Shinzo Abe and Queen Elizabeth.Photo: DANIEL MIHAILESCU/AFP/Getty; JANE BARLOW/POOL/AFP via Getty

Shinzo Abe, Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabethshared a message of condolences mourning former Japanese Prime MinisterShinzo Abe, whodied after sustaining gunshot woundsduring a campaign speech on Friday.

The Queen, 96, added, “I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and to the people of Japan at this difficult time.”

The note was signed “Elizabeth R.,” the monarch’s standard signature (the “R” stands for “regina,” which means “queen.")

Shinzo Abe and Queen Elizabeth.John Stillwell - WPA Pool /Getty

Queen Elizabeth II greets the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe and wife Akie

Prince Williamalso shared apersonal tweetremembering Abe as a “true statesman and committed leader.”

“I’m deeply saddened to learn of the death of Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,” he said. “A true statesman and committed leader. I won’t forget the warmth and generosity he extended to me during my visit to Japan in 2015. My thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan.”

The note was signed with his first initial, indicating the personal nature of the message.

Yomiuri Shimbun/AP Images

Prince William and Japan' Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Prince Charlesis the most recent member of the royal family to meet with Abe. The two men were together at the 2019 festivities surrounding the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito.

Prince Charles and Shinzo Abe.Kyodo via AP Images

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shakes hands with Britain’s Prince Charles

According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in Tokyo, Abe was shot in the right side of his neck at around 11:30 a.m. local time while speaking at a campaign rally ahead of Japan’s Upper House elections on Sunday, Japan’s public media organizationNHK, reported.

He then collapsed and was immediately rushed to Nara Medical University for treatment, the outlet said.

Police arrested Yamagami Tetsuya in connection with the attack, NHK confirmed.

Abe, 67, held the title of prime minister from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020, having also served as president of the Liberal Democratic Party for the latter time.

Akie Abe, Shinzo Abe and Queen Elizabeth.JOHN STILLWELL/AFP via Getty

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II (R) hosts a private audience with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and his wife Akie

British Prime MinisterBoris Johnson—who resigned from 10 Downing Streeton Thursday — said in a tweet that he was “Utterly appalled and saddened to hear about the despicable attack on Shinzo Abe. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

source: people.com