Gunners from the Armed Forces of Malta fire a 21-gun salute in honor of Queen Elizabeth II. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier |
Malta has observed a national day of mourning and marked the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II with a 21-gun salute and flags flying at half-mast.
Armed Forces of Malta gunners fired a cannon salute over the Grand Harbour at 11.45am on behalf of the Prime Minister's Office.
A military honor often given to leaders of state, the 21-gun salute was seen by large crowds in Valletta's Upper Barrakka Gardens.
The salute was scheduled to occur as the queen's casket was being transported to Westminster Abbey for the state burial from Westminster Hall in London atop a gun carriage.
Crowds gather to watch the 21-gun salute at Upper Barrakka. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
On September 8, Queen Elizabeth, 96, passed away. Her passing brought an end to the longest reign in British history—70 years.
All government buildings and locations where they are typically flown in Malta have had their national flags flying at half-staff the whole day.
Flags fly at half-mast at the Main Guard, in St. George's Square. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
Elizabeth II served as queen of Malta from 1964 to 1974 when the country became a republic within the Commonwealth and the president of Malta succeeded the monarch as head of state.
A number of international dignitaries, including President George Vella, are present for the burial. One of only three individuals to receive the George Cross, given for valor in battle, is Judge Joseph Galea Debono, honorary president of the George Cross Island Association.
The Office of the Prime Minister has ordered that all national flags on public buildings are to fly at half-mast on Monday. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
The queen spent some time as a princess living in Villa Guardamangia in Pieta while her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, was stationed there with the Royal Navy.
Others honored the queen in their own unique ways. Between a painting of the Queen, a building in Sliema flew the Maltese and Union flags.
A portrait of the Queen between the Union Jack flag and the Maltese flag.
A Union flag and a black mourning cloth are on a balcony. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier
The queen, according to prior statements from Prime Minister Robert Abela, was "loved by everybody" and would be sadly missed in Malta.
Union Jacks at half-mast in Gozo (Photo Charles Spiteri).
Click here for more trending news