Condolences have poured across the globe as world leaders offered tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after Britain’s longest-serving monarch passed away on Thursday at 96.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “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.”
U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and wrote “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more thana monarch, she defined and 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.”
Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Liz Truss, who met the 96-year-old monarch two days back, said wrote “The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime. My thoughts – and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom – are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time.” “Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built. Our country has grown and flourished under her reign. Britain is the great country it is today because of her.”
Former UK finance minister Rishi Sunak said that “Concerning news from Buckingham Palace today. My thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty and all the Royal Family.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to his twitter and wrote “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.”
French President Emmanuel Macron wrote “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years,” Macron wrote in a tweet. “I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “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.”
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair tweeted “We have lost not just our monarch but the matriarch of our nation, the figure who more than any other brought our country together, kept us in touch with our better nature, personified everything which makes us proud to be British. We will mourn her. We will miss her. But our overwhelming sentiment will be of gratitude, profound, heartfelt and sincere thanks for what she did, what she stood for, for the life she lived and for what she gave us, her grateful subjects. Her reign was indeed glorious. And it was our great good fortune to have had her reign over us.”
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton tweeted “My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and all the people Her Majesty inspired throughout her lifetime of service.”
Former U.S. President George W. Bush wrote “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.”
Former U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama tweeted “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.”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump took to his Twitter and wrote “Melania and I will always cherish our time together with the Queen, and never forget Her Majesty’s generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor. What a grand and beautiful lady she was – there was nobody like her!”
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter tweeted “Rosalynn and I extend our condolences to the family of Queen Elizabeth II and the citizens of the United Kingdom. Her dignity, graciousness, and sense of duty have been an inspiration, and we join the millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader.”
In 2015, Queen Elizabeth became the longest serving British monarch, surpassing her great-great grandmother Queen Victoria. This year she became the world’s longest reigning monarch. The UK celebrated the Queen’s platinum jubilee to mark 70 years of service to the nation with grand events in June 2022.
