Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday, Sept. 15, personally condoled with a high-ranking official from the British Embassy in Manila for the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who she hailed for her “unparalleled leadership and selfless dedication to her people.”
In a Facebook post, the Vice President shared that she was welcomed by British Embassy Manila Political Counsellor Iain Cox at the British Ambassador’s residence.
Cox was representing British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils, who was with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to attend the inaugural session of the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority.
“Nakikiisa tayo sa Royal Family, mga British people, at sa milyon-milyong tao sa buong mundo sa pagluluksa sa pagpanaw ng pinakamatagal na namunong monarch sa kasaysayan ng Britanya (We are one with the Royal Family, the British people, and the millions of people around the world in mourning the longest-reigning monarch in the history of Britain),” she wrote.
Duterte was photographed at the ambassador’s residence wearing a short-sleeved barong top. She was also pictured signing the condolence book.
She wrote that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who died at Balmoral Castle on Sept. 8, was a figure of “grace and honor.”
“She was defined by her unparalleled leadership and selfless dedication to her people. She was the embodiment of excellence and duty that has impacted the likes of so many. Her passing signals an end to an era and the coming of a new one,” she said.
“May her legacy continue to inspire all of us to do our utmost in the service of others,” Duterte added.
Queen Elizabeth II’s passing heralded a new generation in the British monarchy, with her eldest son, Charles, taking on the title of King Charles III and her grandson, William, now heir to the British throne and the new Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall.