LONDON –
Queen Elizabeth II is much more than the monarch of England. She has sovereignty over 14 other countries and is a rare figure on the world stage admired by most. Her reach cuts across hemispheres, generations, social and political divisions.
Widespread tributes following her death on Thursday came not only from US President Joe Biden but also from Russian President Vladimir Putin. They come from other monarchs, leaders, rock stars and thousands of admirers.
Elizabeth is Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, serving 70 years. She has been on the throne since 1952, when the country was still rebuilding after the devastation of the Second World War. She has become a global symbol of composure and resilience through decades of political upheaval and social change.
During her reign, Elizabeth met more than a dozen American presidents. US President Joe Biden said he was informed of her death by senior advisers during a meeting in the Oval Office.
He and first lady Jill Biden said in a statement she was a “female statesman of unparalleled dignity and steadfastness who has deepened the foundational alliance between the UK and United States,” he and first lady Jill Biden said in a statement, she “defined an era”.
The Bidens later went to the British Embassy to offer their condolences. “We mourn for all of you. She was a wonderful woman,” Biden can be heard telling embassy staff.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a telegram to King Charles III, son of Elizabeth, who has automatically become the new monarch.
For decades, Elizabeth II enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects and authority on the world stage.
Elizabeth was mourned all over Europe. In France, Britain’s historic rival and contemporary ally, officials ordered flags at the presidential palace and public buildings to be lowered to half staff on Friday.
President Emmanuel Macron praised her “immutable moral authority” and extensive knowledge of the French language.
He said no foreign monarch has visited the presidential palace more often than Elizabeth, who knew all eight current French presidents.
“The woman who stood with the giants of the 20th century on the path of history left to join them,” Macron said in a statement.
The mourners also gathered at the British Embassy in Paris.
“She has always been a constant in my life,” said Robert Miller, 70, a London resident in Paris.
“Even though I know she’s very old, she was still doing her job until yesterday,” he said. “Like anyone’s mother, you know, even if you think things are going well, at some point the era comes to an end, and you’re sad.”
Even in places with a complicated relationship with the British monarchy, tributes flowed. In India, once a British colony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Elizabeth “a solid member of our time.”
“She personified dignity and decency in public life,” Modi tweeted.
The queen’s death comes as a growing number of British territories in the Caribbean are seeking to replace the monarch with their head of state amid demands for an apology from Britain for colonial abuses and the handover of royalties. slave reparations for his former colonies.
However, Caribbean leaders from Jamaica to Bermuda and beyond all mourned her death.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said for many years she visited the island every decade.
“Without a doubt, she formed a special bond with the people of Jamaica,” he said. “We are deeply saddened that we will not see her light again, but we will remember her historic reign.”
Bermuda Premier David Burt noted that her reign “has spanned decades with such enormous change for the UK and the world.”
It’s not just England that lost its queen. Elizabeth also has sovereignty over 14 other countries including Jamaica, Canada, Australia, the Solomon Islands and New Zealand.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she was woken up a little before 5am by a policeman who shone a torch into her bedroom to report the news.
Ardern says the queen was an extraordinary woman, whom she will remember for her laughter. Like so many others, she not only felt sad but also deeply grateful.
“This is a woman who has completely dedicated her life to serving others. And no matter what anyone thinks about the role of monarchies around the world, there’s no denying it, I think here. , a display of someone who stood for everything Ardern said.
In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was having a hard time believing he had the last sit-down conversation with Elizabeth: “I miss those conversations,” he said.
Elizabeth has visited Canada about 22 times as monarch.
“For most Canadians, we know no other sovereign,” Trudeau said. He said she was a “regular presence in our lives – and her service to the people of Canada will forever be an important part of our country’s history. “
Former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, who led a failed campaign for the Australian president to replace the British monarch as Australia’s head of state, was close to tears as he paid tribute to Elizabeth.
Turnbull told Australian Broadcasting Corp.
Elizabeth’s death caught everyone’s attention in China, where it was a trending topic on social media.
“I feel quite sad,” said Bao Huifang, a lawyer in Beijing. “She played a very important role in stabilizing Britain and the world.”
Cao Xiufeng, a retiree from Beijing, 76, said she admires Elizabeth very much.
Cao said, “Her style and temperament are unusual.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent his condolences, noting that Elizabeth was the first British monarch to visit China.
Elizabeth’s death comes amid increasingly tense relations between Britain and China. Xi said he was willing to work with King Charles III to promote “healthy and stable” bilateral relations.
Elizabeth is mourning across the 54-nation commonwealth, a bloc built around England and its former colonies.
In Ghana, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo recalled Elizabeth’s visit to his country and praised “the friendliness, elegance, style and sheer joy she brought in the performance of her duties. his service.”
He said in a statement.
At the United Nations, the Security Council stood by the protest in silence at the start of its meeting on Ukraine. UN Ambassador to France Nicolas De Riviere, chairman of the council, expressed condolences on behalf of the 15 members.
Elizabeth presided over “a period of historic change for her country and the world,” he said. “Her life was dedicated to serving her country.”
Royals across Europe also mourned Elizabeth’s death.
Her life “was an example for all of us and will forever be a precious and solid legacy for generations to come,” Spain’s King Felipe VI said in a telegram to King Charles III.
“We will miss her so much,” he wrote, speaking to himself and his wife.
King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden called her “a constant presence, not only in British society but also on the international stage.”
In Norway, King Harald said that for “nearly a century, the Queen has dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth, closely following the British people through their good days and bad, in times of happiness.” and grief.”
The King and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia also offered condolences. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the queen was “an example of wisdom, love and peace.”
In America, tributes come not only from the young ladies but from all the living former presidents.
Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, said she has made “her own role of Queen – with a dynasty defined by grace, elegance and tireless work ethic.” George W. Bush called her “a woman of great intellect, charm and wit”, and Jimmy Carter said Elizabeth’s “dignity, courtesy, and sense of responsibility” were inspirational.
Rock star Elton John paid his respects at a concert in Toronto, saying he was inspired by her and was saddened by her passing. “She guided the nation through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, dignity, and genuine concern,” said John.
Praise even came from the fictional Paddington Bear, the beloved character in British children’s books. The bear shared tea with the queen in a video shown in June during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
“Thank you, for everything,” said a statement on Paddington Bear’s Twitter feed.
