With the passing of the Queen Elizabeth II this afternoon at the age of 96, the world has been thrown into mourning. Several condolence messages have been pouring in from world leaders.
The Queen, whose reign spanned 70 years, was last seen in public on Tuesday when she formally appointed Liz Truss as the UK’s new prime minister. A photograph from the audience showed the monarch smiling, standing in the drawing room in Balmoral, carrying a walking stick.
There have been concerns over the Queen’s health ever since a brief hospital stay last October. She has experienced episodic mobility issues, which have at times caused her to withdraw from official engagements.
But those concerns grew deeper on Wednesday when Buckingham Palace announced the Queen had postponed a virtual meeting of her Privy Council after being advised by doctors to rest.
On Thursday, the palace announced that the Queen was under medical supervision, but said she was “comfortable” at Balmoral. As her children rushed to her side during the day, it became clear the situation was serious.
President Biden of the US has orders flags at half-staff at White House and other federal building and military facilities. The proclamation also orders US embassies overseas, to fly flags at half-staff “until the day of internment.”
In his message, the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres described the Queen as a “good friend” of the UN, adding: “She was a reassuring presence throughout decades of sweeping change, including the decolonization of Africa and Asia and the evolution of the Commonwealth.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it was “with the heaviest of hearts” that Canada learned of the monarch’s passing.
President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, who noted that the country had lost “a remarkable friend,” further conveyed his condolence. “Her Majesty served the British people with exceptional dignity. Her personal commitment to her role and extraordinary sense of duty were the hallmarks of her period as Queen, which will hold a unique place in British history,” Higgins said.
Also, former US Presidents were not left out in their commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II’s life and service.
Fourteen US Presidents served during the Queen’s seven-decade reign, and the living former Presidents are releasing statements of condolence following her death.
Former President Barack Obama, in a joint statement with first lady Michelle Obama, said they are “awed by her legacy of tireless, dignified public service.”
The statement read: “Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us.”
“Back when we were just beginning to navigate life as President and First Lady, she welcomed us to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity. Time and again, we were struck by her warmth,” they added.
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 President Donald Trump also issued a statement on the death of the Queen, writing in part, “her leadership and enduring diplomacy secured and advanced alliances with the United States and countries around the world. However, she will always be remembered for her faithfulness to her country and her unwavering devotion to her fellow countrymen and women.”
“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!” Trump also said.
Meanwhile, 43rd President George Bush wrote that “spending time at Buckingham Palace, and having tea with Her Majesty – and her Corgis – is among our fondest memories of the presidency.”
“Laura and I were honored to have known Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a woman of great intellect, charm, and wit,” he 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,” Bush added.
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton marked Queen Elizabeth’s passing by remembering her as a someone with “unfailing grace, dignity, and genuine care for the welfare of all its people.”
“In sunshine or storm, she was a source of stability, serenity, and strength,” they said in a statement provided to CNN by a Clinton spokesperson.
While condolences are still pouring in from Heads of States, others are coming in from other British power brokers.
In a televised video statement, UK Opposition leader Keir Starmer mourned the end of Britain’s “Elizabethan era” following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.
Starmer, who is the leader of the UK’s Labour Party, paid tribute to the UK’s longest serving and “greatest ever monarch.”
“Around the world, people are united and united in celebrating her life. This togetherness is a reminder of what she achieved, a reminder of our shared values, which I know will be upheld by her beloved son, Charles, our new king. So as our great Elizabethan era comes to an end, we will honor the late Queen’s memory by keeping alive the values of public service she embodied,” Starmer said.
He stressed that the British public will “always treasure Queen Elizabeth II’s life of service and devotion.”
Britain’s former Prime Minister Theresa May, in a released statement paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
“Her Majesty devoted herself unreservedly to a life of service. She was respected and admired not only by her own people but far beyond our family of nations,” she tweeted. “As our longest reigning monarch, Her Majesty witnessed tremendous change, moving adroitly with the times but always providing stability and reassurance. She was our constant throughout this great Elizabethan era.”
The Queen’s eldest son, Charles, immediately became King of the United Kingdom upon the death of his mother.
The Royal family referred to Charles as King in announcing the death of Queen Elizabeth. The tweet referred to Camila as the Queen Consort.
As heir apparent since the age of three, he has been the longest serving heir to the throne in British history.
Upon becoming the sovereign, Charles has the option to take any name he chooses for his reign as King. For example, King George VI’s real name was actually Albert. Two previous monarchs have been called Charles.
Excerpts from CNN
