Yesterday, mourners lined the streets in areas of the United Kingdom to catch a final glimpse of the longest-serving monarch that country has ever seen. 

International news agencies reported a solemn disposition as crowds stood in silence as the hearse slowly made its way to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch, as part of its journey to London. 

The coffin was wrapped in the Royal Standard for Scotland. 

Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on 8 September 2022, at the age of 96, will be buried on 19 September. 

In a statement issued on the day of her passing, President Hage Geingob said it was “with a sense of deep sadness” that he learned the news of her passing. 

“The passing away of Her Majesty after over 70 years of venerable reign resonates across the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and indeed across the Commonwealth of Nations and the world at large,” Geingob stated. 

He then extended heartfelt condolences to the people and government of the United Kingdom and the Royal family on behalf of the people and government of Namibia. 

“Many of us have wonderful memories of Her Majesty during her outstanding reign. I fondly recall my own interactions with Her Majesty. During her visit to Namibia in 1991, I had the opportunity to take Her Majesty to Katutura. A year later, I met Her Majesty and she could recall vividly our exchange during her visit to Namibia. In 2017, as Head of State, I had the opportunity to pay a courtesy visit to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and I recall with fondness her friendly demeanour and ability to effectively share light moments,” Geingob added. 

He further noted that Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered “for her remarkable reign, hard work and dedication in service of the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Her commitment to service will continue to serve as an inspiration to current and future generations”.

Also extending condolences, Speaker of the National Assembly Peter Katjavivi said Queen Elizabeth II will always be remembered for her gentle touch of leadership and noted she remained committed to serving not only her country but also the Commonwealth of Nations, which he said she did so with “absolute dignity and grace”.

“During this difficult period, I, on behalf of the National Assembly and its entire membership, would like to extend profound condolences to His Majesty King Charles III, the Members of the Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Commonwealth Family… We will always remember her care for nature, being people-centred and accessible as well as her excellent leadership qualities. 

“These leadership abilities have seen her traverse all corners of the globe in executing responsibilities as the Head of the Commonwealth. She has ably guided the Commonwealth through easy and difficult times. Above all these, she maintained an honourable, down-to-earth family life as a mother and grandmother,” Katjavivi stated. 

 He continued that he had the honour of meeting the Queen twice during her reign. 

The first was during her visit to Namibia soon after independence in 1991. 

“During that period, I had the privilege of introducing my late wife, Rosemary Jane Katjavivi, to Her Majesty. We then made reference to the fact that Jane had embarked upon a publishing venture on Namibian literature and general publishing. At this juncture, Her Majesty posed a question to Jane with reference to the fact that Namibia, being a new nation, whether her work would also include oral history. Her Majesty was always quick to identify the core issues in any situation,” Katjavivi stated. 

 His second interaction with Queen Elizabeth II was at Buckingham Palace when envoys from a number of Commonwealth Nations were invited to London. 

“We were responsible for mobilising financial support during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in our respective countries. The funds that were raised across the Commonwealth were used for youth development programmes as well as promoting the avoidable blindness programme within the Commonwealth. We were all invited to the Buckingham Palace as part of the Queens Diamond Jubilee celebrations,” Katjavivi explained.

- ebrandt@nepc.com.na