IRIA News

The reign of Queen Elizabeth II came to an end with her death at the age of 96. She died at her summer home in Balmoral, Scotland on the afternoon of September 8, 2022.

With the Queen’s death, King Charles III immediately assumed the role of the British monarch. At his first public address as the UK’s new monarch on Friday, King Charles said that “Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.”

His address came after Charles and his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, arrived at Buckingham Palace earlier Friday after flying in from Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where members of the royal family had gathered to mourn the queen.

Leaders and prominent figures from all around the world paid their condolences to the Royal Family:

Prime Minister of United Kingdom Liz Truss

Newly elected Prime Minister of the UK Liz Truss was the last notable figure to meet the Queen. She had spent only 48 hours into her office before she had to make a statement about the Queen’s death. In her statement outside 10 Downing Street, Liz Truss said that Queen Elizabeth II was “the rock on which modern Britain was built”. She described her death as a “huge shock” to the country and the world. “Through thick and thin, Queen Elizabeth II provided us with the stability and the strength that we needed. She was the very spirit of Great Britain, and that spirit will endure.” 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

The UN Secretary-General paid his tributes to the Queen through a statement released on the United Nations website. He stated that the Queen was a “good friend of the United Nations”. He praised her efforts to unite the world through establishing the Commonwealth. He stated that “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 decolonization of Africa and Asia and the evolution of the Commonwealth.”

U.S. President Joe Biden

The White House released a two-page statement regarding the death of Queen Elizabeth II. In his statement, U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden said that “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 further stated that “Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world.”

Pope Francis

The Queen lived her life as a Christian in faith. Upon her demise, the Vatican released a statement on behalf of Pope Francis for condolences. The statement said that “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.”

President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping

President Xi expressed his deep condolences on the Queen’s demise. China’s state media released the President’s statement in which he said that “Queen Elizabeth II was the first British monarch to visit China. Her death is a great loss to the British people.” Xi further said that “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 the ambassadorial level as an opportunity to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin

In his message to King Charles III, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that “the Queen rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage.” He added, “I wish you courage and resilience in the face of this difficult, irreparable loss. May I ask you to pass on sincere condolences and support to members of the royal family and the entire people of Great Britain.“

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the Queen’s death left a “sense of loss in the lives of many” in the UK and throughout the world. “She witnessed war and reconciliation in Europe and beyond, and deep transformations of our planet and societies. She was a beacon of continuity throughout these changes, never ceasing to display calmness and dedication that gave strength to many. May she rest in peace,” she wrote on Twitter.

Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote a heartfelt tribute to the late Queen in short video. He also wrote on Twitter that “It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II” Trudeau said. “She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Germany is a close ally of the UK and a fellow NATO member country. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz released a televised statement where he highlighted Queen’s role in uniting the European states. He stated, “The queen embodied the best of our shared European inheritance, democracy and the rule of law.” He further added, “We wish her successor Charles III strength, skill and the necessary luck for his new post.”

French President Emmanuel Macron

President Macron took Twitter to write his condolences. He posted a picture of him with the Queen and wrote, “we are grateful for her deep affection for France: Elizabeth II mastered our language, loved our culture and touched our hearts.” He further addressed the people of UK by stating, “to you, she was your queen. To us, she was the queen. She will be with all of us forever.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

The Australian prime minister will fly to London for events marking the passing of Queen Elizabeth. In his condolence message, Alabnese said that “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. There is comfort to be found in Her Majesty’s own words: ‘Grief is the price we pay for love’.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

In his statement regarding the Queen’s demise, Turkish President Erdogan said that he was saddened to learn of Queen Elizabeth’s death. “My deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the people, and friendly and allied government of the United Kingdom,” Erdogan said.

President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro 

The Brazilian government has declared three days of national mourning in the country to mark the Queen’s death. President Bolsonaro  took Twitter to express his grief and sorrow about Queen’s demise by stating that Queen Elizabeth II was “a queen not just to Britons, but to all of us.” He added that “She was an extraordinary and singular woman whose example of leadership, humility and love of country will continue to inspire us and the world forever.”

King Harald of Norway

Norway is also a monarchy similar to Britain. The two countries share close ties. The King of Norway described Queen’s demise as “loss of a dear relative and confidant friend”. He sent his condolences to the royal family and to the people of UK by stating, “for nearly a century, her majesty devoted her life to the service of the Commonwealth, following the British people through good days and bad, in times of happiness and sorrow. We send our deepest condolences to the British people on the loss of their beloved queen.”

Denmark’s Queen Margrethe

The Queen of Denmark sent her heartfelt message to King Charles III where she stated that “your mother was very important to me and my family. She was a towering figure among the European monarchs and a great inspiration to us all. We shall miss her terribly.”

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong sent a letter of condolences to British leaders after the death of the queen. “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.”

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

President Ramaphosa released a statement regarding the Queen’s death. He stated, “Her majesty was an extraordinary and world-renowned public figure who lived a remarkable life. Many around the world will fondly remember her life and legacy. The queen’s commitment and dedication during her 70 years on the throne remains a noble and virtuous example to the entire world.”

Former U.S. President Barak Obama

Barak Obama and his wife Michelle Obama paid their condolences to the royal family and stated that “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.”

Leaders and prominent political figures from Argentina, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ecuador, South Korea, Japan, Iraq, Jordan, Jamaica, New Zealand, and other countries also expressed their condolences to the royal family.