The service led by Reverend Imad Zoorob was held on Thursday 15 September. The British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hamish Cowell, together with the Australian and Canadian Ambassadors attended the service alongside Embassy staff, diplomats, members of the British community and friends.
The British Ambassador expressed his gratitude for the thousands of warm and heartfelt messages of condolences and sympathy received over recent days, including from Lebanese officials, the public and the British community, and his appreciation for the declaration of three days of national mourning.
At the memorial service, the Ambassador said:
My colleagues at the Embassy and I have been overwhelmed and very touched by the many messages of condolence ….which reflect how much Her Majesty was respected and admired in Lebanon, as throughout the world.
In an address to the congregation, the Ambassador said:
…We come here in sadness, to share our loss. But also to celebrate and remember a unique and remarkable life…..
Queen Elizabeth II gave a lifetime of extraordinary service. Her exceptional dedication ….set an example to us all of selfless duty.
Quoting His Majesty King Charles III, Hamish Cowell said:
Queen Elizabeth's was a life well-lived….…..a promise with destiny kept….and she is mourned most deeply in her passing.
Since Friday 9 September, hundreds have made their way to the Ambassador's residence, the British Embassy and the National Library of Lebanon, to sign a book of condolences paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Her Majesty The Queen's State Funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey, followed by a Committal Service at St George's Chapel in Windsor on Monday 19 September. The All Saints Anglican Episcopal Church Beirut will be broadcasting the funeral live starting 12:30pm Beirut time.
