Musicians, Filmmakers, and Celebrities React to Queen Elizabeth II’s Death at 96

The post Musicians, Filmmakers, and Celebrities React to Queen Elizabeth II’s Death at 96 appeared first on Consequence.

Queen Elizabeth II of England has died at the age of 96 after 70 years on the throne, making her the second-longest serving monarch in recorded history. The Queen influenced countless moments in pop culture, from her correspondence with John Lennon as he rejected his MBE through having tea with Paddington Bear. As news spread that her long reign had come to an end, tributes, criticisms, and commemorations came pouring in from actors, artists, musicians, celebrities, and Pembroke Welsh Corgis from all around the world.

“The Rolling Stones extend their deepest sympathy to the Royal family on the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, who was a constant presence in their lives as in countless others,” the band wrote in a statement.

“I mourn with my country the passing of our greatest Queen,” Ozzy Osbourne posted on social media. “With a heavy heart I say it is devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II.” Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath added, “Sad to hear of The Queen passing. I remember the street celebrations when she was crowned Queen. Always a staple of growing up in England.”

One of the lengthier early tributes came from Duran Duran. “Her Majesty the Queen has presided over the UK for longer than any other British monarch,” the English artists shared. “She dedicated her life to the people and set an extraordinary example to the world throughout her reign. She’s seen changes that are beyond what any of us can imagine. She has faced challenges that she has risen to time and again. Her life has been remarkable in so many ways. We will all miss her and are grateful for the incredible service she gave to the people of Great Britain and the countries of the Commonwealth. We send our deepest condolence to the royal family. Her death brings to an end a long and unique chapter in the history of the United Kingdom and the world.”

“My thoughts are with the royal family and with the people of the United Kingdom and truly around the world who mourn her passing,” George Takei wrote on Twitter. “In her time, the Queen saw a country and indeed a world transformed. There shall be none other like her.”

Not all who mourned her passing are “real” in a conventional sense. The official account for Paddington Bear wrote, “Thank you Ma’am for everything.” And some weren’t even mourning. Los Campesinos! shared a meme that read, “I prefer not to speak, if I speak I am in big trouble.” Lil Nas X wrote, “rip to the queen but i can’t stop having a fat ass.”

Many people made  jokes. Ian Karmel, co-head writer on The Late Late Show with James Corden, posted, “Gunned down in her prime.” And Asian Man Records, the label run by punk and ska icon Mike Park, tweeted, “I wanted the queen to outlive Johnny Rotten. RIP.” Park’s sometime collaborator Jeff Rosenstock chimed in with, “Queen died during my tour announce, rude.” Monty Python comedian Eric Idle wrote, “I hear Trump is already claiming the crown…”

English actor Jason Isaacs, perhaps best remembered as Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, sought nuance. “Farewell your majesty. Nothing about the royal family makes sense in the modern world and yet this queen, our queen, sat atop our unwritten constitution and stopped our country from fragmenting completely: it was her government, her army and she was our fairy godmother,” he wrote, later adding, “It never made any sense having a queen and yet she, Elizabeth, somehow rose above all the debate around privilege or political controversy in a life stoically devoted to public service and duty. Eight decades of public life. A woman of importance.”

William Shatner tweeted, “Very saddened to learn about the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.” American country star Maren Morris shared a cover of Patty Griffin’s “Up the Mountain” as a celebration of her life. Stevie Nicks joked, “Can you imagine having a job for that long?” and said, “The world is an empty place without her.”

Sir Elton John shared, “Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing. She was an inspiring presence to be around, and lead the country through some of our greatest, and darkest, moments with grace, decency and a genuine caring warmth.”

He continued, “Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly.”

Check out those reactions and more below.

Musicians, Filmmakers, and Celebrities React to Queen Elizabeth II’s Death at 96
Wren Graves

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