World reacts to Queen Elizabeth II death, King Charles mourns mother
World leaders react to the passing of Britain's longest-reigning monarch and the nation's figurehead for seven decades, Queen Elizabeth II.
Buckingham's recent announcement about the death of Queen Elizabeth II has sparked tributes from across the world.
I - Reactions from the UK
New King Charles
New King Charles calls his mother's death "a moment of the greatest sadness".
Britain's new king, Charles III, said that Queen Elizabeth II was a "cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother" who would be missed around the world.
Her death was "a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family", Charles said in a statement, adding, "I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms, and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world."
UK's Prime Minister Liz Truss
UK Prime Minister Liz Truss, only two days into the job, addressed the nation Thursday from the steps of 10 Downing Street shortly after news of Queen Elizabeth II's death was announced.
"We are all devastated by the news we have just heard from Balmoral. The death of Her Majesty the Queen is a huge shock to the nation and to the world. Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built."
Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop of Canterbury says "prayers with king and royal family."
II - Reactions from the Commonwealth
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid tribute Thursday to Queen Elizabeth II, saying the late head of state for both Britain and this Commonwealth nation will "forever remain an important part" of Canada's history.
"She was a constant presence in our lives -- and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country's history," he said, adding that she will be remembered for her "wisdom, compassion and warmth."
New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Friday paid tribute to the "extraordinary" life of the country's late monarch Queen Elizabeth II and declared the new king as head of state.
"She was extraordinary," said Ardern, ordering flags to fly at half-staff and a state memorial service to be held, as her office stated that "the new king becomes New Zealand's new head of state."
Australia's PM Anthony Albanese
Australia's PM offers UK condolences, says queen's death marks end of an era.
III - Reactions from the EU
EU chief Charles Michel
European Union leaders expressed regret Thursday after Queen Elizabeth II, the British head of state throughout Britain's entire EU membership and eventual departure, died.
"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," EU 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.
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) September 8, 2022
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. pic.twitter.com/NZj3qcyhU7
French President Emmanuel Macron
President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday hailed Queen Elizabeth II as "a friend of France... who marked her country and her century as never before," following the announcement of her death.
"Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II embodied continuity and unity in the British nation for more than 70 years," the French leader tweeted.
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.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) September 8, 2022
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi offered his condolences Thursday on the death of Queen Elizabeth II, saying the "beloved" monarch represented the UK and the Commonwealth with "balance and wisdom".
"She guaranteed stability in moments of crisis and kept alive the value of tradition in a society in constant and profound evolution," he said.
"Her spirit of service, her dedication... the deep dignity with which she held office for such a long time have been a constant source of admiration for generations."
Irish President Michael D. Higgins
President Michael D. Higgins called Queen Elizabeth II "a remarkable friend of Ireland" who had a "great impact on the bonds of mutual understanding between our two peoples," following her death on Thursday.
"As we offer our condolences to all our neighbors in the United Kingdom, following the loss of a remarkable friend of Ireland, we remember the role Queen Elizabeth played in celebrating the warm and enduring friendship" between both countries, he said in a statement.
Vatican's Pope Francis
Pope Francis said Thursday he was "deeply saddened" at the death of Queen Elizabeth II, offering prayers for her "eternal rest" and for her son Charles as he becomes king.
In a personal telegram to the new monarch, the head of the Catholic Church paid tribute to the queen's "life of unstinting service... her example of devotion to duty, her steadfast witness of faith in Jesus Christ", and addressed the new Charles III, "I invoke an abundance of divine blessings as a pledge of comfort and strength in the Lord."
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky
Ukraine's Zelensky says the queen's death is an 'irreparable loss".
King Phillipe of Belgium
King of Belgians mourns "exceptional' UK queen.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
Germany on Thursday hailed Queen Elizabeth II as a "symbol of reconciliation" after two world wars.
"Her commitment to German-British reconciliation after the horrors of World War II will remain unforgotten," said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Separately, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the Queen's state visit in 1965 to post-war Germany was an "invaluably important signal of reconciliation after two devastating world wars."
Spain's King Felipe
Spain's King Felipe paid homage to Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, who died Thursday, saying she had "witnessed, written and shaped many of the most relevant chapters in the history of our world."
"Her sense of duty, commitment, and a whole life devoted to serving," the Spanish king said in a telegram addressed to the new king, Charles III.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez
Spanish PM hailed Queen Elizabeth II as "figure of global importance".
III - Reactions from US, UN, and NATO
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday expressed his "deepest condolences" over the death of Queen Elizabeth II, hailing her leadership through seven decades.
"Deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Over more than 70 years, she exemplified selfless leadership and public service," Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Over 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. pic.twitter.com/hHyqBdhKcx
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) September 8, 2022
"My deepest condolences to the Royal Family, to our NATO Allies the United Kingdom and Canada, and to the people of the Commonwealth."
UN chief Antonio Guterres
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres paid homage Thursday to Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch who has died at age 96.
"As the United Kingdom's longest-lived and longest-reigning head of state, Queen Elizabeth II was widely admired for her grace, dignity, and dedication around the world. She was a reassuring presence throughout decades of sweeping change," Guterres said in a statement.
The UN
The United Nations Security Council and the General Assembly each held a minute of silence Thursday to pay homage to Queen Elizabeth II, following her death at age 96.
French ambassador Nicolas de Riviere, the current president of the council, expressed his "deepest condolences," while the General Assembly's President, Abdulla Shahid of Maldives, called it a "moment of grave sadness for the royal family."
He said the assembly will hold an "official tribute" at a later date.
The White House
The White House expressed deep sympathies Thursday at the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, noting she was the leader of one of the United States' strongest allies.
"Our hearts and our thoughts go to the family members of the queen (and) to the people of the United Kingdom," said White House Spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre, minutes after the death of the 96-year-old sovereign was announced.
Watch | #WhiteHouse Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was discussing the Inflation Reduction Act in the White House when the news of the #Queen's death was confirmed.#QueenElizabeth pic.twitter.com/4pxDadoc1z
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) September 8, 2022
US President Joe Biden
US President Joe Biden paid tribute Thursday to the late British Queen Elizabeth as a "stateswoman of unmatched dignity," and said he looked forward to working with her son King Charles, noting their already "close friendship".
"Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States," Biden said in a statement.
"She helped make our relationship special," he said.
Former US President Donald Trump
Former US president Donald Trump paid tribute on Thursday to Queen Elizabeth's "enduring diplomacy" and "tremendous legacy" of peace.
"Queen Elizabeth's historic and remarkable reign left a tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity for Great Britain," Trump wrote in a statement on his Truth Social network, following the monarch's death at the age of 96.
"Her leadership and enduring diplomacy secured and advanced alliances with the United States and countries around the world."
Former US President Barak Obama
Former US president Barack Obama hailed the reign of Queen Elizabeth II after her death on Thursday, and marked the monarch's "legacy of tireless, dignified public service."
"Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us," Obama said in a statement.
He said she made "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."
IV - Others
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro
President Jair Bolsonaro declared three days of national mourning in Brazil Thursday for Queen Elizabeth II of Britain, who died after a record 70-year reign.
The far-right President, who is running for reelection next month, said in a note in the official gazette that the mourning period was "a message of condolence for the death of her majesty the queen."
Deputy President of Kenya William Ruto
Kenya's Ruto hailed the Queen's "admirable" leadership of the Commonwealth.
Pakistan President Arif-ur-Rehman Alvi
Pakistan President Alvi hailed the Queen as a "great and beneficent ruler".
Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe
Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe Thursday offered his "deepest condolences" over the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the monarch of the former British colony for the first two decades of her reign.
"Deepest condolences to the Royal family, government and people of the UK on the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II," Wickremesinghe said in a statement.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
The spokesperson for Bangladesh PM offered condolences over Queen Elizabeth's death.