The Queen has paid a moving tribute to Shinzo Abe, the former Prime Minister of Japan, after the 67-year-old was assassinated whilst delivering a speech.
Writing to the Emperor of Japan, Her Majesty said: “My family and I were deeply saddened to hear the news of the sudden and tragic death of former Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe.
“I have fond memories of meeting Mr Abe and his wife during their visit to the United Kingdom in 2016. His love for Japan, and his desire to forge ever-closer bonds with the United Kingdom, were clear.
“I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and to the people of Japan at this difficult time.“
Shinzo Abe was Japan’s longest serving Prime Minister, having led the country from 2012 to 2020.
He was shot at twice while he was delivering a speech in a street in the city of Nara.
A 41-year-old suspect is in police custody following the shooting which has shocked the world.
Japan has some of the most stringent gun control laws in the world, with shootings an incredibly rare occurrence.
Current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said: “It is barbaric and malicious and it cannot be tolerated.”
