A resolution adopted by the Polish lower house on Wednesday describes the late monarch as “an important figure for a reborn, democratic Poland.”
It stresses that the British queen in 1996 received the Order of the White Eagle, the highest Polish state distinction, and, five years earlier, the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.
The resolution recalls that during her state visit to Poland, Queen Elizabeth II on March 26, 1996 addressed the National Assembly, or both houses of the Polish parliament. In her speech at the time, she underscored the importance of Polish-British relations.
“Underlining the centuries-long history of relations between the two countries and nations, Queen Elizabeth II paid homage to Polish soldiers who displayed a heroic stand during World War II,” the resolution said.
It added that “the words of Her Majesty: ‘Poland needs Europe and Europe needs Poland’" expressed "unequivocal support for Poland’s efforts to join NATO and the European Union" and "entered the annals of Polish-British history.”
President Andrzej Duda and First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda are expected to represent Poland at next Monday’s funeral ceremony for Queen Elizabeth.
(mk/gs)
