MIAMI – The United Kingdom’s diplomatic post in Miami opened its doors Monday to allow South Florida residents to share their condolences for the late Queen Elizabeth II.
A condolence book is available at the British Consulate-General in Miami, located at 1001 Brickell Bay Drive, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Friday.
While there was by no means a line out the door, a steady stream of people came in to wish Britain and its royal family well.
Michelle Del Valle has no ties to Britain, but said she felt moved to leave her thoughts on paper.
“I actually was in Washington, D.C. when Princess Diana died and I signed the condolence book there, so when I heard about it this morning, I felt like I should come and do the same here,” Del Valle said. “I felt like writing a short poem, if you will, a message that came to me this morning when I heard that you could sign, so that’s what I filled out, so, kind of like a final farewell.”
Pepe Marquez, a Spaniard in South Florida who once called the UK home, said the queen was an “example of loyalty, of love, of service, of dignity.”
“I don’t think we have that many (leaders like that), you know,” he said. “Many (are) shocked for having lost that that presence and that example that we all have.”
British Consul-General Rufus Drabble said he was touched to see the support.
“It’s been really touching and moving to see the stories and hear from people how much she meant to them,” Drabble said.
A virtual condolence book is also available.