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Leaders in Saskatchewan, Canada and around the world are sharing their sorrow and condolences after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The longest-reigning monarch in British history passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday, with her family by her side. She was 96, and had held the throne since the passing of her father, King George VI, in 1952.
In a statement, King Charles III shared his sorrow at the death of his “beloved Mother,” saying it is a moment of great sadness for him and his family, as well as for the entire Commonwealth.
“During this period of mourning and change,” the statement read, “my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”
Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan, said he was “deeply saddened” by the news.
“Her reign of over 70 years spanned an incredible period of history,” Moe said in a statement. “She was Queen during the terms of 12 Canadian prime ministers and nine Saskatchewan premiers. But even more enduring was the dedication, dignity and grace with which she served as Queen of Canada and the Commonwealth.”
Moe noted Elizabeth II’s six visits to the province, spanning a period between her first visit in 1951 and her most recent stop in Saskatchewan in 2005.
“Today,” Moe said, “we express both our condolences and our loyalty to the Crown and to our new monarch, His Majesty the King. I know he will carry on his responsibilities with the same honour, dignity and grace exemplified by his late mother every day of her 70-year reign.”
Moe said flags at the Legislature and at provincial buildings — already at half-mast in remembrance of the victims of the recent attacks at James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon — will remain at half-mast until Charles ascends the throne. They’ll be raised and then lowered again until the day of the late Queen’s funeral service.
Books of condolences can be signed by the public during regular business hours at the Legislative Building and Government House in Regina.
Russ Mirasty, Saskatchewan’s lieutenant-governor, shared a heartfelt statement expressing his admiration for the Queen.
“The world has lost a remarkable individual,” Mirasty said. “Through a life devoted to duty, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II exemplified integrity, humility, inner strength and outward grace. She was a constant in a changing world. She respected tradition but embraced change.
“As Head of the Commonwealth, she encouraged unity. As Queen of Canada, she remarked often on the service of our citizens, our commitment to multiculturalism and our potential to influence the world.”
Mirasty also noted Queen Elizabeth’s strong commitment to reconciliation, and her acknowledgment of the painful history of Canada’s Indigenous people and the work that remains left to do.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who addressed Canadians in a live broadcast Thursday, shared his condolences as well.
“It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign,” Trudeau said in a statement shared to social media.
“She was a constant presence in our lives — and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.”
Trudeau praised her wisdom, compassion and warmth, saying his thoughts are with the Royal Family during their difficult time.
Speaking in London, British Prime Minister Liz Truss said the Queen was “the very spirit of Great Britain, and that spirit will endure.”
“It is a day of great loss, but Queen Elizabeth II leaves a great legacy,” Truss said.
Truss said the Queen was an inspiration to many Britons given her long service to Great Britain.
“It’s an extraordinary achievement to have presided with such dignity and grace for 70 years,” Truss said. “Her life of service stretched beyond most of our living memories. In return, she was loved and admired by the people in the United Kingdom and all around the world.”
A statement from His Majesty The King: pic.twitter.com/AnBiyZCher
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022