Catriona Laing, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, has stated that King Charles III will continue to sustain and develop the connection between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, just as her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, did.
Laing spoke during a news conference yesterday following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8 and the ascension of the new King, Charles III.
The relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria: Laing stated that Nigeria is "extremely important to the United Kingdom," saying that King Charles and other members of the Royal Family share the Queen's love and enthusiasm for her Commonwealth states.
“King Charles visited Nigeria in 2018; he met a variety of people, from the youths of the country to traditional leaders.
“And he follows Nigeria closely, he reads my telegrams closely and he will continue to maintain that interest and affection for Nigeria.
“As we mourn the departure of an amazing woman, we celebrate her life and we look forward to King Charles III.
“Nigeria is very important to the UK and the biggest and the most important country in Africa, everything is here.
“Like everybody else, the Queen, the King and the Royal family witness the role Nigeria plays in the world stage with very significant figures and very important places. So Nigeria is watched particularly.
“And I think it was her visit here when she was able to travel so wide and she was inspired by the amazing spirits of the people of Nigeria. It has been very helpful to me to have such strong bonds.
“She is very passionate about the Commonwealth but I believe personally that Nigeria has a very special place in her heart of Prince Charles III,” Laing said.
The late Queen's casket is currently resting at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, having traveled from Balmoral Castle, where she passed, to the Royal family's house, Holyrood Palace.
The remains will be transported from Scotland to England today, where it will be laid to rest at Westminster Abbey until her funeral on September 19.
The First Lady, Aisha Buhari, and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, expressed their condolences to the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Liang, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
“Queen Elizabeth II had the distinction of presiding over the Independence of almost all former British colonies and witnessed the emergence of several women as Presidents and Prime Ministers in various countries,” she said.
