The death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a profoundly sad moment.
Since the start of the period of national mourning we have seen an enormous outpouring of respect and love across from the world for her late majesty and the royal family.
In Japan, it has been humbling to see lines of people queuing outside the embassy in Tokyo and visiting the British Consulate in Osaka to sign the book of condolence, or to leave flowers and personal messages. Over 1,000 members of the public queued outside the British Embassy in Tokyo on Monday and Tuesday to sign the condolence book.
Throughout years of tremendous change in international affairs, her late majesty was a source of continuity and stability.
She ruled for longer than any other monarch in British history. Her extraordinary reign of 70 years saw her travel more widely than any other monarch, undertaking over 260 official visits overseas, with nearly 100 state visits, including one to Japan.
No one did more to strengthen the bonds of friendship, understanding and respect between the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.
During her reign, the bonds between the U.K. and Japan, as well as those between our royal and imperial families, grew even stronger, not least through her visit to Japan in 1975.
With her power to transcend politics and geography, she touched the lives of millions.
As His Majesty King Charles III said in his address to the nation last week, “The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became the hallmark of her reign.”
His majesty the king also spoke of her late majesty’s abiding love of tradition, as well as her fearless embrace of progress.
She played a leading role in guiding the U.K. through many changes. Prime Minister Liz Truss described her as “the rock on which modern Britain was built.”
Today, the U.K. is a diverse and dynamic country that celebrates and benefits from its rich diversity.
Her late majesty’s life truly was one well lived. Her dedication and devotion were an inspiration to many.
The state funeral will be a deeply solemn moment attended by heads of state from across the world.
We are deeply honored to be able to welcome the attendance of Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to the state funeral of her majesty the late queen.
It will also be a special moment for people in the U.K. and across the world to pay their final respects to a sovereign who never wavered through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss.
During this profoundly sad moment of national mourning, we reflect on the loss of a towering figure in British history, but recall how she embodied the finest British qualities of decency and humility.