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Queen Elizabeth II: Tributes from around the world to Britain’s longest-serving monarch

Toby Keel Toby Keel

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.

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‘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.’

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.’

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.’

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.’

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.’

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.’

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.’

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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A post shared by Barack Obama (@barackobama)

Figures from the world of entertainment also paid their respects, with Elton John calling her ‘an inspiring presence’.

 

 

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A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn)

 

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.’

Stephen Fry’s reaction couldn’t have been more different, yet was equally heartfelt.

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.

And finally, several artists spoke with their paints and pencils, among them Charlie Mackesy:

 

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A post shared by Charlie Mackesy (@charliemackesy)

And another artist, Kerri Murphy, shared a lovely image which brought a tear to the eye.

 

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A post shared by Kerri (@murphys_sketches)