SAINT LUCIA OBSERVES A PERIOD OF BEREAVEMENT FOLLOWING THE PASSING OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II.

Saint Lucia joined the rest of the Commonwealth and the world in paying respects to the Royal Family after the Sep. 8 passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her reign of 70 years and 214 days made her the longest serving British Monarch and the longest recorded female head of state in history.

Acting Governor General, His Excellency Errol Charles, made an official statement on Sep. 9.

“Her Majesty, as the head of the Commonwealth and Queen of Saint Lucia has served us with great pride and dignity and will be sincerely missed,” His Excellency said. “The Government and people of Saint Lucia join the rest of the world in mourning the passing of Her Majesty. We extend our deepest condolences to his Royal Highness King Charles III and the Royal Family on this solemn occasion.”

The official period of mourning commenced on September 9, 2022 with a 96-gun salute by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force at 5:30 p.m. on the premises of the Government House. Major Cyril Saltibus, Aide-de-Camp to the Governor General, elaborated on the events to occur during the 10-day period of mourning.

“The condolence book will be opened at Government House on Monday for members of Parliament and the Diplomatic Corps,” he said. “On Tuesday, and the days following, it will be at the House of Parliament for members of the public. We will end the mourning period the day after Her Majesty is buried with the return of our flags to full mast.”

Only white flowers are accepted for the occasion of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.