The Government of Gibraltar has joined the mourning for the death of Elizabeth II. The colony has opened a book of condolences in which the chief minister of the Rock, Fabian Picardo, has written “We were your Rock, and you were ours“, on behalf of all Gibraltarians, who will also be able to sign until September 16.
In addition, the acts of celebration of the “National Day”, scheduled for September 10, have been suspended. The flags, meanwhile, will remain at half-staff until the day of the state funeral for the queen, except at the time of the proclamation of Carlos III. Also, Gibraltar will pay its respects to Queen Elizabeth II with a salvo of 96 gunsfired by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment from Her Majesty’s Naval Base.
For his part, the Governor of Gibraltar, Vice Admiral Sir David Steel, expressed his regret in a statement in which he stated that Queen Elizabeth II “has been a beacon of strength, hope and kindness”. “Despite our great sadness, we can reflect on how blessed we have been to live during the time of a monarch who has cared deeply for everyonecollectively and individually,” said the Governor.
Picardo, meanwhile, has pointed out that “the people of Gibraltar will mourn His Majesty as a monarch who has reigned with wisdom and unparalleled dedication throughout the entire period of our post-war emergence as part of the British family of nations”. She has also proclaimed the “loyalty of the people of Gibraltar and the Government to the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and His Majesty the King”.
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