Queen Elizabeth II's death: Tributes from world leaders
Flowers are laid outside the British Embassy after the death of Queen Elizabeth II was announced on Sep 8, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo: AFP/Getty Images/Win McNamee)
Queen Elizabeth, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and the nation's figurehead for seven decades, has died aged 96, Buckingham Palace said on Thursday (Sep 8).
World leaders paid tributes to the queen, who was also head of state in 14 Commonwealth countries around the world:
UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES
"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, including the decolonisation of Africa and Asia and the evolution of the Commonwealth.
"Queen Elizabeth II was a good friend of the United Nations, and visited our New York Headquarters twice, more than fifty years apart. She was deeply committed to many charitable and environmental causes and spoke movingly to delegates at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow.
"I would like to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II for her unwavering, lifelong dedication to serving her people. The world will long remember her devotion and leadership."
US PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN AND JILL BIDEN
"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," they said in a statement. "Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world."
CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN TRUDEAU
"It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a constant presence in our lives - and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history."
NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER JACINDA ARDERN
“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."
“The Queen was a much loved and admired monarch, whose record reign of 70 years is an absolute testament to her, and her commitment to us all. She was extraordinary."
AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE
"With the passing of Queen Elizabeth the Second, an historic reign and a long life devoted to duty, family, faith and service has come to an end."
"Australian hearts go out to the people of the United Kingdom who mourn today, knowing they will feel they have lost part of what makes their nation whole."
"There is comfort to be found in Her Majesty’s own words: 'Grief is the price we pay for love'."
SINGAPORE PRIME MINISTER LEE HSIEN LOONG
"Deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty was the very heart and soul of the United Kingdom."
"Her Majesty’s reign saw one of the longest periods of peace and prosperity in the history of the United Kingdom. Throughout her life, she steadfastly served the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She performed her duties with devotion, grace, and humility.
"Her contributions to the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and indeed to the world will be recorded in history, and she will always be remembered fondly as a great world leader."
CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING
President Xi expressed his deep condolences on the death of the Queen, state media reported, saying: "Queen Elizabeth II was the first British monarch to visit China. Her death is a great loss to the British people."
"I attach great importance to the development of Sino-British relations and am ready to work with King Charles III to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level as an opportunity to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations."
JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER FUMIO KISHIDA
"Queen Elizabeth ... played an extremely important role in the peace and prosperity of the world. In 1975, she visited Japan and contributed greatly to the strengthening of Japan-Britain relations.
"(Her death) is a great loss not only to the British people but also to the international community."
SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT YOON SUK-YEOL
"She had a strong belief in the cause of human freedom and left great legacies of dignity. Her kind heart and good deeds will remain in our memories."
TAIWAN PRESIDENT TSAI ING-WEN
Tsai expressed "deep condolences" for the death. Her office said: "Taiwan and the United Kingdom are united in their gratitude for the Queen's lifelong contribution to world peace and prosperity; Taiwan will also work with the United Kingdom to continue to work hard for common ideals and values."
PHILIPPINES PRESIDENT FERDINAND MARCOS JR
"She exemplified to the world a true monarch's great dignity, commitment to duty, and devotion to all those in her realm.
"The world has lost a true figure of majesty in what she demonstrated throughout her life and throughout her reign as Queen."
POPE FRANCIS
"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."
US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI
"Today, Americans join the people of the United Kingdom in mourning the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Over her seven decades on the throne, Her Majesty was a pillar of leadership in the global arena and a devoted friend of freedom.
US SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER MITCH MCCONNELL
“For 70 long years, from the aftermath of World War II well into the 21st century, across 15 different Prime Ministers, through great triumphs and great challenges, the Queen’s steady leadership safeguarded the land she loved. Despite spending nearly three quarters of a century as one of the most famous and admired individuals on the planet, the Queen made sure her reign was never really about herself - not her fame, not her feelings, not her personal wants or needs. She guided venerable institutions through modern times using timeless virtues like duty, dignity, and sacrifice. She offered our contemporary world a living master class it needed badly."
FORMER US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP AND FORMER FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP
"Queen Elizabeth’s historic and remarkable reign left a tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity for Great Britain. Her leadership and enduring diplomacy secured and advanced alliances with the United States and countries around the world."
FORMER US PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
"Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us."
"Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance."
EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT URSULA VON DER LEYEN
"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."
EUROPEAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT CHARLES MICHEL
"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.
IRISH PRIME MINISTER MICHEAL MARTIN
"On behalf of the Government of Ireland, I would like to convey my deepest sympathy to the British people on the loss of their beloved monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth."
"Her State Visit to Ireland in 2011 marked a crucial step in the normalisation of relations with our nearest neighbour. That visit was a great success, largely because of the many gracious gestures and warm remarks made by the Queen."
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DUTCH KING WILLEM-ALEXANDER
"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."
KING CARL XVI GUSTAF OF SWEDEN
“With sadness, my family and I have today received the news that my dear relative, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, has passed away.
"The Queen served Her countries and the Commonwealth with an outstanding devotion and sense of duty. She has been a constant presence, not only in British society but internationally. In addition, she has always been a good friend to my family and a link to our shared family history."
GERMAN CHANCELLOR OLAF SCHOLZ
"We mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II. She was a role model and inspiration for millions, also here in Germany. Her commitment to German-British reconciliation after the horrors of World War II will remain unforgotten. She will be missed, not least her wonderful humour."
ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER MARIO DRAGHI
"Queen Elizabeth was a major player in world history over the last seventy years. She represented the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth with balance, wisdom, respect for institutions and democracy. She has been the most beloved symbol of her country and has garnered respect, affection and warm feelings everywhere. She ensured stability in times of crisis and kept the value of tradition alive in a society in constant and profound evolution."
FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON
"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."
SPANISH PRIME MINISTER PEDRO SANCHEZ
"My condolences to the entire Royal Family, the government and the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II."
"A figure of global significance, witness and author of British and European history."
UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY
"It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the UA people, we extend sincere condolences to the @RoyalFamily, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
CHIEF MINISTER OF GIBRALTAR FABIAN PICARDO
"The People of Gibraltar will mourn Her Majesty as a monarch who has reigned wisely and with incomparable dedication throughout the period of our post-war emergence as a part of the British family of nations."
"The People of Gibraltar and the Government proclaim their loyalty to the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to His Majesty The King."
INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI
"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."
SHEHBAZ SHARIF, PRIME MINISTER OF PAKISTAN
"Deeply grieved at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Pakistan joins the UK & other Commonwealth nations in mourning her death. My heartfelt condolences to the royal family, people & government of the UK."
JAMAICAN PRIME MINISTER ANDREW HOLNESS
"It was with great and profound sadness, that I learnt of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, whose reign spanned seven decades. 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."
BARBADOS PRESIDENT SANDRA MASON
"Just under one year ago Barbados took the decision to complete the course of independence by breaking constitutional ties with the British monarchy and establishing the world's newest republic. Significant as that decision was, given the place Barbados has held in the British Empire for centuries, it did not in the least diminish the friendship between our two nations, or indeed with Buckingham Palace."
In a televised address, Mason said the nation would always treasure the memory of the Queen's visits, particularly when she knighted cricket player Garfield Sobers in 1975.
SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA
“Her Majesty was an extraordinary and world-renowned public figure who lived a remarkable life. Her life and legacy will be fondly remembered by many around the world. The Queen’s commitment and dedication during her 70 years on the throne remains a noble and virtuous example to the entire world.”
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES VICE PRESIDENT SHEIKH MOHAMMED RASHID AL MAKTOUM
"We join the world in mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, a global icon who represented the finest qualities of her nation and people. Her incredible lifetime of service and duty to the United Kingdom is unparalleled in our modern world."
ABDULLAH AL HUSSEIN, KING OF JORDAN
"Jordan mourns the passing of an iconic leader. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a beacon of wisdom and principled leadership for seven decades. She was a partner for Jordan and a dear family friend. We stand with the people and leadership of the UK at this difficult time."
VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT NICOLAS MADURO
"The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II of England, British monarch. We express our condolences to the royal family, to the United Kingdom and to the British people. Peace to her Soul!".
ECUADORIAN PRESIDENT GUILLERMO LASSO
"Distraught at the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, whose long life and dedication to the service of her people go down in history as an exemplary reign."
