The news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II provoked an outpouring of sympathy and grief from across the world.
Her Majesty The Queen passed away at Balmoral on Thursday afternoon, at the age of 96.
The Royal Family had confirmed earlier in the day that the Queen’s doctors had been worried about her health, and within moments of the official announcement at 6.30pm, figures from around the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the world began to arrive.
His Majesty King paid a moving tribute to his mother and predecessor.
‘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,’ he said in a statement.
‘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, the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
‘During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.’
A statement from His Majesty The King: pic.twitter.com/AnBiyZCher
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, released a moving statement via social media, saying that ‘in losing out beloved Queen, we have lost the person whose steadfast loyalty, service and humility has helped us make sense of who we are through decades of extraordinary change in our world, nation and society.’
With profound sadness, I join the nation, the Commonwealth and the world in mourning the death of Her Late Majesty The Queen.https://t.co/LKHdaJQYgN pic.twitter.com/Ka89dFDMfU
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) September 8, 2022
The newly-installed Prime Minister Liz Truss said that ‘we are all devastated by the news from Balmoral,’ and called Her Majesty ‘the rock on which modern Britain was built. Our country has grown and flourished under her reign.’
"Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built"
Prime Minister Liz Truss pays tribute to the Queen Elizabeth II, who has died aged 96https://t.co/qmv4KQNpMs pic.twitter.com/TVoyQ4Grb0
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) September 8, 2022
Sir Keir Starmer, leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, said that The Queen ‘stood not for what the nation fought over, but what it agreed upon. As Britain changed rapidly around her, this dedication became the still point of our turning world.’
Queen Elizabeth II
21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022 pic.twitter.com/k8IDgKoGgt
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 8, 2022
Ex-prime minister Boris Johnson paid an eloquent and moving tribute, calling it ‘our country’s saddest day’, adding that ‘she brought her smile and warmth and her gentle humour — and for an unrivalled 70 years she spread that magic around her kingdom.’
Statement on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (1/3) pic.twitter.com/kDN6cW8Njp
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) September 8, 2022
US President Joe Biden said that Her Majesty ‘was more than a monarch. She defined an era… Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world.’
Statement of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on the Death of Queen Elizabeth II pic.twitter.com/vnaeiKK4ye
— CSPAN (@cspan) September 8, 2022
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy also made time to post a message, saying ‘On behalf of the ?? people, we extend sincere condolences to the
Royal Family, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss.’
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 @RoyalFamily, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 8, 2022
Former US president Barack Obama posted a warm tribute on Instagram: ‘Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance.’
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Figures from the world of entertainment also paid their respects, with Elton John calling her ‘an inspiring presence’.
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Mick Jagger struck a similar note, explaining how the Queen’s reign had been the backdrop of his life since he was a small child, and calling her ‘the much beloved grandmother of the nation.’
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
Stephen Fry’s reaction couldn’t have been more different, yet was equally heartfelt.
Oh dear. Oh my. Oh heavens. Bless my soul. Oh lor. Heck.
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) September 8, 2022
The same could be said of American actress Whoopi Goldberg, whose wonderful recollection says everything about a monarch who truly could — and did — enjoy mixing with everyone she came across.
Several years ago, I met Queen Elizebeth at The Royal Variety Performance of 2009. As she approached me, all i could think of was WTH?? I’m an American kid from the projects and I’m in the company of the Queen of England. I was in awe. Rest In Peace. God Save the King
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) September 8, 2022
And finally, several artists spoke with their paints and pencils, among them Charlie Mackesy:
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And another artist, Kerri Murphy, shared a lovely image which brought a tear to the eye.
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Her Majesty The Queen dies aged 96
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96.