From BZ/dpa
The British Queen was most recently in Berlin in 2015. Her death touched many people in Germany.
Many people in Berlin are also mourning the death of British Queen Elizabeth II.
Bouquets of flowers, messages or letters on paper and individual British flags have been placed in front of the embassy near the Brandenburg Gate since Thursday evening. In between there were burning candles on the sidewalk on Friday. Elizabeth II died Thursday at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, aged 96.
The Berlin Senate ordered mourning flags to be displayed at the senate administrations and city halls of the districts. The flags are set at half-mast and banners are provided with black ribbons, the Senate Interior Administration announced. A Berlin-wide mourning flag is planned for the day of the official funeral ceremonies and the funeral on September 19.
A woman lays flowers in front of the British Embassy in Berlin Photo: JOHN MACDOUGALL / AFP
The British Embassy put out a book of condolences. From (today) Friday to Monday, September 19th, grieving people can enter their condolences.
The book is accessible on weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors were asked to present themselves to a security officer if they wished to enter the embassy and register. You can also sign Buckingham Palace’s online book of condolences.
The flags fly at half-mast in front of the Bundestag Photo: JOHN MACDOUGALL / AFP
Ambassador Jill Gallard recognized Elizabeth II as a role model and inspiration. “She had many friends, especially in Germany; five state visits have brought her here, the memories and the impressions she left on the people here remain alive.”
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier offers condolences to the royal family on the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Photo: Guido Bergmann/Federal Government/dpa
Berlin’s Governing Mayor Franziska Giffey (SPD) said on Thursday: “It was the power of her great personality that has always fascinated us Berliners.” Berlin mourns with the family, the British nation and “especially with all Britons Brits who live in our town”.