I would also like to offer my sincerest condolences to His Majesty the King and the entire royal family on the passing of the much-loved Queen Elizabeth. I was outside the country when I heard the tragic news. We were visiting family in Kashmir when we heard late on Thursday evening that our monarch had passed away. It was a moment of deep sadness and terrible sorrow, not just for me and my immediate family, but throughout Srinagar, Kashmir and all across the Indian sub-continent, for she was not just our Queen but also the head of the Commonwealth. The grief we feel at her passing is felt just as keenly across the globe, from the West Indies to the East Indies and beyond; nations that have foresaken British rule still regard the head of our great nation with affection, respect and love, for Her Majesty was the greatest of public servants, dedicating her life and entire being to the service of our nation and our family of nations. 

For over seven decades, she had guided us, led us and nurtured us. She had been both a trailblazer and a steadying hand for times of joy and sorrow. When she took the throne over 70 years ago, the Commonwealth, as everybody has said, represented just a handful of nations, and the UK was still suffering the after-effects of the world war. But, her steadfastness, dedication and selflessness have helped to transform our nation and our Commonwealth, which now represents around a quarter of the world's population. And even though she was the head of the Church of England, people of all faiths and none mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, defender of faith. God bless you, Your Majesty. May you rest in everlasting peace. Amen.