By Fabian Hakalits – EMTV, Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, has congratulated Queen Elizabeth II on becoming the longest serving Monarch in the history of Great Britain.
In a media statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, O’Neill congratulated the Queen for her record of service that has been truly extraordinary. He said that Her Majesty continues to take a genuine interest in our nation, our people, and our future.
The Prime Minister said that the founders of our National Constitution decided that Her Majesty would be Queen of Papua New Guinea under our constitution.
“When we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our achievement of statehood we will also celebrate 40 years of Her Majesty’s service as Queen of Papua New Guinea,” the Prime Minister said.
O’Neill said that on the occasions when he met with the Queen she has always demonstrated a broad knowledge of PNG, a relationship that has been ongoing with other members of The Royal Family.
“It has been marked by a total dedication and commitment to what she outlined as her duty when she assumed the throne over 63 years ago. The people of Papua New Guinea acknowledge this historic occasion, and extend to the Queen, and His Royal Highness Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh, our best wishes for happiness and continued good health,” O’Neill said.
Her Majesty has served as Monarch for 63 years, seven months and two days, overtaking the reign of Queen Victoria more than a century ago.
