The news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday at Balmoral Palace (Scotland) at the age of 96 has left British citizens who live on or visit the islands of the archipelago dismayed. A group of great importance in the Balearic Islands, as it has been the driving force behind the tourist industry in recent decades.

In a very brief communiqué, the government expressed its condolences to the British royal family and the British people on the death of Elizabeth II. “During her long reign, she provided Britain with leadership, vision and stability in very difficult times, earning the admiration and respect of the world,” they said through their press room.

On Twitter, President Francina Armengol sent her condolences to the UK ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, as well as to Lloyd Milen, British consul in the Balearic Islands.

Isabel II has been a direct witness to the island’s development as a tourist destination. The Queen visited Mallorca on 22 October 1988 accompanied by her husband. She did so aboard the royal yacht, the Britannia. The emeritus monarchs, Juan Carlos and Sofía, acted as hosts during that historic visit.