President Paul Kagame has, on Sunday, September 18, arrived in London, United Kingdom to attend the funeral of late Queen Elizabeth II. On Monday, September 19, President Kagame will join Heads of State and Government from across the world at Westminster Abbey for her funeral. Kagame, who is also the Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth, began his visit by signing the condolences book at Lancaster House, according to the President's office. He will also attend a reception hosted by King Charles III and Queen Consort at Buckingham Palace. Elizabeth II died at the age of 96 on September 8 and the UK observed 10 days of mourning. Rwanda as a member of the Commonwealth also honored the late Queen with the national flag flying at half-mast during the period. Rwandans and the British community in Rwanda observed a holy service to commemorate the late monarch on September 18 at the Holy Trinity Diocese of the Anglican church. Earlier this week, Kagame expressed, through a phone conversation, his condolences to Charles III for the passing of his mother. “Rwanda looks forward to working together with King Charles III to move the Commonwealth agenda forward in service of all our citizens,” he said in a tweet following their discussion. Elizabeth ascended the throne in 1952 and is the longest-reigning monarch by seven decades, she was replaced by her eldest son, King Charles III, who is also the head of the Commonwealth.
