TIRANA, Sept. 9 – Albanians have been paying their respects and sending condolences on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, who died Thursday at the age of 96, marking the end of a 70-year rule.
Albanian President Bajram Begaj visited the UK Embassy in Tirana to sign a book of condolences on behalf of the Albanian people.
“Condolences to the Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. She was a queen with a big heart, extraordinary strength and courage and will always be remembered with respect and admiration,” the Albanian presidency wrote on Twitter.
UK Ambassador to Tirana Alastair King-Smith said: “The death of Her Majesty The Queen is a moment of profound grief and loss. Her exceptional dedication and international standing made Her our greatest diplomat.”
In Albania and in this region, Her Majesty the Queen will be remembered for the Order of Merit she handed over to Mother Teresa in November 1983, in recognition of her extraordinary service to people.
“We heard with great sorrow the news of Queen Elizabeth passing. During her 70 year reign she provided guidance, motivation, vision and stability for the UK, a figure of respect and admiration for the rest of the world,” Albanian Foreign Minister Olta Xhacka said.
Ilir Meta, the former Albanian president and leader of the opposition Freedom Party said: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, admired around the world for her inspirational leadership, dedication and unwavering commitment! My sincere condolences to the Royal Family, the British people and the entire Commonwealth on this great loss!”
Albania’s Prince Leka, grandson of King Zog I who ruled Albania until 1939 before the country became a republic, issued a statement saying: “Elizabeth II represents the timeless message of the continuity of the state, of the Crown, standing steadfast with commitment and self-awareness in the face of challenge and uncertainty.”
In the northeastern municipality of Has, which has a strong connection to the UK due to high emigration rates to that country, the mayor said a statue of Queen Elizabeth would be erected.
“The Municipal Council will take this decision this Monday on the exact placement of the site. It will be located in the central square. The financing will be done by immigrants living in the United Kingdom,” Mayor Liman Morina said.
Growing mountains of flowers and tributes to the queen are gathering not only at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, but also at British embassies and cathedrals around the world.
Britain’s King Charles III returned to London on Friday from Balmoral Castle in Scotland where his mother, Queen Elizabeth, died Thursday.
Charles, who is 73 and the oldest monarch to ascend the throne, delivered a televised address Friday to a nation in mourning, his first address as head of state.
Elizabeth’s funeral will be held in the coming days at London’s Westminster Abbey, and that day will be designated as a National Day of Mourning, which is a public holiday.
