Maldives declares 3 days of national mourning over Queen Elizabeth's death

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Thursday declared three days of national mourning following the passing of Britain's Queen Elizabeth. 

Queen Elizabeth, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and the nation's figurehead for seven decades, has died aged 96, Buckingham Palace said on Thursday.

Presidential spokesperson Miuvan Mohamed announced on Twitter that the Maldivian flag will be flown at half mast during the three days of national mourning.

"[The president made the decision] in recognition of our close ties with the UK and in solidarity with Commonwealth nations," he said. 

Meanwhile, President Solih hailed Elizabeth as a shining example of public service.

"The people of Maldives join me in offering our sincere condolences to His Majesty the King and members of the Royal Family and the people of the UK and the Commonwealth in this time of national mourning," the president said on Twitter.

Her eldest son Charles, 73, automatically becomes king of the United Kingdom and the head of state of 14 other realms including Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Her family had rushed to be by her side at her Scottish home, Balmoral Castle, after doctors expressed concern about her health. She had been suffering from what Buckingham Palace has called "episodic mobility problems" since the end of last year, forcing her to withdraw from nearly all her public engagements.