WELLINGTON, New Zealand – New Zealand has announced that it will mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II with a public holiday on September 26.

The nation will also hold a state memorial service in the capital, Wellington, on the same day. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Elizabeth was an extraordinary person and many people would appreciate the opportunity to mark her death and celebrate her life.

“As Queen of New Zealand and beloved sovereign for over 70 years, it is fitting that we mark her life of dedicated public service with a state memorial service and a unique public holiday,” Ardern said.

She also said she would be leaving for Britain this week to attend Elizabeth’s funeral.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS:

— People who want to pay their last respects to the Queen face a long wait and strict rules

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– For Queen Elizabeth II, the Balmoral Estate was the place to ‘be normal’

– Queen Elizabeth II loved the corgis breed since she was a child

– The former British colonies in conflict over Queen Elizabeth II

– What’s next for the UK as Queen Elizabeth II rests

“What will happen to all the coins that feature the queen?”

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— The queen, as imagined — from punk rock to mystery novels

– Find more AP coverage here: https://apnews.com/hub/queen-elizabeth-ii

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OTHER DEVELOPMENTS:

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden has officially accepted an invitation to attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

The White House announced on Sunday that the president would be accompanied by first lady Jill Biden. The service will be held on September 19.

Earlier in the day, Biden recalled the late monarch’s words of comfort to the United States after the September 11 attacks.

“Grief is the price we pay for love,” Biden said, quoting part of the Queen’s message to America during his remarks on the 21st anniversary of the attacks.

Speaking at a memorial at the Pentagon, Biden said the queen’s words remain as poignant as they were 21 years ago, but the weight of the loss remains equally heavy.

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“That day, the price is so good,” Biden said.

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DONCASTER, England — British horse racing has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II as the late monarch’s favorite sport returned after a hiatus following her death.

Two minutes of silence took place in Doncaster on Sunday. Video was then played on big screens of the Queen at various races over the years, along with some of her greatest triumphs as a racehorse owner.

Horse racing was the great sporting fascination of the Queen, who became one of the biggest faces of sport in Britain and around the world and had more than 1,800 winners.

“No one has or will ever do so much for horse racing in so long as Her Majesty The Queen,” said narrator Brough Scott, a former jockey turned TV presenter, during the video. “The sport of the world will forever be indebted to him.”

It was followed by a long standing ovation from the jockeys and officials who lined up for the tribute ceremony.