Tributes to Queen Elizabeth II Pour in From World Leaders
An Athens-based correspondent for the Sun, Anthony Grant, rounds up the reactions to the queen’s passing.
UPDATED AT 5:52 A.M. EDT
Reaction from world leaders was sincere and swift following the announcement today of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the world’s longest-reigning monarch. The most heartfelt came from Her Majesty’s son, King Charles III, who released a statement that read in part, “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family. We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”
The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, conducting her daily briefing with reporters when the news of the queen’s passing was confirmed, said, “Our hearts and our thoughts go to the family members of the Queen, and to the people of the United Kingdom.”
Across the Atlantic — and across the English Channel — President Macron initially traded a mot juste for the power of imagery on Thursday by tweeting an elegant photograph of the queen. He subsequently said, “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years,” adding, “I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.”
The Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, wrote that it was “with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.” He added: “She was a constant presence in our lives — and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.”
The Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, wrote that 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.” He added, “On behalf of the Dutch government, I have conveyed our deepest sympathy to Prime Minister Truss.”
President Clinton wrote that “Hillary and I mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and we join with people across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and all around the world, in giving thanks for her extraordinary life. Throughout her remarkable 70-year reign, she led Britain through great transformations with unfailing grace, dignity, and genuine care for the welfare of all its people.” Mr. Clinton added: “We will always be grateful for the kindness she showed us through the years, particularly during our visits to Buckingham Palace in 1995 and 2000, and for all she did to deepen the Special Relationship.”
Gibraltar’s chief minister, Fabian Picardo, said the people of the British overseas territory “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.” Mr. Picardo added, “May Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II rest in eternal peace and may the reign of His Majesty The King be long, peaceful and prosperous. Long live the King.”
President Zelensky said it was “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.”
In a statement from the Kremlin addressing King Charles, President Putin wrote in part, “For many decades, Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage,” adding, “I ask you to convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the members of the royal family and all the people of Great Britain.” Queen Elizabeth II was the first ruling British monarch to visit Russia, on October 17, 1994.
Condolences from Dublin were characteristically eloquent. The Irish prime minister, Micheal Martin, said, “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.” He added, “To her grieving family and people, the Irish Government join with you in mourning the loss of an exceptional woman who led by quiet and dignified example and who touched so many lives over her exceptionally long reign.”
Prime Minister Johnson expressed his condolences on Twitter. They read, in part, “This is our country’s saddest day. In the hearts of every one of us there is an ache at the passing of our Queen, a deep and personal sense of loss — far more intense, perhaps, than we expected.” Mr. Johnson, who met with the queen as recently as Tuesday, added, “Wave after wave of grief is rolling across the world, from Balmoral — where our thoughts are with all the Royal Family — and breaking far beyond this country and throughout that great Commonwealth of nations that she so cherished and which cherished her in return.”