Waking up at 5am by police at her bedroom door: How Commonwealth Leaders Heard The Queen’s Death | UK News
The Prime Minister of New Zealand told how she was woken at 5am by a police officer shining a torch into her bedroom – to alert her to the Queen’s death.
Jacinda Ardern’s anecdote and subsequent heartfelt tribute to Kingjust one of many heads of states in the Commonwealth.
New Zealand
Under New Zealand’s constitutional arrangement, the queen is also the country’s monarch and head of state, and Ms Ardern describes her as “extraordinary”.
She said: “The last days of the queen’s life capture who she is in many ways – working until the very end on behalf of the people she loves.”
She added that, like many others, she felt not only deep sadness but also deep gratitude.
“This is a woman who has completely dedicated her life to serving others. And no matter what anyone thinks about the role of monarchies around the world, there’s no denying it, I think here. , a display of someone who has stood for all her people, and her people include the people of Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Nigeria
One of the other Commonwealth countries, Nigeria, gained independence from the British in 1960, four years after the queen’s first official visit to the West African nation.
When Elizabeth last visited in 2003, she spoke of Nigeria’s important role in the Commonwealth and applauded the country for its “leading contribution in a new partnership for Africa’s development”.
Incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari expressed “infinite sadness” over her death.
He said: “The late Queen is the only British sovereign known to 90% of our population, describing the late queen’s reign as ‘unique and wonderful’.
He added: “The story of modern Nigeria would never be complete without a chapter on Queen Elizabeth ll, a towering global personality and an outstanding leader.
Mr Buhari added: “She has dedicated her life to making her country, the Commonwealth and the whole world a better place.
The queen’s death comes as more and more British territories in the Caribbean seek to replace the monarch with their own head of state, In the wake of demands that Britain apologize for its colonial abuses – and award slave reparations to its former colonies.
Jamaica
However, Caribbean leaders from Jamaica to Bermuda and beyond all mourned her death.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness noted that since she took the throne in 1953, the Queen visited the island every decade until 2002.
“Without a doubt, she formed a special bond with the people of Jamaica during her reign,” he said. “We are deeply saddened that we will not see her light again, but we will remember her historic reign.”
In March, when Prince William and Kate visited Jamaica as part of an official visit to the Caribbean, Mr Holness made a surprise public announcement that the British Commonwealth nation intends to completely independence.
Since then, Jamaica has established a Constitutional Reform Commission and is scheduled to hold a referendum in 2025. If passed, it would join other republics in the region including including Barbados, Dominica, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after signing the condolence book at Parliament House in Canberra
Australia
The Queen is Australia’s official head of state, although today this role is considered largely ceremonial.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said she is the only reigning monarch most Australians know and the only person who has ever visited their country.
“And during seven remarkable decades, the Queen has been a rare and reassuring person in the midst of rapid change,” he said.
“Through the tumult and tumult of the years, she exuded and displayed a timeless decency and an enduring calm.”
Canada
Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau called her “a constant presence in our lives”.
“Her service to the people of Canada will forever be an important part of our country’s history,” he said.
“I can hardly believe my last sitting down with her was my last,” Trudeau added. “I miss those conversations.”
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Elizabeth, who served as Canada’s head of state, has visited the country 22 times as monarch.
Ghana
In Ghana, which became a member of the Commonwealth in 1957, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo recalled Elizabeth’s visits to her country and praised her “friendliness, elegance, style and friendliness.” the way and the sheer joy she brought in carrying out her duties”.
He added: “We will remember her inspiring presence, her calm, her steadfastness, and above all, her immense love and faith in her higher purpose. The Commonwealth, and its ability to be a force for good in our world,” he said in a statement.
Bermuda
Bermuda Premier David Burt noted that her reign “has spanned decades with such enormous change for the UK and the world”.
He said she has lived a “no obligation” life and is a “model of strength and devotion to the country”.
