Reactions to the death of Elizabeth II

Death of Elizabeth II

File:Elizabeth II Death Notice at Holyrood Palace.jpg
Date	8 September 2022 (2022-09-08)
Location	Balmoral Castle, Scotland
Coordinates

Elizabeth II, the Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms, died on 8 September 2022, sparking reactions from around the world.

National

Political

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Liz Truss issued a statement regarding the Queen's death, calling her "the rock on which modern Britain was built".

Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair said: "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."

Former Prime Minister David Cameron said: "At this solemn and profoundly sad time for our country, the Commonwealth and the world, I offer His Majesty The King and the whole Royal Family, my heartfelt condolences on the death of Queen Elizabeth II."

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "The death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth is a profoundly sad moment for the UK, the Commonwealth and the world. Her life was one of extraordinary dedication and service. On behalf of the people of Scotland, I convey my deepest condolences to The King and the Royal Family."

Public figures

Rockstar Ozzy Osbourne said "I mourn with my country the passing of our greatest Queen," the Black Sabbath frontman wrote on Twitter, sharing a picture of the monarch. "With a heavy heart, I say it is devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II.”

Gary Lineker has paid tribute to the Queen after it was announced she has died at the age of 96. Writing on Twitter, Lineker, 61, said: "Such a terribly sad day. Her Majesty The Queen has died. "A truly remarkable woman who served her country with dignity, loyalty and grace. "A comforting ever present in the lives of most of us. "Rest in Peace, Your Majesty.”

Stephen Fry admitted that he was "sobbing" following news of the death of the Queen. "Oh dear. Oh my. Oh heavens. Bless my soul. Oh lor. Heck," the actor and comedian wrote on Twitter. In a separate post, he added: "I don't know why I’m sobbing. Silly really. Oh dear."

International

Asia

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, tweeted his tribute to the monarch, highlighting his visits with her and her kindness and warmth.

Europe

French President Emmanuel Macron said in a statement on Twitter that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has embodied the British nation's continuity and unity for over 70 years. "I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century," Macron said.

The German Bundestag interrupted its debate in the evening to honour the late British Queen Elizabeth II in a minute of remembrance. The parliamentarians rose from their seats. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the queen "was an example and inspiration to millions, also here in Germany. Her commitment to German-British reconciliation after the horrors of World War II will never be forgotten. She will be missed, not the least for her wonderful humour." President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in a statement that "her natural authority, her immense experience, her exemplary performance of duty will remain in our living memory." He added that after World War II, "the hand of reconciliation was also the hand the of Queen.

The President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins in a statement said: "it is with profound regret and deep personal sadness" that he learned of her death, and expressed his "heartfelt sympathy" to the royal family on their loss. "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."

Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković released a statement stating: "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a source of inspiration to generations. Her example of leadership and service to her nation will remain an everlasting testament. I offer my most sincere condolences to the Royal Family and to the British people.

Sauli Niinistö the President of Finland wrote that he was deeply saddened of the news of the Queens passing and Prime Minister Sanna Marin offered her condolences to the British Royal family and the peoples of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

Royals

His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and Princess Beatrix expressed in a statement on the website of the Dutch royal house: "We remember Queen Elizabeth II with deep respect and great affection. Steadfast and wise, she dedicated her long life to serving the British people. We feel a strong bond with the United Kingdom and its royal family, and we share their sorrow at this time. We are very grateful for our countries’ close friendship, to which Queen Elizabeth made such an unforgettable contribution."

His Majesty King Harald V of Norway, the Queen's second cousin, expressed in a statement on the website of the Norwegian royal family: "Our thoughts go to His Majesty the King and the closest family after the passing of Queen Elizabeth. Throughout a century the Queen dedicated herself devotedly to her deed, and followed the British people through joys and sorrows, in ups and downs. Our condolences go also to the British people."

North America

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement on Twitter offering his condolences for the Queen's death. He later made additional comments at a cabinet retreat in Vancouver stating that she had been one of his favourite people and that all of Canada was in mourning.

U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden released a statement on Twitter following the Queen's death. In addition, many U.S governors, including Kathy Hochul (Governor of New York) and Phil Murphy (Governor of New Jersey) also released statements. Additional condolence statements were issued by Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, and George W. Bush.

Foreign politicians who sent messages of condolences include Jonas Gahr Støre, and Shehbaz Sharif.

Organizations

NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg has tweeted: "Deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For more than 70 years, she exemplified selfless leadership and public service. My deepest condolences to the Royal Family, to our #NATO Allies the United Kingdom and Canada, and to the people of the Commonwealth."