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Panashe Zingoni, Chronicle Reporter

THE Anglican St John Baptist Cathedral in Bulawayo’s city centre has opened a book of condolences for the late Queen Elizabeth II which will be handed over to the royal family.

Queen Elizabeth II died last week at the age of 96.

The Anglican church is directly linked to the Church of England.

Anglican church Bishop Cleophas Lunga said the book was opened soon after they received the news that the Queen had died and it will close a few days after her burial.

“The Queen was the supreme governor of the Church of England which is the mother church of the Anglican community so it is vital that we remember her and the contributions she did for the church,” he said.

The book is open to everyone who wishes to pass their condolences to the royal family, added Bishop Lunga.

After it closes it will be sent to England since the messages are for the royal family but information on how it will be sent is yet to be confirmed.

Bishop Lunga said it might be sent by DHL or one of the bishops will go with it and physically hand it to the Royal family.

The exact number of people who signed so far is not known yet since they still want people to sign it.

Mrs Jenny Leach is one of the people who wrote her message in the book of condolences.

“Very deepest condolences. May her beloved soul rest in peace in the arms of our Lord,” she wrote.

In an interview, Mrs Leach said her mother personally knew the queen.

“My parents were in the Second World War; my parents are British. My mother was actually alongside the Queen during the war. My late mother is a few years older than the Queen. They were drivers and mechanics together in the war for a while. They were in the same union the Auxiliary Territorial Services (ATS),” said Mrs Leach.

The church’s Dean of Bulawayo Reverend Fritz N. Madida also wrote his message in the book.

 “To his Royal Highness the King and the royal family at large. We give thanks to God for the life of your dear mother, our Queen for the 70 years past…”

“My deepest condolences to the Royal Family. The Queen was one of my favourite people. May her dear soul Rest in peace”, wrote Pastor Victoria.

A Reverend who signed his name as Fr I Tayiya also wrote, “May the memories of Queen Elizabeth bring comfort to you and the whole family at this time of loss.” – @Pepe zinc