The First Couple of Maldives, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed have departed to the United Kingdom on an official visit.

The First Couple of Maldives departed to UK on Friday evening to convey their condolences and sympathies in person to His Majesty King Charles III and the family of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The President and First Lady will attend the state funeral during the visit and pay their last respects to the late Queen.

They are scheduled to conclude the visit and return to the Maldives on September 22, 2022.

The longest-reigning British monarch, who ruled for a period spanning seven decades, and the head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, at the age of 96.

The national flag of Maldives was flown at half-mast in honor of the late Queen Elizabeth II, from September 9 – 11.

Maldives observed a three-day mourning period, while joining world leaders across the globe to mourn the death of the late Queen.

In a message to the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, King Charles III earlier, President Solih offered condolences.

In his message, he expressed deep grief in learning of the passing of the King’s beloved mother.

He noted that the people of the Maldives join the rest of the Commonwealth in mourning this "unfathomable” loss.

Highlighting that the Queen’s glorious reign of 70 long years has seen a life full of giving - to her duty, her people, and her commitment to making a difference in the world, the Maldivian president noted that she was also a beacon of strength and unity for the Commonwealth.

With this being said, President Solih expressed belief that the stories of the Queen’s perseverance and sense of duty will live on to inspire generations to come.

The president went on to state that the nation mourns and commemorates the Queen’s extraordinary life of continued service to the Great Britain and the Commonwealth, as a stabilizing force towards peace and progress.

Additionally, the First Couple of Maldives also signed the book of condolences opened at the British High Commission in the Maldives, in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

In a joint message, President Solih and First Lady Fazna described the Queen’s long and distinguished reign as the finest example of loyalty to duty, sacrifice and selfless service as well as the love for her people.

The first couple went on to note that the Queen served the UK, the Commonwealth and the broader international community with the “utmost” dignity and dedication.

Further, the first couple also noted that the Queen held a dignified place with the people of Maldives, highlighting that many still remember her visit to the Maldives fifty years ago with great fondness.

The message went on to read that the people of Maldives held her in the highest regard by referring to her with the singular word “Raanee”, which translates as Queen. This, the first couple said was due to the uniqueness of her distinction and in her tireless work through the Commonwealth to give equal representation to smaller nations like the Maldives.

Queen Elizabeth II was a recipient of the highest honor of the government of Maldives, the Grand Order of the Distinguished Rule of Ghaazee.