New Delhi, September 11: India on Sunday is observing one-day state mourning as a mark of respect to Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on September 8. This means the national flags at all government buildings including Red Fort and Rashtrapati Bhavan will fly at half-mast.
Queen Elizabeth II, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland breathed her last in Scotland on September 8.
"As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the Government of India has decided that there will be one day of State Mourning on September 11th throughout India," a statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs read.
On the day of mourning, the National Flag will be displayed at half-mast on all buildings where the National Flag is usually flown, and there will be no official entertainment.
People in India also paid their respects to Queen Elizabeth II, who became the United Kingdom's longest-serving queen in 2015, surpassing Queen Victoria, who ruled from 1837 to 1901.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi described her as a "stalwart of our times," noting that she "provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people" and "personified dignity and decency in public life."
Buckingham Palace confirmed her demise at Balmoral Castle, where members of the royal family had rushed to her side after her health deteriorated.
Since the end of last year, the Queen was experiencing "episodic mobility problems," according to Buckingham Palace. The Queen will lie in state in Westminster Hall for around four days after her coffin is brought to London.
Following Queen Elizabeth II's death, a period of royal mourning will be observed from now until seven days after the Queen's funeral, the date of which will be decided by the Royal Family in due course.
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-PTC News