Tributes have poured in from all over the world following the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
Joe Biden, President of the United States
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era.
“In a world of constant change, she was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her. An enduring admiration for Queen Elizabeth II united people across the Commonwealth. The seven decades of her history-making reign bore witness to an age of unprecedented human advancement and the forward march of human dignity.
“She was the first British monarch to whom people all around the world could feel a personal and immediate connection—whether they heard her on the radio as a young princess speaking to the children of the United Kingdom, or gathered around their televisions for her coronation, or watched her final Christmas speech or her Platinum Jubilee on their phones. And she, in turn, dedicated her whole life to their service.”
Micheál Martin, Prime Minister of Ireland
“On behalf of the Government of Ireland, I would like to convey my deepest sympathy to His Majesty King Charles, the Royal Family, the UK Government and the British people on the loss of their beloved monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
“The Queen’s reign was one of historic duration, immense consequence and a focus of respect and admiration around the world. Her dedication to duty and public service were self-evident and her wisdom and experience truly unique.”
Emmanuel Marcon, President of France
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years.
“I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.”
Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany
“We mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II. She was a role model and inspiration for millions, also here in Germany. Her commitment to German-British reconciliation after the horrors of World War II will remain unforgotten. She will be missed, not least her wonderful humour.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
“It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the people, we extend sincere condolences to the Royal family, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.
“As we look back at her life and her reign that spanned so many decades, Canadians will always remember and cherish Her Majesty’s wisdom, compassion, and warmth.
“Our thoughts are with the members of the Royal Family during this most difficult time.”
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India
“I had memorable meetings with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during my UK visits in 2015 and 2018. I will never forget her warmth and kindness. During one of the meetings she showed me the handkerchief Mahatma Gandhi gifted her on her wedding. I will always cherish that gesture.”
Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands
“The Netherlands remembers Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom with the deepest respect.
“During her exceptionally long reign, she was a beacon of calm and stability for her country and the world, even at moments of the greatest historical upheaval.
“Queen Elizabeth combined a strong sense of duty and unflinching resolve with a light touch and a sense of humour. The characteristic manner with which she discharged her heavy responsibilities made a profound impression on everyone who met her.
“Today our thoughts are first and foremost with her children and grandchildren.”
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament
“Few have shaped global history like Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her unbreakable commitment to duty and service was an example to all.
“The world mourns with her people in the United Kingdom and beyond.
“She was truly Queen Elizabeth the Great. May she rest in peace.”
Isaac Herzog, President of Israel
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was known far and wide simply as The Queen. Her passing is the end of an era.
“Together with the Israeli people, I grieve her loss and extend my deepest sympathies to the British people and all nations of the Commonwealth.”
Magdalena Andersson, Prime Minister of Sweden
“There has never been another person like Queen Elizabeth and her passing away deserves a moment of consideration.
“We have all been party to drastic events which have changed the world, but few have been party to so many as Elizabeth. Both I myself and the Swedish people want to express our engagement in this moment.”
Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Over more than 70 years, she exemplified selfless leadership and public service.
My deepest condolences to the Royal Family, to our Nato Allies the United Kingdom and Canada, and to the people of the Commonwealth.”
Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand
“The last days of the Queen’s life captures who she was in so many ways, working to the very end on behalf of the people she loved.
“This is a time of deep sadness. Young or old, there is no doubt that a chapter is closing today, and with that we share our thanks for an incredible woman who we were lucky enough to call our Queen.
“She was extraordinary. She was a woman who worked into her 90s, I think despite the fact there had been some discussion in public around her health and wellbeing, I think despite that, there will be some shock.
Ardern was woken early to be given the news: “I had a police officer shine a torch into my room at about 4.50am this morning.”
“When that torch light came into my room I knew immediately what it meant.”
Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia
“There is comfort to be found in Her Majesty’s own words: ‘Grief is the price we pay for love’.
“She celebrated our good times, she stood with us in the bad. Happy and glorious but steadfast too. In particular, we recall the sympathy and personal kindness she extended to Australians afflicted by tragedy and disaster.
“This time of mourning will pass but the deep respect and warm regard in which Australians always held Her Majesty will never fade.”
Pope Francis
“Deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I offer heartfelt condolences to Your Majesty, the Members of the Royal Family, the People of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.”
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia
“I wish you courage and resilience in the face of this difficult, irreparable loss. May I ask you to pass on sincere condolences and support to members of the royal family and the entire people of Great Britain.”
Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General
“As the United Kingdom’s longest-lived and longest-reigning Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II was widely admired for her grace, dignity, and dedication around the world.
“She was a reassuring presence throughout decades of sweeping change, including the decolonization of Africa and Asia and the evolution of the Commonwealth.”
The Dalai Lama
“Her reign, as Britain’s longest serving monarch, represented celebration, inspiration and a reassuring sense of continuity for so many people alive today.
“Your mother lived a meaningful life with dignity, grace, a strong sense of service and a warm heart, qualities we all should treasure.”
Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan
“Deeply grieved at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Pakistan joins the UK & other Commonwealth nations in mourning her death. My heartfelt condolences to the royal family, people & government of the UK.”
Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands
“We remember Queen Elizabeth II with deep respect and great affection. Steadfast and wise, she dedicated her long life to serving the British people.
“We feel a strong bond with the United Kingdom and its royal family, and we share their sorrow at this time.”
Mario Draghi, Prime Minister of Italy
“Queen Elizabeth was a major player in world history over the last seventy years.
“She represented the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth with balance, wisdom, respect for institutions and democracy.
“She has been the most beloved symbol of her country and has garnered respect, affection and warm feelings everywhere.”
Fabian Picardo, Chief Minister of Gibraltar
“The People of Gibraltar will mourn Her Majesty as a monarch who has reigned wisely and with incomparable dedication throughout the period of our post-war emergence as a part of the British family of nations.”
“The People of Gibraltar and the Government proclaim their loyalty to the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to His Majesty The King.”
George W. Bush, former President of the United States
“Laura and I were honored to have known Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a woman of great intellect, charm, and wit.
“Spending time at Buckingham Palace, and having tea with Her Majesty – and her Corgis – is among our fondest memories of the presidency.
“Queen Elizabeth ably led England through dark moments with her confidence in her people and her vision for a brighter tomorrow.”
Barack Obama, former President of the United States
“Like so many of you, Michelle and I are grateful to have witnessed Her Majesty’s dedicated leadership, and we are awed by her legacy of tireless, dignified public service. Our thoughts are with her family and the people of the United Kingdom at this difficult time.”
Donald Trump, former President of the United States
“Melania and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“Together with our family and fellow Americans, we send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom during this time of great sorrow and grief.”
Featured image: UK Parliament (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
