Memorial service held in Beirut for Queen Elizabeth II

On Thursday 15 September, a memorial service to celebrate the life and service of late British Queen Elizabeth II was held at the All Saints Anglican Episcopal Church, Beirut, led by Reverend Imad Zoorob. 

The British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hamish Cowell, together with the Ambassadors of Australia Andrew Barnes and Canada Stefanie McCollum attended the service alongside Embassy staff, diplomats, MP Edgard Trabulsi, 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,” the British embassy said in a statement.

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,” he added.

Quoting 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 the queen.

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.