Prime Minister Mark Brown yesterday announced that the Cook Islands will mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II with a National Memorial Service and one-off public holiday on Friday, September 30. The holiday coincides with the opening of the Cook Islands Games to be held later on the day.

The Memorial Service will be held at the National Auditorium and will be live streamed.

In a statement, PM Brown, who will be attending the Queen’s state funeral in London on Monday next week, said: “The National Memorial Service will be held in the morning prior to the opening of the Cook Islands Games later that same day. The exact timing and the programme will be confirmed in the next few days, but I felt it important to let everyone know, for planning purposes, that Cabinet has made this decision to announce an official memorial service.”

“As our much-loved Queen, who leaves behind an enormous legacy of dedicated service to her subjects including ourselves, over 70 years, Cabinet felt it is appropriate that we honour her in this way.”

The Prime Minister also reminded people that there is a condolence book for members of the public to sign in the Cabinet Room at the Office of the Prime Minister.

All are invited to sign the book which will be sent to Buckingham Palace, he said.

“I have conveyed our condolences to the Royal Family and also passed on our acknowledgements to the new King. It will be my honour to represent our country when I attend Her Majesty’s funeral in London on Monday.”

The decision to hold a one-off public holiday in the Queen’s honour is also in line with similar holidays in the UK, New Zealand, and Australia.