added