A Life in Service–Thank You, HM Queen Elizabeth II

On September 8 (morning of September 9 JST), Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral Castle, Scotland. Having reigned for the past 70 years, few can remember a time before her enormous influence as the Head of State of 15 Commonwealth countries, after ascending to the thrown at the age of just 25.

A message from BCCJ President, Richard Lyle

“It is with deep sorrow and sadness that we pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For the past 70 years she has been the one constant that has helped to guide the country through many troubles and changes to make it the modern Great Britain it is today.

From everyone at the BCCJ, our sincere condolences go out to the Royal Family for their loss. She will be dearly missed and her years of dedicated service to the country never forgotten. Rest in peace.”

Messages of Condolences from BCCJ members

I write these words with a heavy heart on hearing the news today, and yet the heart is lightened when reflecting on the duty, strength and joy Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II gave all of us throughout our shared lives. Being honoured with an MBE from Her Majesty and being able to take my Mother to Buckingham Palace to receive the honour are cherished moments that I carry with me forever with immense gratitude. As you set sail on calm waters together with HRH Prince Philip I say bon voyage and thank you Ma’am.
Guy Richard Perryman MBE

8th Sep 1988, I first set my foot on British soil. My relationship with Great Britain just commenced from there. I have not imagined that the day finally and suddenly came on this day, 34 years ago. Now I am devastated passing away is huge loss for me and everyone in the world. However you will be saying to us “Keep calm and Carry on” RIP Your Majesty.
Ikuo Nakazawa, British Airways

Having worked with two UK banks, I have a deep and personal attachment to the UK and have always admired HM Queen Elizabeth II for her inspirational leadership. I would like to offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family.
Yusuke Asai

I would like to offer my sincerest condolences for the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I will never forget all the good memories of her during my time residing in UK. I can still feel her greatness in that memorable scene of the film, “The Italian Job” (1969), featuring Noel Coward, one of the best British actors, respecting her sincerely. Thank you very much for your warm kindness. May your soul rest in peace.
Minoru Kageyama

Requiescat in pace Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. You will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to all the Royal Family for the loss of your mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I am overwhelmed by the sadness of knowing she is no longer with us. Such a wonderful, strong and beautiful lady. She did so much for her subjects so selflessly and for such a long time. I send my condolences to you and also my good wishes to His Majesty King Charles III as he begins his new chapter. He has our united support.
Mayumi Suzuki

The Argentum Wealth team extends its deepest condolences to the British people and the Royal family.
Lloyd Danon and the team at Argentum Wealth Management

It was so sad to become aware that Her Majesty The Queen passed away. I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the Royal Family on the death of Her Majesty. I had a great honour to be invited to The Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace together with my family twice in 1997 and 2008 as appreciation of our inward investment in Wales. It was an unforgettable memory to be with Her Majesty in the shortest distance at the Garden Party.
Susumu Kaminaga

I always follow the Queen’s activities on the Web. I greatly respect your activities. You have really inspired me. Thank you very much. With your beloved husband in heaven, forever.
Hisano Tezuka

If you also have a message of condolence or a memory of HM Queen Elizabeth II, please do share it with the BCCJ HERE, and we will be happy to review it for publishing on this page. Thank you.

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Members of the public wishing to express their condolences are encouraged to send a message to the Royal Family via the online Book of Condolence on this website. A selection of messages will be passed onto members of the Royal Family, and may be held in the Royal Archives for posterity. Leave a message HERE

The BCCJ has joined the UK in entering a period of national mourning until the Queen’s funeral takes place, postponing all events in the meantime. We thank you for your understanding.

Further reading:

• The State Funeral and Committal Service for Her Majesty The Queen (Royal Family Website)
• Live Reporting (BBC)
• Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, dies aged 96 (The Guardian)
• The Queen’s life in pictures (Reuters)
• Royal family tree: How the line of succession changes now Charles is King (The Telegraph)
• Queen Elizabeth II: a long life of duty and service (Financial Times)