Elizabeth II, the Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms, the longest-living and longest-reigning British monarch, died at the age of 96 on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

As a sign of respect for the late Queen, a 96 Gun Salute was done at Queen Elizabeth II Park today, September 9, 2022.

Giving remarks before the salute were Governor Rankin and Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7).

Queen touched lives of people in VI- Governor

Governor Rankin said throughout her life the Queen visited over 100 countries and territories, touching the lives of millions around the world.

He said that included the people of the Virgin Islands in 1966 when she arrived on the Royal Yacht Britannia in Road Harbour and commemorated the opening of the Sir Francis Drake Highway and Queen Elizabeth II Bridge to Beef Island, as well as in 1977 when she laid the foundation stone for a new wing at the then Peebles Hospital.

“I know that she touched the lives of people in the Virgin Islands during these visits and I have been grateful for the many tributes I have already received from those who remember her visits so fondly.”

Governor writes to King Charles III

According to the Governor, people of the VI have joined together in Queen Elizabeth II Park to mourn the loss of the Queen and to offer thoughts and prayers for her and to her family of which she was mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

“I have today written a letter of condolence to His Majesty King Charles III on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, expressing the hope that he can take comfort that Her Majesty The Queen was so deeply respected and held in warm affection by people here.

While we mourn let us at the same time take inspiration from The Queen’s extraordinary service and devotion to duty. She has been a shining example for which we can all take strength in the days ahead,” the Governor said.

Among other things, Premier Wheatley said persons in the territory still have very fond memories of The Queen’s visits to the Virgin Islands.

King Charles III, who became the monarch immediately upon his mother's death, will be formally proclaimed king at a ceremony on Saturday, September 10, 2022.

As a sign of respect for the late Queen, a 96 Gun Salute was done at Queen Elizabeth II Park today, September 9, 2022.

Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), elected representatives and others at the 96 Gun Salute event at Queen Elizabeth II Park today, September 9, 2022. Photo: VINOdministration’s assistance to Overseas Territories (OTs) seeking United Nations support for sustainable development.

Some of the persons at the 96 Gun Salute done as a sign of respect to the late Queen Elizabeth II at Queen Elizabeth II Park on September 9, 2022.

Some of the persons at the 96 Gun Salute done as a sign of respect to the late Queen Elizabeth II at Queen Elizabeth II Park on September 9, 2022.

Some of the persons at the 96 Gun Salute done as a sign of respect to the late Queen Elizabeth II at Queen Elizabeth II Park on September 9, 2022.