Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with King Charles III on Sunday in London during the reception hosted by the king for the visiting dignitaries and offered his condolences over the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

“The late monarch was a source of inspiration and strength for generations of Commonwealth citizens,” he was quoted as saying in a statement.

The premier departed for London to represent Pakistan at the longest-serving British monarch’s funeral on Saturday. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Special Assistant to the PM Tariq Fatemi accompanied the premier.

Queen Elizabeth II died aged 96 at Balmoral on September 8 after a year of declining health. She will be laid to rest on Monday (today), after a grand state funeral attended by leaders from around the world, and a historic last ceremonial journey through the packed streets of London.

Pakistan had observed a national day of mourning on September 12 and the flag was flown at half mast on the queen’s death

The premier recalled that the people of Pakistan had fond memories of the queen’s two visits to the country. “The bond of affection between the Royal family and the Pakistani nation has only strengthened with time.”

On behalf of the people and government, PM Shehbaz conveyed best wishes to King Charles on his accession to the throne and expressed the hope that he would carry on the legacy of his mother in further strengthening friendship among Commonwealth nations.

“The people of Pakistan held His Majesty in high esteem and looked forward to welcoming him in Pakistan at the earliest opportunity,” he said and thanked the British monarch for the Royal family’s expression of sympathy and support in the wake of unprecedented floods.

The appeal for help and the response from both the British government and public were “deeply appreciated” in Pakistan, it added.