THE Archdiocese of Manila has joined the British people in mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

This as Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula offered prayers to the family of the late Queen, adding that her death can be considered the “end of an era” for having served the Kingdom for a long period of time.

“We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the citizens of Great Britain and the Commonwealth for the loss of their Sovereign, Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II,” he said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas on Saturday.

“We offer prayers for Her Majesty and her loved ones. Her passing leaves a void in our collective minds and hearts and marks the end of an era,” he added.

The Manila archbishop described the Queen “as a devoted daughter, housewife, mother, and grandmother to her family despite her royal duty to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth”.

He also praised the leader’s stability for decades of service in protecting the people from various social challenges.

“During her Reign of more than seven decades, Queen Elizabeth II navigated the often tumultuous vicissitudes of history through sheer strength of character which is founded on her strong faith in God, thereby leaving an indelible mark on the English Monarchy and the world in general,” said Advincula.

Due to her untimely passing, the successor of the throne is her eldest son, who is now King Charles III, formerly the Prince of Wales.

He assured the new leader of Britain and the Commonwealth of continuous prayer for the success of the office with the help and guidance of the Lord.

“We also take this occasion to wish her successor, His Royal Highness, King Charles III, all the best as he takes on the mantle of father to his nation. Rest assured of our prayers as Your Majesty assumes the onus of the Crown,” he said.

Earlier, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) expressed condolences on the passing of the head of the British monarchy.

Queen Elizabeth II passed away at 96 on Sept. 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The day is also the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

She is the longest-serving monarch since her father, King George VI, died in 1952.

The coronation of the Queen took place on June 2, 1953. The historic royal event was broadcast on television. Philippine News Agency