Following some devastating news, King Charles took some time in the early hours of Wednesday morning to write a very personal letter.
After learning of the death of a significant individual in one of his commonwealth states, the monarch’s statement was made public by Buckingham Palace.
The King wrote, “My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of Sir Julius Chan’s passing.” He worked tirelessly as a public worker, contributing to the development of Papua New Guinea into the powerful, self-governing country it is today. Many were inspired by his devotion, and I have many happy memories of meeting Sir Julius over his decades of service.
He continued, “My wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to Sir Julius’s family, and to all Papua New Guineans, as his loss is mourned throughout Papua New Guinea,” and signed it off with, “Charles R”
Chan was affectionately called “Sir J” as he was the country’s longest serving politician. He was first elected in PNG’s pre-independence House of Assembly in 1968, when John Gorton was Prime Minister of Australia. He would go on to become PNG’s second Prime Minister.
The politician was still a member of the national parliament and governor of his beloved New Ireland province when died last week at the age of 85.
