New Zealand marks Queen Elizabeth's passing on national day of mourning

FILE PHOTO: A small cutout of the late British Queen Elizabeth is displayed among other tributes at Green Park, following her funeral, in London, Britain September 23, 2022. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern led a state memorial service for Queen Elizabeth II on Monday, saying the Pacific nation has had "a deep connection" with her as New Zealand paid tribute to the late monarch.

Hundreds watched the state memorial service outdoors on the screens set on the Parliament grounds in Wellington, the national capital, as the closed-door ceremony began with a minute of silence at the Cathedral of Saint Paul.