Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Friday expressed his profound sadness at the passing of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.
The Queen died peacefully at the age of 96 at her Scottish home Balmoral Castle Thursday afternoon, according to a statement by Buckingham Palace.
“On behalf of the people and the government of the Hong Kong SAR, it is with great sadness that I express our profound condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom,” Lee said.
“Having reigned for 70 years, she was the longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. She was greatly respected, admired, and praised by the British people.
“We send our deepest condolences to the people of the United Kingdom during this time of national mourning and reflection,” Lee added.
Lee’s statement came shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping also offered “sincere sympathies to the British government and people.”
“Xi Jinping, representing the Chinese government and the Chinese people, as well as in his own name, expresses deep condolences,” a statement said.
“Her passing is a great loss to the British people,” it added.
“On behalf of the people and the government of the Hong Kong SAR, it is with great sadness that I express our profound condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom,” Lee said.
“Having reigned for 70 years, she was the longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. She was greatly respected, admired, and praised by the British people.
“We send our deepest condolences to the people of the United Kingdom during this time of national mourning and reflection,” Lee added.
Lee’s statement came shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping also offered “sincere sympathies to the British government and people.”
“Xi Jinping, representing the Chinese government and the Chinese people, as well as in his own name, expresses deep condolences,” a statement said.
“Her passing is a great loss to the British people,” it added.