The world has reacted after the Queen’s death aged 96 as the monarch is praised for her “unbreakable commitment to duty”.
Buckingham Palace announced the heartbreaking news on Thursday, bringing Her Majesty’s 70-year reign to an end.
In a tweet following the news, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “Few have shaped global history like Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her unbreakable commitment to duty and service was an example to all.
“The world mourns with her people in the United Kingdom and beyond. She was truly Queen Elizabeth the Great. May she rest in peace.”
The Queen has died aged 96
Kirsty O'Connor
France’s 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.”
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “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.”
While Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey added: “We are all deeply mourning the profound loss of a great monarch, who served our country so faithfully all her life and who was loved the world over.
“For many people, including myself, the Queen was an ever-fixed mark in our lives. As the world changed around us and politicians came and went, the Queen was our nation’s constant.
“The Queen represented duty and courage, as well as warmth and compassion. She was a living reminder of our collective past, of the greatest generation and their sacrifices for our freedom.”
French President Emmanuel Macron has paid tribute to Her Majesty
LUDOVIC MARIN
European Council President Charles Michel tweeted: “Our thoughts are with the royal family and all those who mourn Queen Elizabeth II in the UK and worldwide.
“Once called Elizabeth the Steadfast, she never failed to show us the importance of lasting values in a modern world with her service and commitment.”
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, also paid tribute, saying: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered as a stalwart of our times.
She provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people. She personified dignity and decency in public life. Pained by her demise.
“My thoughts are with her family and people of UK in this sad hour.”
The official account of Paddington Bear also tweeted its respects to the Queen.
“Thank you Ma’am, for everything,” the account wrote.
The pair recently appeared in a comical sketch together as part of celebrations for the monarch’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The video showed them sharing tea and marmalade sandwiches in Buckingham Palace.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen offered her “heartfelt condolences” to the Royal Family and the British people following the death of the Queen.
She tweeted: “It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“She was the world’s longest-serving head of state and one of the most respected personalities worldwide. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the royal family and the British people.”
Former US President Barack Obama said he and wife Michelle had been “awed” by the Queen’s “legacy of tireless, dignified public service”.
In a statement posted on Twitter, he said her Majesty had “captivated the world”, adding: “Her Majesty was just 25 years old when she took on the enormous task of helming one of the world’s great democracies.
“In the decades that followed, she would go on to make the role of Queen her own – with a reign defined by grace, elegance, and a tireless work ethic, defying the odds and expectations placed on women of her generation.”
Joe Biden has also paid tribute to the Queen
EVELYN HOCKSTEIN
Mr Obama added that the Queen had been “responsible for considerable diplomatic achievements”, but also paid tribute to her willingness to take part in a comedy sketch at the London Olympics opening ceremony in 2012.
“Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us,” he said.
“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, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humour and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance.”
While US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill said the Queen “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.”
The pair added: “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.”
The pair said they first met the Queen in 1982 and when they made their first overseas trip to the UK as President and First Lady in 2021 “she charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness, and generously shared with us her wisdom”.
The Queen met 14 US presidents, helped commemorate key anniversaries in American history and “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”.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said the country would be holding three days of official mourning in honour of the Queen.
He described the monarch as not just the Queen of England but a “Queen to all of us”, adding that she was an “extraordinary and unique woman, whose example of leadership, humility and love for (her) homeland will continue to inspire us and the whole world until the end of time”.
US Vice President Kamala Harris tweeted: “Queen Elizabeth II lived an incredible life of service and had a profound impact on countless lives and historic events.
“We send our condolences to the royal family and join the people of the United Kingdom and all those around the world who mourn her loss."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on Twitter: "It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"On behalf of the people, we extend sincere condolences to the Royal Family, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."