"There is a certain protocol in relations between states and there had been mourning, for example, for the death of the Emperor of Japan for three days" or for "several important heads of state, but not so important in terms of the history of Portugal", said Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, in London.
For the President of the Republic, Elizabeth II, who died on September 8, "represented six and a half centuries of history" and the country that represents "much" of Portuguese independence.
“Historic role”
"It was a tribute not only to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, but to the UK's historic role in crucial moments. First England, then the UK, working for our independence in the 14th century, then back to work in the 17th century. Part of our independence is due to this country", said Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, in response to questions from journalists, at the official residence of the Portuguese ambassador in London.
The Portuguese President recalled that Portugal and England have a diplomatic alliance that will mark 650 years in 2023 and is "the oldest Portuguese alliance and, perhaps, one of the oldest, if not the oldest, also in the United Kingdom", even if throughout history there have been "difficult moments" in relations between the two countries.
