COVENTRY leaders from many different cultures united in paying their respects to The Late Queen Elizabeth II.
The city’s Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) said the Queen had been a ‘towering and authoritative figure in the affairs of the United Kingdom and globally for over 70 years’.
“We remember particularly the Queen’s numerous interactions with the Ukrainian diaspora and the kindness and interest she always showed – never more so than in this period of suffering for Ukraine and its people.
“In March this year, she made a generous donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee Appeal for humanitarian aid for Ukraine.”
The AUGB statement went on to describe a letter the Queen wrote to President Zelenskyy on the 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, in which she hoped for his country and those around the world to celebrate ‘their culture, history and identity’.
The AUGB thanked the Queen for ‘her unwavering faith, her wisdom and her years of unstinting service – which will always remain an example for us all to follow’.
The group also wished King Charles III a ‘long and illustrious reign.’
Sikh Union Coventry postponed its 35th annual Guru Tegh Bahadur ji Charity walk, due to take place on Sunday, as a mark of respect for the Late Queen.
Bali Panesar from Sikh Union Coventry said the Queen’s passing ‘marked a moment of reflection for us all.’
“Her service to humanity was conducted with loyalty and dignity during her 70-year reign.
“She shared the same love for all communities and her love and passion to serve all the Commonwealth countries was exceptionally unique.
“She was and always will be held in high esteem locally and internationally.”
The Active Inclusion Network, which champions diversity in outdoors and fitness activities in the city, said it would like to dedicate its continued work as a tribute to the Queen.
“She inspired so many and worked very hard to campaign for the importance of nature and the environment, something very much that we champion too.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of her passing and express our thoughts and condolences to the whole of the Royal Family at this sad time.”
