Sir David Vunagi and Lady Vunagi at the wreath laying ceremony
Solomon Islands yesterday (Monday 12) began 3 days of Official mourning for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the former Head of State of Solomon Islands from Monday 12th September 2022 through to Wednesday 14th September 2022.
The 3 days national mourning period began with a wreath laying and signing of the condolence book at Government House by national leaders including the Governor General Sir David Vunagi, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Speaker of the National Parliament Patterson Oti and Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer. Others include Government Ministers, Members of Parliament, former Governor Generals and Prime Ministers, Senior Government Officials, Members of Diplomatic Missions and Uniformed Groups. Members of the Public were also invited for the ceremony.
A memorial church service is organised at the Saint Barnabas Anglican Cathedral on Wednesday 14 September, the final day of mourning to celebrate and remember the life and reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Yesterday, His Excellency the Governor General also read to the nation the Proclamation from Buckingham Palace on the Accension to the Throne of His Majesty King Charles III.
Following that Declaration, His Majesty King Charles III is officially the Head of State for Solomon Islands.
The Royal Protocol on the Proclamation of the King requires that after the Governor General reads the Proclamation on Monday 12th September, at 10.00 am, all flags will fly full mast until 1pm on Tuesday 13th September. All flags will return to half-mast again until after burial on Monday 19th September
His Excellency the Governor General will represent Solomon Islands at the official funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London on 19 September 2022. Further details about the Governor General’s travel schedule will be announced in due course.
PM Sogavare and Madame Sogavare at the wreath laying ceremony
Speaker of Parliament Patterson John Oti and Mrs Oti at the wreath laying ceremony
Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer and Lady Palmer at the wreath laying ceremony
Former Governor General Sir Frank Ofogioro Kabui at the wreath laying ceremony
Former Governor General Sir Nathaniel Waena pays tribute at the wreath laying ceremony
Former Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua and Mrs Sikua at then wreath laying ceremony
-GCU Press