Representative to the UK Kelly Hsieh signs book of condolence commemorating Queen Elizabeth II at Lancaster House at the invitation of the UK government, representing people[...]

Representative to the UK Kelly Hsieh signs book of condolence commemorating Queen Elizabeth II at Lancaster House at the invitation of the UK government, representing people and government of Taiwan in conveying nation's sincere condolences and utmost respect for the Queen

• Date：2022-09-18
• Data Source：Department of European Affairs

September 18, 2022

No. 249

Following the saddening news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, President Tsai Ing-wen and Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu swiftly extended their sincere condolences and sympathies to the United Kingdom on behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The United Kingdom thanked Taiwan for these gestures.

With the announcement that a state funeral for the Queen would be held on September 19, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) promptly instructed the Taipei Representative Office in the UK to communicate to the United Kingdom the hope of conveying the profound condolences of the people and government of Taiwan via the most appropriate means. Given its high regard for Taiwan-UK relations and the cherished friendship between the people of both nations, and extending the same courtesies as those afforded to heads of state, representatives, and members of royal households from other countries visiting the United Kingdom to mourn, the UK authorities extended a special invitation to Representative Kelly Hsieh. Proceeding to Lancaster House, a property managed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Representative Hsieh represented the people and government of Taiwan in signing a book of condolence. The United Kingdom thanked Taiwan for its earnest gesture of sympathy in mourning the passing of the Queen.

MOFA thanks the UK government for making the abovementioned arrangements for Representative Hsieh to express Taiwan's heartfelt condolences during this difficult time of royal and national mourning. It is Taiwan's sincere wish that its strong friendship with the United Kingdom continues to grow and thrive under the leadership of the new monarch, King Charles III. (E)