Queen Elizabeth Pays Tribute to George H.W. Bush in a Touching Letter to the American People
Following the news that George H.W. Bush passed away Friday at the age of 94, statements memorializing the former president have been made by his family, fellow politicians, and a number of world leaders, including Queen Elizabeth.
"It was with sadness that I learned of the death of President George H W Bush last night. President Bush was a great friend and ally of the United Kingdom. He was also a patriot, serving his country with honour and distinction in Office and during the Second World War," reads the statement from the Queen, which is addressed to both President Trump and the American people.
"Prince Philip and I remember our days in Texas in 1991 with great fondness.
My thoughts and prayers are with President Bush’s family and the American people."
The Queen then signs the message, "Elizabeth R," which stands for Elizabeth Regina (Latin for Queen), and is how the Queen signs official documents.
Over the course of her 66-year reign, the Queen has met with 12 out of the last 13 presidents (somehow Lyndon Johnson missed that opportunity). But her visits with George Bush Sr. are some of the most memorable. Not only did she attend a state dinner and plant a tree at the White House during her 1991 visit to D.C., but Elizabeth II also took in an Orioles game at Camden Yards in Baltimore during her time in the States.
Bush Sr. also held a special honor from the Queen. In 1993, he was knighted by the Queen, though according to the Associated Press, he did not have to kneel to receive the designation.
Funeral plans for the former president are still in the works, and there will be services in both Texas and Washington, D.C. At this point it is unclear if a member of the royal family will attend.
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