Flags are being flown at half-mast on Friday, as Trinidad and Tobago pays respects to Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday at age 96, ending the longest reign in British history.

Her Majesty died peacefully, surrounded by her family at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

A statement from the Ministry of National Security said flags will be flown at half-mast again for the Queen’s funeral, which has not yet been announced.

Flags were also flown at half-mast on Thursday immediately after the death announcement, which came around  1pm (6pm London time).

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, who was in London on Thursday, expressed his condolences shortly after the announcement.

“Although Trinidad and Tobago gained its Independence and later became a Republic, this country recognises the lasting legacy of Her Majesty. She will be particularly remembered for her selfless duty to the Commonwealth. May Her Majesty’s soul Rest in Peace,” he said.

In her own reflections, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar said: “The world has lost a soul of immaculate kindness, strength and courage, which enriched so many for decades.”

British High Commissioner to T&T Harriet Cross, who spoke briefly outside the Commission’s building in Port of Spain on Thursday afternoon, thanked the people of this country for their thoughts, prayers and well wishes following the Queen’s passing.

She described Her Majesty as a queen “who loved the Caribbean and a Queen who loved Trinidad and Tobago.”

“I actually had the pleasure of meeting her for the first time in Trinidad and Tobago, which was such a coincidence really. But I met her here. I spoke to her for the first time and never thought that I would actually be back here having to make such a sad announcement today,” she said.

Cross also made mention of  the T&T Defence Force Steel Orchestra’s visit to  the Windsor Castle this year for the Queen’s 70th Jubilee celebrations.

“They played Dancing Queen to the Queen, and she smiled and laughed and clapped,” Cross said.