Celebrities and World Leaders Pay Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II After Her Death
The day has long been anticipated, but preparation cannot compensate for emotion, and public figures around the world are nevertheless reeling from the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen passed away peacefully this afternoon, in her beloved country house in Balmoral, Scotland, surrounded by her family, including her grandsons, Princes William and Harry, and her son, Charles—who will soon be crowned the next sovereign. Neither Meghan Markle nor Kate Middleton made the trip to Scotland, choosing instead to remain in London.
As news of the monarch’s death at the age of 96 ricochets around the world, numerous leaders, celebrities and government officials are stepping forward with tributes and statements honoring Her Majesty’s 70-year reign.
Like the reactions of many in England and internationally, their emotions are powerful, profound, complicated, and at times difficult to parse—much like the late Queen herself. A sampling of such statements are below.
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King Charles, son of Queen Elizabeth II and England’s new monarch: “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.”
President Biden and First Lady 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.”
Prime Minister Liz Truss: “Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built.”
Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister of England: “She seemed so timeless and so wonderful that I am afraid we had come to believe, like children, that she would just go on and on.”
Emmanuel Macron, President of France: “I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.”
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada: “She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.”
Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine: “We extend sincere condolences to the Royal Family, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss.”
Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama: “Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us. Back when we were just beginning to navigate life as President and First Lady, she welcomed us to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity.”
Former President Bill Clinton and former First Lady Hillary Clinton: “She led Britain through great transformations with unfailing grace.”
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House: “Over her seven decades on the throne, Her Majesty was a pillar of leadership in the global arena and a devoted friend of freedom.”
Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland: “We remember the role Queen Elizabeth played in celebrating the warm and enduring friendship, and her great impact on the bonds of mutual understanding, between our two peoples.”
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium: “She was an extraordinary personality.”
Rebecca Akufo-Addo, First Lady of the Republic of Ghana: “Queen Elizabeth II, you truly served humanity with grace, dignity, and courage.”
Samia Suluhu, President of the United Republic of Tanzania: “The Queen will be remembered around the world as a pillar of strength, peace, unity and stability.”
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai: “Her incredible lifetime of service and duty to the United Kingdom is unparalleled in our modern world.”
Elton John: “Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly.”
Mick Jagger: “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.”
Kris Jenner: “Today and always we will remember her as one of the greatest leaders our world has ever seen.”
Barbra Streisand: “She was a constant for us all. Respected around the world. May she rest in peace. ”
Paris Hilton: “The original girl boss.”
Victoria Beckham: “She will be remembered for her steadfast loyalty and service and my thoughts are with the royal family at this time.”
Jennifer Garner: “What an elegant, incredible woman.”
Lauren Puckett-Pope is an associate editor at ELLE, where she covers news and culture.