Antigua and Barbuda leaders sign book of condolence at Westminster Hall London

LONDON, England – 17^th September, 2022………Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams and Prime Minister, the Hon. Gaston Browne on Saturday signed the Book of Condolence at Westminster Hall in London where the late Queen Her Majesty Elizabeth II lies in state before her State Funeral on Monday.

The Antigua and Barbuda leaders are in London where they are joining other foreign dignitaries for what is expected to be one of the biggest diplomatic events in recent years, with over 500 heads of state and other dignitaries expected to attend the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on Monday.

Before leaving Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday, Prime Minister Browne said that the late Queen had “an abiding interest in the countries of which she was Queen, and ours was no exception. This House of Representatives today, in this special session, mark the passing of our Sovereign Head of State.  We do so with affection, admiration and respect, for her enduring legacy of service, resilience and quiet demeanour which inspired us all.  May the legacy of her exceptional example endure in perpetuity.

In Antigua and Barbuda, Monday 19^th September, the day of the State Funeral for Her Majesty, has been declared a public holiday and a National Day of Mourning.  On Monday at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Governor General’s Deputy, Sir Clare Roberts and Acting Prime Minister, the Hon. Steadroy Benjamin will participate in a Thanksgiving Service for the Life and Service of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  The Thanksgiving Service will be followed by a parade through the streets of St. John’s by members of the country’s security forces.