'Great world leader': PM Lee pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after her death

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her death on Thursday (Sep 8), saying that she will always be remembered fondly as a great world leader.

Britain's longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at her home in Scotland on Thursday, aged 96. 

In a Facebook post, Mr Lee said he was "deeply saddened" by her death, and sent his condolences to her son King Charles III, members of the royal family, British Prime Minister Liz Truss and the British people.

"Her contributions to the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and indeed to the world will be recorded in history, and she will always be remembered fondly as a great world leader," said Mr Lee. 

The queen left a significant mark on Singapore's history and its longstanding close relations with the United Kingdom, he added.

"Her passing is greatly mourned by everyone in Singapore," the Prime Minister said.

The queen visited Singapore in March 2006 with her husband Prince Philip after they were in Melbourne for the opening of the Commonwealth Games that year. Prior to that, they visited Singapore in 1989 and 1972.

Mr Lee said the queen was the "very heart and soul" of the UK, adding that her reign saw one of the longest periods of peace and prosperity in the history of her country.

"Throughout her life, she steadfastly served the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She performed her duties with devotion, grace, and humility," he added.

The Prime Minister's Office said in a separate statement that State flags at all Government buildings will be flown at half-mast on the day of the funeral as a mark of respect. 

Parliament will also observe a minute of silence at the beginning of its sitting on Monday, it added.