President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed have signed the book of condolence opened at the British High Commission in the Maldives, in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch whose rule spanned seven decades. The late Queen passed away on September 8 at the age of 96.
In their joint message, President Solih and First Lady Fazna described the long and distinguished reign of Queen Elizabeth II as the finest example of loyalty to duty, sacrifice, and selfless service, as well as the love for her people. They said that she served the United Kingdom (UK), the Commonwealth, and the wider international community with the utmost dignity and dedication.
The message also stated that she held an exalted place with the Maldivians and that many people still remember her visit to the Maldives fifty years ago with great fondness.
Furthermore, President Solih and First Lady Fazna's message noted that Maldivians held her in the highest regard by referring to her with the singular word Raanee, which means Queen, as she was unique in her eminence, and in her tireless work through the Commonwealth to give equal representation to smaller nations like the Maldives.