World leaders paid tributes to Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday after she died at the age of 96 in her Scottish summer residence following nearly a year of ailing health.
In his tributes to Britain’s longest serving monarch, who is also head of state in 14 Commonwealth countries around the world: UN Secretary-General Antonio
Guterres said Queen Elizabeth had been “widely admired”.
“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 ,” Guterres said.
The White House expressed its deep sympathies, noting she was the leader of one of the United States’ strongest allies.
“Our hearts and our thoughts go to the family members of the queen (and) to the people of the United Kingdom,” said W hite House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre, minutes after the death of the sovereign was announced.
On their part, European Union (EU), leaders expressed regret at the death of the queen, who was head of state throughout Britain’s entire EU membership and eventual departure.
“Once called ‘Elizabeth the
Steadfast’, she never failed to show us
the importance of lasting values in a
modern world with her service and
commitment,” EU council president
Charles Michel tweeted.
Ireland’s President Michael Higgins called Queen Elizabeth II “a remarkable friend” who had “great impact on the bonds of mutual understanding between our two peoples”.
“As we offer our condolences to all
our neighbours in the United Kingdom, following the loss of a remarkable friend of Ireland, we remember the role Queen
Elizabeth played in celebrating the warm
and enduring friendship”between both
countries, he said.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “pained” by the death of the monarch of India’s former colonial power had provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people,” Modi tweeted,
He said she “personified dignity and decency in public life”.
French President Emmanuel Macron hailed Queen Elizabeth II as “a friend
of France… who marked her country and her century and her century as never
before”
“Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth
II embodied continuity and unity in
the British nation for more than 70
years, the French
leader tweeted.
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said the “beloved” monarch r e p r e s e n t ed t he UK a n d t h e CommonWealth with “balance and wisdom