Dignitaries Around the World React to News of Queen Elizabeth's Death
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Supporters of Queen Elizabeth offered thoughts, prayers and love on Sept. 8 as news broke that the 96-year-old had died peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
On Thursday morning, Buckingham Palace released a statement that read, "Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral."
British dignitaries tweeted words of concern, later turning to remembrance after the Palace announced the monarch's death.
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent a message from across the Atlantic, on behalf of his commonwealth:
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.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 8, 2022
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden issued a joint statement:
Our statement on the death of Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/0n7pmVVg2w
— President Biden (@POTUS) September 8, 2022
As did Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff:
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.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 8, 2022
Former U.S. president Bill Clinton, one of 13 presidents to meet the Queen, tweeted:
My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and all the people Her Majesty inspired throughout her lifetime of service. pic.twitter.com/r5pjncyCu8
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) September 8, 2022
Former president Barack Obama:
Former president George W. Bush:
The president of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, shared his memories:
Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Queen Elizabeth II: https://t.co/ih16da84QA pic.twitter.com/rH5zfmSQ0t
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) September 8, 2022
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan:
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II served our nation for 70 years with unrivalled grace, dignity and purpose.
My statement as I join the nation in mourning her loss: pic.twitter.com/93GLoRMG8Y— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) September 8, 2022
Longtime friend of the royal family Elton John shared a statement:
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) September 8, 2022
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger:
For my whole life Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has always been there. In my childhood I can recall watching her wedding highlights on TV. I remember her as a beautiful young lady, to the much beloved grandmother of the nation. My deepest sympathies are with the Royal family. pic.twitter.com/3JLILZDKwK
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) September 8, 2022
Actress Joan Collins, who'd met the Queen:
Lisa Vanderpump posted her thoughts:
Melinda French Gates:
Spanning nearly three-quarters of a century—and a world transformed many times over—Her Majesty’s was a reign without equal. I will cherish the kindnesses that Queen Elizabeth II extended to our family and the remarkable leadership, resilience, and example she showed us all. pic.twitter.com/MVLWQjXmzL
— Melinda French Gates (@melindagates) September 8, 2022
The Archbishop of Canterbury:
With profound sadness, I join the nation, the Commonwealth and the world in mourning the death of Her Late Majesty The Queen.https://t.co/LKHdaJQYgN pic.twitter.com/Ka89dFDMfU
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) September 8, 2022
The Church of England:
A prayer on the death of Her Majesty The Queen. pic.twitter.com/BhMBTSeB4e
— The Church of England (@churchofengland) September 8, 2022
The Vatican:
Cardinal Arthur Roche: “Her Christian faith were moments of outstanding witness to her faith, the Gospel and the values of the common good, family life, peace and concord among peoples.”https://t.co/109AxQ1gWX pic.twitter.com/bCmpkmRJCL
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) September 8, 2022
Maria Shriver:
What a extraordinary life of public service. What an extrodinary life period. The queen served her country, until the very end, with class, strength, dignity, and honor. She was married for 74 years, a mother to four, a grandmother, and a great grandmother. #QueenElizabeth pic.twitter.com/EtpnnMGD6O
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) September 8, 2022
Helen Mirren, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of the late monarch in the 2006 film The Queen:
Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber:
— Andrew Lloyd Webber (@OfficialALW) September 8, 2022
Prince Albert of Monaco, to the newly minted King Charles III:
Your Majesty, It is with profound sadness that My Family and I learned of the passing away of your beloved mother, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Allow me to convey to you, to the members of the Royal Family, and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, my most heartfelt and sincere condolences for your loss at this time of great sorrow. Her Majesty's unwavering commitment and dedication to duty during Her reign has always been extremely inspiring; It will be long remembered and admired. She truly represented the unity and dignity of the United Kingdom throughout the last seven decades.
Princess Charlene of Monaco:
David Beckham:
Victoria Beckham:
Photographer Annie Leibovitz:
The Queen went out walking with her dogs every day... The Queen grew up with corgis, fearless little dogs bred for herding cattle. Her father brought a corgi home when she was seven, and she was not without one— for decades afterward.
Windsor Castle, Berkshire, England, 2016 pic.twitter.com/HYPrwa1b7p— Annie Leibovitz (@annieleibovitz) September 8, 2022
Though the Queen had been sidelined recently with ongoing mobility issues, on Tuesday, she welcomed newly minted United Kingdom Prime Minister Liz Truss to her Balmoral Castle in Scotland and also bid outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson a formal farewell. Photos from the day showed the Queen standing and smiling, in a plaid skirt, white blouse and gray sweater with her signature bold lip.
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However, on Wednesday, it was announced that the Queen would not preside over a scheduled Privy Council meeting so she could rest.
Following the Thursday news about the Queen's health, Buckingman Palace shared that "Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have traveled to Balmoral." The Palace added that Prince William was also making his way to Balmoral from his home in Windsor, and PEOPLE confirmed Prince Harry was en route to Scotland, too, as he was already in London for Thursday's WellChild Awards.
