January 1, World Leaders React to Death of Queen Elizabeth II: The Longest-Reigning Monarch

Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday at age 96, sparking an outpouring of remembrances from world leaders and royalty.

The British royal family said the queen died “peacefully” at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, bringing her 70-year-reign to an end. She was succeeded by her son, King Charles III.

“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,” King Charles said.

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden released a joint statement saying she “defined an era.”

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era,” the Bidens said. “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. An enduring admiration for Queen Elizabeth II united people across the Commonwealth. The seven decades of her history-making reign bore witness to an age of unprecedented human advancement and the forward march of human dignity.”

The queen made her final public appearance on Tuesday during the appointment of the U.K.’s new prime minister, Liz Truss.

“Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built,” Truss said. “Our country has grown and flourished under her reign. Britain is the great country it is today because of her.”

“Through thick and thin, Queen Elizabeth II provided us with the stability and the strength that we needed,” the prime minister said. “She was the very spirit of Great Britain — and that spirit will endure. She has been our longest-ever reigning monarch.”

Several former U.S. presidents also shared kind words about the queen, including Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump.

“Melania and I will always cherish our time together with the Queen, and never forget Her Majesty’s generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor. What a grand and beautiful lady she was — there was nobody like her!” Trump said in a statement posted to Truth Social.

“May God bless the Queen, may she reign forever in our hearts, and may God hold her and Prince Philip in abiding care,” he continued.

Source: CNBC