‘A day of great loss.’ World reacts to death of Queen Elizabeth II
The world is mourning Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest serving monarch, after her death on Thursday, Sept. 8, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. She was 96 years old and “died peacefully,” Buckingham Palace said.
Following the queen’s death, her eldest son is now known as King Charles III and his wife, Camilla, is queen consort. Formerly, Charles was the prince of Wales and Camilla was the duchess of Cornwall.
“The death of Her Majesty is a great shock to our nation and to the world,” UK Prime Minister Liz Truss said in a statement. “Queen Elizabeth the II was the rock on which modern Britain was built. Our country has grown and flourished under her reign. Britain is the country it is today because of her.”
“It is a day of great loss, but Queen Elizabeth the II leaves a great legacy,” Truss continued.
Public figures, celebrities and politicians from across the world penned tributes to the late monarch.
President Biden and first lady Jill Biden said in a statement that “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch... 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.”
“She charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness, and generously shared with us her wisdom,” the Biden’s said, recalling their trip in January 2021. “Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world.”
Condolences and kind words for the Queen also poured in on social media.
As U.S. Senate Majority Leader, I took to the Senate floor to remember Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
We offer our deepest sympathies and prayers to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/xC8am2qZOu— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) September 8, 2022
Today all Americans stand with our great friends across the Atlantic in mourning the monumental loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Elaine and I extend our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/gtEoyH4GWj
— Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) September 8, 2022
Today, Americans join the people of the United Kingdom in mourning the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Over her seven decades on the throne, Her Majesty was a pillar of leadership in the global arena and a devoted friend of freedom.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) September 8, 2022
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II represented what it means to lead with conviction, selflessness, and faith in God and in her people.
She led her people with grace, showing what servant-leadership means in principle and in practice.
I join the world in mourning her loss.— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) September 8, 2022
JUST IN: Former Pres. Jimmy Carter on Queen Elizabeth II: "Her dignity, graciousness, and sense of duty have been an inspiration, and we join the millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader." https://t.co/yN33af4FVb pic.twitter.com/0Nlo81qxnq
— ABC News (@ABC) September 8, 2022
"Queen Elizabeth ably led England through dark moments with her confidence in her people and her vision for a brighter tomorrow. Our world benefitted from her steady resolve, and we are grateful for her decades of service as sovereign." - President Bush https://t.co/aG8uVcMaJo pic.twitter.com/FKQnq6ANoh
— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) September 8, 2022
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. pic.twitter.com/sbID222iSQ
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 8, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and all the people Her Majesty inspired throughout her lifetime of service. pic.twitter.com/r5pjncyCu8
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) September 8, 2022
Just in via TruthSocial: Trump statement on passing of Queen Elizabeth pic.twitter.com/PnwudFVZ7K
— Jenn Pellegrino (@JennPellegrino) September 8, 2022
So sad for Great Britain, the UK, the entire Commonwealth and the world for the loss of the gracious and noble service of a most revered Queen Elizabeth II. Thoughts and prayers for the Royal Family and may Her Highness rest in eternal peace. https://t.co/9iwzVzZKMw
— Richard Gotfried 高 飛 (@RichardGotfried) September 8, 2022
I feel honored to have met HM Queen Elizabeth, and I am very sad to hear of her passing. My deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the British people. https://t.co/fPbpAt5ILv
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) September 8, 2022
A statement from His Majesty The King: pic.twitter.com/AnBiyZCher
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
We shall not know her kind again, Queen Elizabeth II, the last great pillar of stability and dignity in a world of chaos and vulgarity. pic.twitter.com/xi8pN1jlJe
— David W. Brown (@dwbwriter) September 8, 2022
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.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 8, 2022
Queen Elizabeth II's reign spanned all of spaceflight, predating both Sputnik and Explorer 1.
As we join the planet in marking her passing, we are moved by the curiosity Her Royal Highness showed our explorers over the years. pic.twitter.com/ZAVFjDA8gv— NASA (@NASA) September 8, 2022
She was the Queen for all my life; a sad farewell to a remarkably strong woman. RIP now Queen Elizabeth II
— Paul Young (@PaulYoungParlez) September 8, 2022
For my whole life Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has always been there. In my childhood I can recall watching her wedding highlights on TV. I remember her as a beautiful young lady, to the much beloved grandmother of the nation. My deepest sympathies are with the Royal family. pic.twitter.com/3JLILZDKwK
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) September 8, 2022
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) September 8, 2022
The Muhammad Ali Center extends condolences on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Muhammad had a deep love for Great Britain.
The Center sends healing thoughts to family and friends of the Queen, and all those who are mourning this significant loss. pic.twitter.com/Ioco5Dneet— Muhammad Ali Center (@AliCenter) September 8, 2022
George W. Bush: Queen Elizabeth II was ‘a woman of great intellect, charm, and wit’
What happens after the Queen’s death? What to know about the line to the British throne
Who were the longest living British monarchs? What to know after Queen Elizabeth’s death