Last Updated on September 20, 2022, 5:33 AM AST by Anthony Morris
While acting as a representative to the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, Foreign Minister, Dr Denzil Douglas, arrived early on Sunday, September 18, in London for the State Funeral of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who died on September 8.
On arrival at Gatwick airport, Dr Douglas was met by the Representatives of King Charles III and the Foreign Secretary, Mr James Cleverly, along with St. Kitts and Nevis’ High Commissioner Isaac.
His first engagement was the King’s Reception at Buckingham Palace. The King hosted the event for the foreign dignitaries who had travelled to London to pay their respects to the late Monarch.
The late Queen Elizabeth II was well-regarded and globally respected for her diplomatic skills, unparalleled service to her country and the Commonwealth, and quiet moral leadership and devotion to duty.
On behalf of Prime Minister Dr Drew, Foreign Minister Dr Douglas conveyed condolences to His Majesty King Charles III, the Earl of Wessex, the late Queen’s youngest son, and Liz Truss, the recently appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He conveyed the profound sadness of the government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis on the passing of Her Majesty.
In a solemn but fitting ceremony celebrating her late Majesty’s life and legacy, Foreign Minister Dr Douglas attended the State Funeral at Westminster Abbey. He then participated in the Committal Service at St. Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle, where the late Queen was buried.
During a lunch with fellow Commonwealth dignitaries at Windsor Castle, the Foreign Minister raised a toast to celebrate the 39th anniversary of the Independence of St. Kitts and Nevis.
He informed fellow guests that a ceremonial Parade was ongoing despite the sadness at Windsor Castle, at that very moment in Warner Park in Basseterre, St. Kitts.
In a brief remark, Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Scotland KC, who had earlier read the First lesson at the State Funeral Service, remarked how the two ceremonies celebrated the life of service to the Commonwealth and the members of the Realm.
Dr Denzil Douglas, who High Commissioner Isaac joined, will leave for New York on Tuesday as part of Prime Minister Dr Drew’s delegation to the United Nations General Assembly.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
