Below follows the Government of Gibraltar's statement regarding the passing of Admiral of the Fleet Sir Benjamin Bathurst, GCB:

His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Admiral of the Fleet Sir Benjamin Bathurst GCB.

As a mark of respect and condolence, the flags at No 6 Convent Place will fly at half mast from 8:00am to 8:00pm today. The Gibraltar Parliament will pay their respects with a one minute silence before the beginning of this morning’s session. 

The thoughts and deepest sympathies of the people of Gibraltar are with son, His Excellency the Governor Sir Ben Bathurst, and his family at this difficult time. 

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC MP, said: “On learning the sad news of his father’s passing I conveyed the condolences of the Government and people of Gibraltar to His Excellency the Governor yesterday morning. My thoughts and those of the whole of Gibraltar will be with His Excellency, Lady Bathurst and their family today. The flags at No 6 Convent Place will fly at half mast as a mark of respect for the Admiral of the Fleet and as a symbol of our deepest sympathy for his Excellency on the loss of his father.”