His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen offered a thousand Butterlamps at Samtse for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, who passed away yesterday.

Special marme moenlam (prayers to offer light) were performed for the ceremony, which was attended by the Prime Minister, government officials, students and thousands of people of Samtse. Thongdrol (gigantic appliqué images) of Guru Rinpoche and Zhabdrung were unfurled for the ceremony, to sanctify the important occasion.

The National Flag was flown at half mast today as a mark of respect to the late Queen. Upon Royal Command, special prayers were performed in all the important dzongs, temples and monasteries across Bhutan. Bhutan and the United Kingdom share warm and friendly relations going back to the time of the First Druk Gyalpo.

Their Majesties are on a Royal Tour of the south with Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel and Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck.