King Charles III of UK Should Promote Religious Diversity: Catholic Archbishop in Nigeria

He adds that the King is also expected to promote issues of social justice and accountability, especially in the former British colonies of West Africa.

“King Charles has become head of the Commonwealth, an association of 56 independent countries and 2.4 billion people,” Archbishop Kaigama says, and adds, “Being a royal demands a fair amount of resilience, a tough skin and patience in spades. For the king-in-waiting, the latter has been especially true. Prince Charles was the longest-waiting heir apparent, having spent 63 years as the Prince of Wales.”

The Local Ordinary of Abuja says that Nigerians had received the death of the longest-serving British Monarch “with great sorrow”.

“It was with great sorrow and sadness that we learned of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The news of the demise of the longest-reigning monarch in British history, and the oldest and longest-serving head of state in the world, came as a shock,” he says.

In his tribute published September 9, the Nigerian Archbishop eulogizes the Queen who he says reigned with grace, elegance, and “a tireless work ethic to fulfill this declaration”.

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Queen Elizabeth II, Archbishop Kaigama says, was the only British monarch the vast majority of Nigerians have ever known.

“Most of us grew up with great admiration and filial affection for her,” he says, and adds, “Her Christmas radio messages were sometimes deeply personal and revealed a life of prayer and faith.”

“Her Majesty was, indeed, the epitome of duty, stability, wisdom and grace. The axiom, ‘Service Untiringly done. Duty faithfully fulfilled’, encapsulates her reign,” Archbishop Kaigama says.

He notes that the Queen touched the hearts of many with her dedicated service especially to the Commonwealth, which he says “remains an important trade partner, investor and development partner in many African countries, the biggest being South Africa and Nigeria.”

“It is our hope that the Commonwealth could continue to offer stability and continuity in years to come, especially, during the reign of King Charles III,” the Nigerian Catholic Archbishop says in his tribute published September 9.