Tributes Paid To Queen Elizabeth II
[Updated] “A life of undimmed duty, a model of strength and devotion to country,” said Premier David Burt today following news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at the age of 96.
“Queen Elizabeth’s reign has spanned decades of such immense change for the United Kingdom and the world. The recognition of her longevity and the significance of her service affords this consequential reign a unique place in history.
“Beyond the role which the Queen fulfilled for these 70 years within the UK and the Commonwealth, she was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and her family is now mourning that loss.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I express sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom.”
Flags on Government buildings will be lowered to half mast.
HM the Queen and HRH the Prince Philip depart Bermuda in November 2009
Update: Governor Rena Lalgie said “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Queen. I offer my sincere condolences to His Majesty The King and the Royal Family at this difficult time. The loss will be deeply felt throughout Bermuda, the Commonwealth and around the world.
“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.”
Update: Mayor of Hamilton Charles Gosling said, “Today I was saddened to learn, along with the rest of the world, of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our beloved Monarch.
“Only three months ago, the City celebrated the Queen’s platinum jubilee with a ceremonial tree planting in Queen Elizabeth Park, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth. On February 6th of this year Queen Elizabeth II became the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, ruling longer than any other Monarch in British history.
“Bermuda was Her Majesty’s first stop on her inaugural commonwealth tour in 1953. She subsequently returned to Bermuda five more times – in 1975, 1976, 1983, 1994 and 2009 for Bermuda’s 400th anniversary celebrations and spoke fondly of her time here.
“Her Majesty’s special connection to Bermuda will remain in our memories, as part of her local legacy to the people of Bermuda.
“Queen Elizabeth II transitioned a post-WWII Britain through a period of tremendous change which was done judiciously in her Constitutional role, firstly recognizing the existential changes in the world’s politics post-war, then respecting emerging nations’ self-determination and the rights of their newly independent citizens. I believe that this is why she has been so loved and respected around the world.
“Next week the City will place a special commemorative book in the reception area at City Hall for the entirety of the month should members of the public wish to leave a message to mark her exceptional reign. We invite you all to do so.”
Update: Opposition Leader Cole Simons said, “On behalf of the entire One Bermuda Alliance, we send our thoughts and prayers to His Majesty, King Charles III, and the rest of the royal family, on the passing of her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, who died earlier today.
“Throughout her 70-year reign, the world witnessed her iconic calm, strength, and her ability to adjust to the changes in society, even in the most challenging times. By maintaining the principles of freedom, justice, and democracy, she earned the respect of thousands of people from all walks of life, from the common person to Presidents, Kings, and Queens around the world. Indeed, she set the standard for global leadership.
“On a personal note, I had the pleasure of meeting the Queen on two occasions. Once in London at the Commonwealth Secretariat and then here in Bermuda. In London, we shared our thoughts about our common passion for the equestrian sport and the diversity of the Commonwealth.
“We applaud her dedication to the Commonwealth and the British Overseas Territories by respecting their individual sovereignty. She will be epitomized as a woman of grace, humility, and dignity.
“We extend our prayers and best wishes to the His Majesty, King Charles III, the Queen Consort, and the entire the royal family and the rest of Great Britain.”
Update: Former Premier of Bermuda Dr. Ewart Brown said, “During my premiership, Wanda and I had the honour of hosting Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip when they visited Bermuda in November 2009. We recognized then, and we do so now, that irrespective of anyone’s political persuasion or beliefs, the Queen is someone to salute for 70 years of exemplary, steadfast, and tireless public service.
“What a stateswoman! To die at 96–only two days after attending to her duty to receive and give assent to the new British Prime Minister—what an amazing feat to serve for so very long and remain committed until virtually her dying day! Our prayers are with the Queen’s family, the people of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and throughout the world. We have lost one of the most extraordinary figures in history.”
