Africa-Press – Zambia. President Hakainde Hichilema has directed that, as a mark of respect and in honour of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth Il of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Head of the Commonwealth Group of Nations, all flags in the country should fly at half-mast, with effect from Sunday 11th September, 2022, until the day of the State Funeral of Her late Majesty.
In a statement to the media released by Cabinet office the Republic of Zambia will observe a Day of National Mourning on the day of the State Funeral of Her late Majesty, once announced.
Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years. The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon, the royal family has announced, plunging the nation into mourning.
Her family gathered at her Scottish estate after concerns grew about her health earlier on Thursday. The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.
With her death, her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King and head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. “The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
All the Queen’s children travelled to Balmoral, near Aberdeen, after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision. Her grandson, Prince William, is also there, with his brother, Prince Harry, on his way.
The flags in Downing Street were lowered to half mast at 6.36pm. A period of national mourning is beginning, as tributes flood in from around the globe, hailing the Queen’s commitment to serving her country and the Commonwealth.
The new King releases a statement A statement has just been issued by the Royal Family on behalf of Charles, the new King. He writes: “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother.
“I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth and by countless people around the world.
“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.”
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