Queen Elizabeth II: World Leaders Remember a ‘Kind-Hearted Queen’
World leaders and dignitaries have been paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who died at the age of 96.
Queen Elizabeth II: World leaders remember a ‘kind-hearted Queen’
They have honored her deep sense of duty and her resilience, as well as the Queen’s sense of humor and kindness.
France’s Emmanuel Macron led the tributes, remembering “a kind-hearted queen” who was “a friend of France”.
US President Joe Biden first met Her Majesty 40 years ago and described her as “more than a monarch – she defined an era”.
Remembering his visit to the UK in 2021 as president, Mr. Biden said “she charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness, and generously shared with us her wisdom”.
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“Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity constancy who deepened the bedrock of the Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special,” Mr. Biden added.
Chinese President Xi Jinping offered “sincere sympathies to the British government and people” following the Queen’s death, adding: “Her passing is a great loss to the British people.”
Canada – where Queen Elizabeth was head of state – has seen 12 prime ministers during her reign.
An emotional Justin Trudeau – who has known the Queen for decades, first meeting her as a child when his father was prime minister – said she had “a deep and abiding love for Canadians”.
“In a complicated world, her steady grace and resolve brought comfort to us all,” the prime minister said, adding that he would miss their “chats” where she was “thoughtful, wise, curious, helpful, funny and so much more”.
“She was one of my favorite people in the world, and I will miss her so,” he said, holding back tears.
King Charles III makes first address to the UK as sovereign
‘An extraordinary personality’
Flags have been lowered to half-mast around the world – including at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the Queen’s “empathy and ability to connect with every passing generation, while remaining rooted in the tradition that truly mattered to her, was an example of true leadership”.
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, now the world’s only reigning female monarch, wrote to King Charles to express her condolences.
“She was a towering figure among the European monarchs and great inspiration to us all,” she wrote.
She called the Queen’s 70-year reign in difficult and positive times an “unprecedented and remarkable achievement”.
King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands – who is Queen Elizabeth’s fifth cousin – said he and Queen Maxima remembered the “steadfast and wise” monarch with “deep respect and great affection”.
Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf, also a distant relative to Her Majesty, said: “She has always been dear to my family and a precious link in our shared family history.”
And Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde said she was “an extraordinary personality… who, throughout her reign, showed dignity, courage, and devotion”.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz paid tribute to the Queen’s “wonderful humor” and said in a statement that “her commitment to German-British reconciliation after the horrors of World War Two will remain unforgotten”.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled his “memorable meetings” with the monarch during two UK visits.
“I will never forget her warmth and kindness,” he tweeted. “During one of the meetings, she showed me the handkerchief Mahatma Gandhi gifted her at her wedding. I will always cherish that gesture.”
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent their condolences, with the king describing her as “a role model for leadership that will be immortalized in history”.
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‘A reassuring presence’
As monarch for seven decades, Queen Elizabeth lived through times of extraordinary change, and this was reflected in several tributes.
Mr. Macron observed that she “embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years” and former US President Barack Obama observed that she lived “through periods of prosperity and stagnation – from the Moon landing to the fall of the Berlin Wall”.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his “deep sorrow”. “The death of the queen, who led Britain through turbulent times in the world, is a great loss not only for the British people but also the international community,” he told reporters.
Irish President Michael D Higgins honored the Queen’s “extraordinary sense of duty”, which he said would “hold a unique place in British history”.
“Her reign of 70 years encompassed periods of enormous change, during which she represented a remarkable source of reassurance to the British people,” he said in a lengthy statement.
Ireland’s Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, spoke of her reign as one of “historic duration” and described the Queen’s passing as “the end of an era”. “Her dedication to duty and public service were self-evident and her wisdom and experience truly unique.” Mr. Martin said in a statement. He also recalled her “many gracious gestures and warm remarks” during a state visit to Ireland in 2011.
António Guterres, the UN secretary-general, said Queen Elizabeth was “a reassuring presence throughout decades of sweeping change, including the decolonisation of Africa and Asia and the evolution of the Commonwealth”.
In a statement, he paid tribute to “her unwavering, lifelong dedication to serving her people. The world will long remember her devotion and leadership”.
Queen Elizabeth visited Australia – another Commonwealth nation where she was head of state – 16 times, the only reigning monarch to head down under.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted that many had never known a world without her.
“Though the noise and tumult of the years, she embodied and exhibited a timeless decency and an enduring calm,” he said in a statement.
“She celebrated our good times, she stood with us in the bad. Happy and glorious, but steadfast too.”
New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, said she was woken to the news of the monarch’s death by a police officer shining a torch into her bedroom at 04:50 to wake her up.
“She was extraordinary… The last days of the Queen’s life capture who she was in so many ways, working to the very end on behalf of the people she loved,” Ms. Ardern said.
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‘She lived history, she made history’
Queen Elizabeth II met 13 US presidents – beginning with Dwight D Eisenhower- during her reign.
Barack Obama said the Queen had “captivated the world” with a “reign defined by grace, elegance and a tireless work ethic”.
“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,” Mr. Obama, who met the Queen on several occasions, said in a statement.
Donald Trump said he would “never forget Her Majesty’s generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor”.
And another former president, George W Bush, reflected fondly on the time he spent having tea with Her Majesty and her corgis, describing her “great intellect, charm and wit”.
Israel‘s President Isaac Herzog, also acknowledged the enormous change the Queen saw throughout her reign, but said that throughout this, she “remained an icon of stable, responsible leadership and a beacon of morality, humanity, and patriotism”.
While the Queen did not visit Israel, Princes Charles, Edward, William, and the late Prince Philip – whose mother is buried in Jerusalem – did.
“Queen Elizabeth II was a great historical figure: she lived history, she made history, and with her passing, she leaves a magnificent, inspirational legacy,” President Herzog wrote.
King Abdullah II of Jordan said his country “mourns the passing of an iconic leader”. He said the Queen, who visited Jordan in 1984, was “a beacon of wisdom and principled leadership… a partner for Jordan and a dear family friend”.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted that. It was with “deep sadness” that he learned of “this irreparable loss”.
And Russian leader Vladimir Putin who met the Queen several times and once reportedly kept her waiting for 14 minutes, sent his “deepest condolences” to King Charles III.
” The most important events in the recent history of the United Kingdom inextricably linked with the name of Her Majesty,” Mr. Putin wrote in a statement. ”
For many decades, Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects. As well as authority on the world stage.”
Russia currently has heavy economic sanctions imposed on it by Western nations, including the UK, because it invades Ukraine.
African leaders also shared tributes for Queen Elizabeth – who knew many of them well and, as the head of the Commonwealth, was sympathetic to their cause.
Kenyan President William Ruto praised her “Historic legacy” and said Kenyans would “miss the cordial ties she enjoyed” with the country.
Kenya was a former British colony that became independent in 1963. It was a very special place for the monarch. For a start, it was where she became Queen. The young princess, then just 25 years old, was on holiday there when her father, King George VI, died in his sleep in 1952.
President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, which is one of the newest nations to join the Commonwealth, said: “The Queen was a great friend of Africa and Africa showed her affection in return.”
And Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo tweeted that his country had fond memories of the two visits the Queen made, remarking on “her friendliness, elegance, style and the sheer joy she brought to the performance of her duties”.
Her first trip to Ghana, also a former British colony, was controversial and there were concerns for the monarch’s safety. Five days earlier, bombs had gone off in the capital, Accra, but the Queen was not deterred, in part because she had already canceled a previous visit when she became pregnant with Prince Andrew.
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Queen Elizabeth II: World leaders remember a ‘kind-hearted Queen’
Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and the nation’s figurehead for seven decades, died on Thursday aged 96.
SHEHBAZ SHARIF, PRIME MINISTER OF PAKISTAN
“Deeply grieved at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Pakistan joins the UK & other Commonwealth nations in mourning her death. My heartfelt condolences to the royal family, people & government of the UK.”
TURKISH PRESIDENT TAYYIP ERDOGAN
Erdogan said he was saddened to learn of Queen Elizabeth’s death and sent his deepest condolences to the royal family and the people and government of the United Kingdom.
OMAN’S SULTAN HAITHAM BIN TARIQ
Expressed his sincere condolences and sincere sympathy to His Majesty, his family and the friendly British people, recalling the merits of the late queen and the position she enjoyed among the peoples of the world.
QATAR’S EMIR SHEIKH TAMIM BIN HAMAD AL-THANI
“The world has unanimously appreciated and respected her. She was a source of inspiration and nobility.”
LEBANON’S PRESIDENT MICHEL AOUN
Emphasising how the Lebanese people were saddened by the loss of the queen: “She was always by their side, especially during the painful circumstances that Lebanon underwent.”
PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT MAHMOUD ABBAS
“Since her accession to the throne and for many decades, she has been giving and doing good and performing her royal duties, leaving behind a rich legacy that will remain engraved in the minds and hearts of generations.”
UAE PRESIDENT MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED
“Her Majesty was a close friend of the UAE and a beloved & respected leader whose long reign was characterised by dignity, compassion & a tireless commitment to serving her country.”
DUBAI RULER SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL-MAKTOUM
“We join the world in mourning the passing of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, a global icon who represented the finest qualities of her nation and people. Her incredible lifetime of service and duty to the United Kingdom is unparalleled in our modern world.”
ABDULLAH BIN AL HUSSEIN, KING OF JORDAN
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a beacon of wisdom and principled leadership for seven decades. She was a partner for Jordan and a dear family friend. We stand with the people and leadership of the UK at this difficult time.”
“Queen Elizabeth will be remembered as a great icon of history who served with grace, dignity and fortitude.”
KUWAIT’S EMIR SHEIKH NAWAF AL-AHMAD AL-JABER AL-SABAH
Offer his condolences and note that the world had lost a great leader who was wise, experienced, and far-sighted. She had a historical stance that contributed to shaping several regions in the contemporary world.
BAHRAIN’S KING HAMAD BIN ISA AL KHALIFA
His Majesty mourned Her Majesty’s passing and emphasised that the world has lost a great source of inspiration and strength whose wisdom and humanity will be missed by all.
SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT YOON SUK-YEOL
“She has a strong belief. In the cause of human freedom and left great legacies of dignity. Her kind heart and good deeds will remain in our memories.”
SINGAPORE PRIME MINISTER LEE HSIEN LOONG
“She performed her duties with devotion, grace, and humility. Her contributions to the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and indeed. To the world will be recorded in history, and she will always be remembered fondly as a great world leader.”
Tsai expressed “deep condolences” for the death. Her office said: “Taiwan and the United Kingdom are united in their gratitude for the Queen’s lifelong contribution to world peace and prosperity; Taiwan will also work with the United Kingdom to continue to work hard for common ideals and values.”
PHILIPPINES PRESIDENT FERDINAND MARCOS JR.
“She exemplified the world a true monarch’s great dignity, commitment to duty, and devotion to all those in her realm.
“The world has lost a true figure of majesty in what she demonstrated throughout her life out her reign as Queen.”
INDONESIAN PRESIDENT JOKO WIDODO
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, a widely admired and beloved queen.”
THAILAND’S MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
“We share with the British people and the international community in mourning this great and irreparable loss.”
MALAYSIA FOREIGN MINISTER SAIFUDDIN ABDULLAH
“Her Majesty was a towering figure and led a lifetime of dedication and service to the people of the UK and the Commonwealth.”
TUVALU ACTING PM AND MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS SIMON KOFE
“We were fortunate to have the Queen visit us in our history, and we recognize her incredible commitment to serving a critical role she has played through transformational times in our world.”
BRAZIL PRESIDENT JAIR BOLSONARO
“She was not only the queen of the British people but a queen for us all.”
SURINAME PRESIDENT CHAN SANTOKHI
“The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a great loss to the world. It marks the end of an era in the history of the British monarchy, the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth of Nations.”
Expressed its “sorrow” at the death of Queen Elizabeth II and said that it “stood by the British people and her family in this moment of pain.”
VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT NICOLAS MADURO
“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II of England, British monarch. We express our condolences to the royal family, the United Kingdom, and the British people, Peace to her Soul!”.
FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH
“Laura and I were honored to have known Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. She was a woman of great intellect, charm, and wit. Spending time at Buckingham Palace and having tea with Her Majesty – and her Corgis – is among our fondest memories of the presidency. Queen Elizabeth ably led England through dark moments with her confidence in her people and her vision for a brighter tomorrow.”
FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and all the people Her Majesty inspired throughout her lifetime of service.”
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