Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, has mourned the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen passed on today aged 96. After 70 years on the throne, she was the longest-serving British monarch.
She ascended the throne at age 25, succeeding her late father, King George IV.
The Queen’s husband for 73 years, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, died in April 2021, two months to his 100th birthday.
Below is Chief Anyaoku’s full statement:
I have received with great sadness the news of the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II. She will be greatly missed in the United Kingdom, where she was a beloved and longest reigning Head of State and throughout the Commonwealth, where she was a greatly respected and much admired Head of the association.
Her Majesty was a most remarkable and wise Head whose standing and influence enabled the Commonwealth association to survive its existential crises. She was also a symbol of dignity and continuity in the diverse Commonwealth of 56 member nations.
The memories of the interactions of my wife and myself with Her Majesty during my ten years as Commonwealth Secretary-General will remain with us as long as we live.
Chief Emeka Anyaoku GCVO Commonwealth Secretary-General 1990-2000
