LETTER OF CONDOLENCE
On behalf of the communities of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, I would like to express our profound sorrow at the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
In the period following the sad news, members of the community have described The Queen’s passing in the same terms they would a personal bereavement. It is as though we have collectively lost a beloved family member, a soul who touched us all.
Our communities are proud members of the British family with a long tradition of loyalty to the Crown.
In return, The Queen’s unwavering commitment to duty was an inspiration, especially during times of hardship.
Many of us by example took strength from her steadfast resilience and compassion during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 1962, after a volcanic eruption led to the temporary evacuation of the island, Her Majesty graciously welcomed Tristanian refugees to Buckingham Palace; that kindness will never be forgotten.
We are immensely thankful for Her Majesty’s 70 years of service as our sovereign. So many have had the privilege and pleasure of meeting The Queen. Her smile was infectious. That inner joy is evident in the photographs of an encounter The Queen had as the then Princess Elizabeth with Jonathan the tortoise in 1947 at Plantation House, the residence of the Governor on St Helena.
The ability to instil happiness in others is I am sure one of the reasons memories of The Queen generate such fondness.
Her Majesty was very clear that her faith sustained her.
I do hope that is a source of solace for Your Majesty and the Royal Family during this difficult time.
Let me extend our deepest condolences at this incalculable loss.
NIGEL PHILLIIPS CBE
