The world mourns the Queen. The family commemorates Queen Elizabeth II – and heads of state offer their condolences to the British royal family. The monarch died at the age of 96.
Berlin – The new British King Charles III. has expressed his deep sadness at the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. “We are deeply saddened to lose a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother,” Charles said. He added: “I know that their loss deeply affects the whole country.” This also applies to the areas of their rule and the Commonwealth – and to people around the world. The Queen died Thursday at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, aged 96.
British Prime Minister Liz Truss praised Elizabeth II as “the rock” “on which modern Britain was built”. The Queen’s death was a “huge shock to the nation and the world,” said the Conservative politician in a speech at London’s Downing Street.
The country grew and prospered under her rule, Truss continued. “Because of her, Britain is the great country it is today.” That’s why she was loved by people in the UK and around the world.
Expressions of grief from Germany
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier condoled the British royal family on the death of the Queen. “Queen Elizabeth II is a woman who has shaped a century,” he wrote to the royal family, according to a spokeswoman. She experienced contemporary history and wrote it herself. “Her Majesty was held in the highest esteem and respect throughout the world.”
The death of the Queen was “a deep turning point, the end of an epoch,” wrote the German head of state. “As Russia’s terrible war of aggression in Ukraine has relentlessly demonstrated to us, peace and freedom in Europe cannot be taken for granted. However, Queen Elizabeth II also experienced that war in Europe can be overcome. And she herself has helped to heal the wounds of war,” emphasized Steinmeier. The Queen’s state visit to Germany in 1965 was one of the most important symbols of the British-German friendship that developed after the war.
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also expressed her regret at the death of the British Queen. “We mourn with our British friends for #QueenElizabeth II. She was a source of strength and confidence for her country for almost 100 years,” wrote the Green politician on Twitter. “Germany will always be grateful to her for reaching out to us for reconciliation after the terror of World War II.”
CDU party leader Friedrich Merz also regretted the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Her death filled him with “deep sadness,” Merz wrote on Twitter. “For 70 years she was an international symbol of reliability and dignity.” The CDU will begin its party conference on Friday in Hanover with a minute’s silence for the Queen, wrote Merz.
The German Bundestag interrupted its debate on Thursday evening to pay tribute to the late monarch in a minute’s silence. The parliamentarians rose from their seats.
grief worldwide
UN Secretary-General António Guterres was “deeply saddened” by the death of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. Guterres sent his condolences to the Queen’s family and to the people of Britain and the Commonwealth.
Elizabeth II, who also visited the UN headquarters twice during her time as Queen, was admired around the world for her “grace, dignity and devotion,” Guterres said. In decades of change, she has offered a “reassuring presence.” “The world will long remember her dedication and leadership.”
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed his condolences to the British royal family. The Norwegian politician wrote on Twitter that he was “deeply saddened” by the death of the Queen. “For more than 70 years she was an example of selfless leadership and public service.” His deepest condolences also go to NATO allies Great Britain and Canada and to the people of the Commonwealth.
Biden: Queen Elizabeth II marked an era
US President Joe Biden paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II as a unique stateswoman. “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She shaped an era,” Biden announced in Washington on Thursday. The seven decades of her historic rule were an age of unprecedented human progress, in which she was there for her country even in times of crisis. “She endured the dangers and hardships of a world war alongside the British people and rallied them during the devastation of a global pandemic”.
“Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and steadfastness who deepened the rock-solid alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States,” Biden continued. He also stressed the Queen’s support “in our darkest days after 9/11”.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy also offered his condolences on the Queen’s death. “On behalf of the Ukrainian people, we offer our sincere condolences to the Royal Family, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth for this irreparable loss,” Zelenskyy wrote on Twitter. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you.” Britain is one of Ukraine’s most important supporters internationally in its fight against the Russian invasion.
Trump: May the Queen ‘reign forever in our hearts’
Former US President Donald Trump paid tribute to the late British Queen’s “tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity”. “May God bless the Queen, may she reign forever in our hearts and may God keep her and Prince Philip in the constant care of her,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, a platform he co-founded. He also expressed his condolences to the British on behalf of his wife Melania. The Queen will forever be remembered for her loyalty to her country and her unwavering devotion to her countrymen and women.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commemorated Queen Elizabeth II’s “wisdom, compassion and warmth” after her death. Canadians would remember that forever, Trudeau wrote on Twitter. His thoughts and those of Canadians are with the British royal family at this “most difficult time”.
Elton John is ‘deeply saddened’
British musician Elton John (75) was “deeply saddened” by the death of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. “Queen Elizabeth was a big part of my life from childhood to now and I will miss her dearly,” the musician wrote on Twitter. “She had an inspiring presence, guiding the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, grace and a genuine compassionate warmth.”
