President of the United States of America, Joe Biden has joined leaders around the world to pay tribute the late Queen Elizabeth II who passed on, on Thursday.
Biden who expressed his condolence in a lengthy statement described the Queen as “the first British monarch to whom people all around the world could feel a personal and immediate connection.”
He said, the queen “dedicated her whole life to their service.”
Part of the statement reads: “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.
“She was the first British monarch to whom people all around the world could feel a personal and immediate connection—whether they heard her on the radio as a young princess speaking to the children of the United Kingdom, or gathered around their televisions for her coronation, or watched her final Christmas speech or her Platinum Jubilee on their phones. And she, in turn, dedicated her whole life to their service.”
“Supported by her beloved Prince Philip for 73 years, Queen Elizabeth II led always with grace, an unwavering commitment to duty, and the incomparable power of her example. She endured the dangers and deprivations of a world war alongside the British people and rallied them during the devastation of a global pandemic to look to better days ahead. Through her dedication to her patronages and charities, she supported causes that uplifted people and expanded opportunity. By showing friendship and respect to newly independent nations around the world, she elevated the cause of liberty and fostered enduring bonds that helped strengthen the Commonwealth, which she loved so deeply, into a community to promote peace and shared values.”
“Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special.”
“We first met the Queen in 1982, traveling to the UK as part of a Senate delegation. And we were honored that she extended her hospitality to us in June 2021 during our first overseas trip as President and First Lady, where she charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness, and generously shared with us her wisdom. All told, she met 14 American presidents. She helped Americans commemorate both the anniversary of the founding of Jamestown and the bicentennial of our independence. And she stood in solidarity with the United States during our darkest days after 9/11, when she poignantly reminded us that “Grief is the price we pay for love.”
“In the years ahead, we look forward to continuing a close friendship with The King and The Queen Consort. Today, the thoughts and prayers of people all across the United States are with the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in their grief. We send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who are not only mourning their Queen, but their dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world.”
In the same vein, French President Emmanuel Macron said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 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.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the Queen as a “role model and inspiration for millions”. He praised the Queen’s role in repairing relations between the UK and Germany after “the horrors of World War II”, saying: “She will be missed, not least her wonderful humour.”
Also, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada said: “She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history. I will miss her so.”
France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, as a sign of mourning posted a simple picture of the Queen on his Twitter account, without any words.
Similarly, Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin while expressing his condolence to King Charles for the “irreparable loss” of his mother, said the queen had “rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage. We wish you courage and resilience in the face of this difficult, irreparable loss. May I ask you to pass on sincere condolences and support to members of the royal family and the entire people of Great Britain.”
Ireland’s president, Michael D Higgins, in his condolence to the royal family described the late monarch as “a remarkable friend of Ireland” as he offered his condolences to the royal family.
He said: “Her Majesty served the British people with exceptional dignity,” he said. “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. Layinga firm basis for authentic and ethical understanding between our countries, and for refusing to shy away from the shadows of the past when she visited the country in 2011.”
Canada’s prime minister, Justin Trudeau, called the Queen “a constant presence in our lives” and said his compatriots would always “remember and cherish Her Majesty’s wisdom, compassion, and warmth”.
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Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister, said she would be remembered as “a stalwart of our times” who had “personified dignity and decency in public life”.
The president of Pakistan, Arif Alvi, offered his “sincere condolences to the royal family, the government, and the people of Great Britain on the sad demise of Queen Elizabeth II, the second longest-reigning monarch in the history of Great Britain”.
Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 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.
New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, said flags would fly at half-mast and arrangements would be made for a state memorial service.
“I know that I speak for people across New Zealand in offering our deepest sympathy to members of the royal family at the passing of the Queen,” said Ardern.
“To us she was a much-admired and respected monarch, to them she was a mother and grandmother.”
Jamaica’s prime minister, Andrew Holness, expressed his “great and profound sadness”, adding: “We join our brothers and sisters in the Commonwealth in mourning her passing, and pray for the comfort of the members of her family, and the people of the United Kingdom, as they grieve the loss of their beloved Queen and matriarch.”
António Guterres, the United Nations secretary general, said he had been deeply saddened by the Queen’s death.
“She was a good friend to the UN and a reassuring presence through decades of change,” he said. “Her unwavering, lifelong dedication will be long remembered.”
He also said the Queen had been “a reassuring presence throughout decades of sweeping change” that had included the decolonisation of Africa and Asia and the evolution of the Commonwealth.
Italy’s prime minister, Mario Draghi, expressed his condolences, describing the Queen as “the absolute protagonist of world history for the past 70 years” and a woman who had represented the UK and the Commonwealth with fairness, balance, wisdom and respect.
“She guaranteed stability in times of crisis and has been able to keep the value of tradition alive in a society in constant and profound evolution,” he added.
Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish prime minister, paid tribute to “figure of global significance, a witness and author of British and European history”, while the Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, remembered a monarch who had “combined a strong sense of duty and unflinching resolve with a light touch and a sense of humour”.
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, spoke of his “deep sadness” at the news, saying the UK and the Commonwealth had suffered “an “irreparable loss” and offered his thoughts and prayers.
In a letter to King Charles III, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed “sincere condolences on behalf of the European Union”. She added: “Her reign defined the history of your nation and our continent. She symbolised the best of the United Kingdom, its people and its values. She meant so much to so many and, on a personal note, has been an inspiration throughout my life.”
Other European monarchies offered their sympathies and shared their memories.
The royal house of Norway said it was “deeply saddened at the news’”, while the Dutch king, Willem-Alexander, said the “steadfast and wise” Queen had 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,” he added.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians said: “We will always keep fond memories of this great lady, who throughout her reign, showed dignity, courage and devotion … The United Kingdom has lost an exceptional monarch who left a deep mark on history.”