Reactions to the death of Elizabeth II

Main article: Death of Elizabeth II

Death of Elizabeth II

The death notice of Elizabeth II at Holyrood Palace
Date	8 September 2022 (2022-09-08)
Location	Balmoral Castle, Scotland
Coordinates	57°2′27″N 3°13′48″W

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

United Kingdom

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."

First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said: "it was "incredibly sad" to hear of the passing of the Queen, who reigned for 70 years. "On behalf of the people of Wales I offer our deepest condolences to Her Majesty's family during this sad time,". In a statement Drakeford added "Her Majesty has reigned over the United Kingdom and Commonwealth firmly upholding the values and traditions of the British Monarchy." Flags across Wales have been lowered to half mast as a mark of respect.

in Northern Ireland Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party Jeffrey Donaldson said: "This is just the saddest news and our hearts are breaking. "Her Majesty The Queen was a wonderful lady and I had the privilege of meeting her many times including here at Hillsborough Castle. "People right across Northern Ireland tonight will be deeply sorrowful for the loss of this marvellous, wonderful Queen. "There is no doubt Her Majesty The Queen played a very important role in helping to build reconciliation. Her visit to Dublin was a cathartic moment in the history of British-Irish relations."

Chief Minister of the Isle of Man Alfred Cannan has paid tribute “We are all deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Throughout her long reign, The Queen – our Lord of Mann – has been a beacon of strength and stability, of dependability and continuity. She led a life dedicated to the service of her people, setting an example for us all. On behalf of the Government and people of the Isle of Man, I extend my sincerest condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time.”

Public figures

Rock star Ozzy Osbourne, frontman of Black Sabbath, wrote on Twitter: "I mourn with my country the passing of our greatest Queen. With a heavy heart, I say it is devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II.” He also shared a picture of Elizabeth.

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."

Sir Elton John paid tribute to the Queen saying that she was "a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly", also saying that the Queen had been an "inspiring presence to be around".

Chef Gordon Ramsay posted a picture of the Queen on his Twitter account along with the following tribute: "You will be so missed, a truly remarkable woman who gave so much to us all in Great Britain and worldwide. So humble, selfless and giving. Someone who made such an impact on us all over her decades of service. Rest in perfect peace your Majesty."

Non-Governmental Organisations

The Premier League announced that all matches during the mourning period would be cancelled. The English Football League Championship, Scottish Premiership, NIFL Premiership, and Cymru Premier all followed suit.

Following the announcement of the Queen's death, the RMT and ASLEF unions suspended planned train strikes scheduled for 15 and 17 September. A Royal Mail strike planned for the following day was also suspended.

The National Football League will honor the Queen before the 2022 NFL Kickoff Game.

Commonwealth

Australia

In an address to the nation, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the monarch as "a rare and reassuring constant amidst rapid change" and said that her "dedication to duty and service over self were the hallmarks of her reign"

Bangladesh

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, sent her condolences to the British Royal Family and the British people.

Canada

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.

egypt

Template:Country data egypt The President Abdel Fattah Sisi The United Kingdom condole with a statement as follows,

The Presidency of the Republic received this evening with more sadness and sorrow the news of the death of Her Majesty Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Presidency of the Republic, on behalf of the leadership, government and people of the Arab Republic of Egypt, extends its sincere condolences and sincere sympathy to the British royal family, the United Kingdom, its government and its friendly people.

India

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, tweeted his tribute to the monarch, highlighting his visits with her and her kindness and warmth. The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, also expressed her condolences for the Queen's demise.

Maldives

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, The President of Maldives, expressed his sorrow at learning of the Queen's demise, describing her as "a shining example of public service, resilience and devotion to one’s country and the greater community of nations".

New Zealand

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern acknowledged the Queen as "extraordinary", an "incredible woman" and a "constant in our lives". “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. To us she was a much admired and respected monarch, to them she was a mother and grandmother,” Jacinda Ardern said.

Pakistan

Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, expressed his condolences and stated that the country joined the world, the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth in mourning.

Sierra Leone

President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone expressed his sadness at the passing of the Queen, stating that "her reign was marked by boundless growth, peace and prosperity".

South Africa

The President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa issued a statement expressing his condolences, stating that "The Queen’s commitment and dedication during her 70 years on the throne remains a noble and virtuous example to the entire world".

International

Africa

President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Felix Antoine Tshisekedi, expressed "his sadness" on Twitter about the queen’s death, calling it "an immense loss for the United Kingdom and for the world."

Asia

President of Israel Isaac Herzog said on his official Facebook page: “As the 11th President of Israel during Her Majesty's long reign, and on behalf of the whole State and people of Israel, I express my condolences to the The Royal Family, to the King and the Queen Consort, to the people of the United Kingdom, and to all nations of the Commonwealth. Throughout her long and momentous reign, the world changed dramatically, while the Queen remained an icon of stable, responsible leadership, and a beacon of morality, humanity and patriotism.”

Prime Minister of Israel Yair Lapid said a statement on his official social media accounts: “On behalf of the Government and people of Israel, I send my condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She leaves behind an unparalleled legacy of leadership and service. May her memory be for a blessing.”

Leader of the Opposition Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on Twitter, “My wife Sara and I, along with all the people of Israel, send our condolences to the people of Britain and to the royal family on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. She was a legendary sovereign, a beacon of integrity and a steward of a second Elizabethan age which will be remembered down the centuries. May her memory be blessed.”

King Abdullah II of Jordan expressed his condolences, stating that the Queen was "a beacon of wisdom and principled leadership for seven decades", and "a partner for Jordan and a dear family friend". Queen Rania of Jordan described her as "an icon of selfless dedication and unwavering commitment, a queen who embodied the traits of a faithful and devoted sovereign".

Europe

Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Šefik Džaferović offered his condolences stating: "I offer my sincere condolences to the Royal Family, the authorities and the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. I am with you in thoughts and prayers."

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.

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 Eiffel Tower went dark at midnight in tribute to the Queen.

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 of the Queen.

The President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili tweeted that "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has lived a life of dedication to her people, her nation and the Commonwealth" and offered her condolences to the Royal Family. Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia, stated in his condolence message that "Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II was a leader who led the nation throughout the decades, being respected, adored and will be well-remembered by the generations ahead."

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."

Sergio Mattarella, the President of Italy, said in an official statement: "On the occasion of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, I send to Your Majesty, to the royal family and to all the citizens of the United Kingdom the most heartfelt condolences of the Italian Republic and my own. An outstanding figure enters history. She will be remembered for her authoritative wisdom and high sense of responsibility, expressed above all in the generosity of spirit with which she devoted her long life to the service of the British people and the wider Commonwealth family."

Jonas Gahr Støre, the Prime Minister of Norway, offered his condolences and highlighted the end of her reign as the end of a long and historic era and life.

President of Poland Andrzej Duda, while on a diplomatic trip to Senegal, made an entry in a book of condolences at the British Embassy in Dakar. Earlier, he expressed his condolences to the Royal Family and all the British people: "Queen Elizabeth II for decades was an embodiment of everything that makes Britain truly Great. She will be missed and remembered in Poland and all over the world." He later tweeted on twitter: "My deepest condolences to the Royal Family and all the British people on passing of Her Majesty The Queen. For decades she has been an embodiment of everything that makes Britain truly Great. She will be missed and remembered in Poland and all over the world."

Klaus Iohannis, the President of Romania, wrote in a tweet that "Her Majesty's reign, which spanned seven decades, shaped modern history and is an exceptional symbol of loyalty and commitment to public service." and that "Romanians are with the British people and the Royal Family".

Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, extended his "deepest condolences" on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. In a public letter to Charles III, he stated: "The most important events in the recent history of the United Kingdom are inextricably linked with the name of Her Majesty. For many decades, Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage. I wish you courage and perseverance in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss. I ask you to convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the members of the royal family and all the people of Great Britain."

Aleksandar Vučić, the President of Serbia, wrote a telegram offering his condolences to the royal family and the people of the United Kingdom on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. In his telegram, he stated: "With her selfless public service, Her Majesty marked the modern history of the United Kingdom and the world, offering an example of how to carry the authority of leadership and carry out duties even in the toughest of times. Queen Elizabeth II faced every challenge wisely, unobtrusively yet decisively, above all taking into account the welfare of the nation, thereby earning the immense devotion of her followers and, likewise, her numerous admirers the world over. She was the backbone of her family and of the whole nation, which through the generations was devoted to her".

Magdalena Andersson, the Prime Minister of Sweden wrote in an official statement: "I would like to express my sorrow at the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For as long as most of us have been alive, she has been a cherished representative and symbol for United Kingdom and the head of state for the many countries of the Commonwealth. My thoughts today are naturally with the Queen's family and the British people, but her passing is a loss for us all."

Ignazio Cassis, the President of Switzerland, wrote in a tweet: "Deeply saddened by the passing of HM #QueenElizabeth II. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family on behalf of the Federal Council and the people of Switzerland. She will be remembered as a woman of great strength & steady leadership.".

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Turkey, 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".

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, wrote in a tweet that "It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the Ukrainian 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.".

Pope Francis in a telegram said “I willingly join all who mourn her loss in praying for the late Queen’s eternal rest, and in paying tribute to her life of unstinting service to the good of the Nation and the Commonwealth, her example of devotion to duty, her steadfast witness of faith in Jesus Christ and her firm hope in his promises”

Royalty

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."

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."

According to a press release from the Romanian Royal Household, Margareta of Romania said that Queen Elizabeth II remained the fundamental point of reference, a moral, intellectual, emotional and institutional support for her, and that she and Prince Radu of Romania learned with immense sorrow of the news of her passing. She also sent a letter to King Charles III.

Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia expressed in a statement on the website of the Serbian royal family “It is with great sadness and grief that I have received the news about the death of my dear godmother, HM Queen Elizabeth II. I send my prayers joined by those of my wife Crown Princess Katherine and my family to Almighty God to give her everlasting peace in his Kingdom, and my deepest condolences to my dear cousins, His Majesty King Charles III, and all other members of the Royal family of the United Kingdom. I share their grief in this difficult moment'' He also added ''I will always fondly remember her great spirit, wisdom, and courage. It is well known how important godmothers and godfathers are for us Serbs, that is a special, sacred bond, and that is why this is so difficult and hard for me. Her dedication to serving her country and the people was a bright example of the role of a monarch in today’s world. She will be deeply missed by her people and all the persons in the world who had the pleasure of knowing this amazing woman, a role model, and an inspiration.”

King Felipe VI of Spain issued his first public reaction two hours after the Queen's death. He stated "Queen Elizabeth will be remembered as one the best queens of all time for her dignity, sense of duty, courage, and devotion to her people always and at all times".

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden expressed in a statement on the website of the Swedish Royal Family : ”My family and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of my dear relative Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen served her countries and the Commonwealth with outstanding dedication and duty. She has been a constant presence, not only in British society but also internationally. She has always been dear to my family, and a precious link in our shareware family history. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty’s family and her people.”

North America

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele stated on Twitter that he and his wife, Gabriela, expressed their "deepest sympathies" to the British people and the Royal Family. He added, "Her Majesty’s legacy will always remain a touchstone for our shared values of empathy, solidarity and service."

The President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, made a statement on social media saying, "I send my condolences to the United Kingdom's people for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the British monarch and sovereign of 14 independent states. I also make this extensive to her family, friends, and members of the Royal House."

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden released a statement on Twitter following the Queen's death. In addition, many US governors, including Kathy Hochul (Governor of New York) and Phil Murphy (Governor of New Jersey) also released statements. Additional condolence statements were issued by former presidents Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter. The National Football League (NFL) announced they will hold a moment of silence for the Queen prior to the NFL Kickoff Game.

South America

The President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, paid his tributes to the Queen on Twitter and declared three days of national mourning in Brazil following her death. The former president of Brazil and candidate for presidency at the moment by the Workers' Party, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva shared a note of regret on his instagram, where he shared his experiences with the monarch and highlighted her strength; Unlike Bolsonaro, Lula had already visited the queen in two situations, one as head of state and another as a Brazilian representative in the G20.

The President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, paid his tributes to the Queen on Twitter following her death.

Other states

Albin Kurti in a tweet said "The people of Kosova and I offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and British people on the passing of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II. Her dedication, hard work and humility are an inspiration to us all, especially in these trying times. Rest in Peace."

Organisations

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg 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."

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement that highlighted and paid tribute to the length of Queen Elizabeth II's reign and her grace, dignity and dedication to her duty and her status as a good friend of the United Nations. The General Assembly also observed a minute's silence in her honour.

European Commission's Ursula von Der Leyen 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."

Institutions

The University of British Columbia and President Santa Ono issued a statement regarding her majesty's death and lowered all flags on the campus to half-staff.

The University of Cambridge and Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Toope expressed in a statement on the website of the university: “This news brings great sorrow for the United Kingdom as a whole, for the Commonwealth, and most particularly for members of the Royal Family, to whom we extend our heartfelt condolences. Her Majesty The Queen's reign defined the United Kingdom of the 20th and early 21st centuries. Her Majesty’s devotion to public service and the common good, her dignity, her sense of duty and her strong moral compass, will always be an inspiration.”

The University of Oxford and Chancellor Chris Patten released a statement on their website following the Queen's death and paid tribute to the achievements and length of her remarkable reign, as well as the changes and challenges the UK and the world underwent her reign.

The University of Toronto and President Meric Gertler published a statement on the university's website: “Her unfailing devotion to duty has been a constant source of strength and continuity for generations of Canadians as well as countless others around the world. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine a world without her.” and lowered all flags on their 3 campuses to half-staff.