Maldivian first couple attend funeral for Queen Elizabeth II

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed on Monday attended the state funeral held for the late Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Commonwealth of Nations, Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch whose rule spanned seven decades.

Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, at the age of 96.

The funeral service and the associated ceremonial arrangements were arranged in a way to pay tribute to the late Queen’s reign and her life of service to her nation and the Commonwealth.

Foreign dignitaries, including those from the Commonwealth and British overseas territories, attended the state funeral service at Westminster Abbey, London, along with members of the Royal Family and the general public.

Following the funeral service, the President and First Lady attended a reception hosted by James Cleverly, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs of the UK.

The President and First Lady paid their final respects and wrote separate messages in the Book of Condolences opened in her memory at Lancaster House, London, on Sunday.

Maldives observed three days of mourning with the national flag flown at half-mast following the Queen’s death.