Queen Elizabeth II: King Charles III expresses ‘greatest sadness’ upon death of his mother in first statement as monarch – latest updates | The Queen

U.S. president Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said Her Majesty “was more than a monarch. She defined an era.”

“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.

“She was the first British monarch to whom people all around the world could feel a personal and immediate connection—whether they heard her on the radio as a young princess speaking to the children of the United Kingdom, or gathered around their televisions for her coronation, or watched her final Christmas speech or her Platinum Jubilee on their phones. And she, in turn, dedicated her whole life to their service.”

Her Majesty was “a monarch with an unwavering sense of duty”, said New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, who expressed her country’s “deep sadness” at Queen Elizabeth’s death.

“People throughout the world will be feeling an acute sense of loss at this time and New Zealanders most certainly share that grief,” said Ardern. “The Queen was a much respected constant through unprecedented global change.”

Ardern said in a statement: “The Queen was a much loved and admired monarch, whose record reign of 70 years is an absolute testament to her, and her commitment to us all. She was extraordinary.

“People throughout the world will be feeling an acute sense of loss at this time and New Zealanders most certainly share that grief. The Queen was a much respected constant through unprecedented global change.”

She offered her “deepest sympathy” to members of the Royal Family on behalf of New Zealand, a Commonwealth country.

“To us she was a much admired and respected monarch, to them she was a mother and grandmother,” Ardern said.

Barack Obama, the former U.S. president, said: “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.

“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.

“Like so many, Michelle and I are grateful to have witnessed Her Majesty’s dedicated leadership, and we are awed by her legacy of tireless, dignified public service.

“Our thoughts are with her family and the people of the United Kingdom at this difficult time.”

George W Bush, the former US president, has said he and his wife Laura “were honoured to have known Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”

He said in a statement: “She was a woman of great intellect, charm, and wit.

“Spending time at Buckingham Palace, and having tea with Her Majesty – and her corgis – is among our fondest memories of the presidency.

“Queen Elizabeth ably led England through dark moments with her confidence in her people and her vision for a brighter tomorrow.

“Our world benefitted from her steady resolve, and we are grateful for her decades of service as sovereign. Americans in particular appreciate her strong and steadfast friendship.

“Laura and I join our fellow citizens in sending our heartfelt condolences to the Royal family and the British people.”

Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats in the UK, said: “We are all deeply mourning the profound loss of a great monarch, who served our country so faithfully all her life and who was loved the world over.

“For many people, including myself, the Queen was an ever-fixed mark in our lives.

“As the world changed around us and politicians came and went, the Queen was our nation’s constant.”

Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister of Scotland, has also paid tribute.

The Irish taoiseach, Micheál Martin, has described The Queen’s reign as “one of historic duration, immense consequence and a focus of respect and admiration around the world.

“Her dedication to duty and public service were self-evident and her wisdom and experience truly unique.

“The Queen’s passing is indeed the end of an era.

“Her state visit to Ireland in 2011 marked a crucial step in the normalisation of relations with our nearest neighbour.

“That visit was a great success, largely because of the many gracious gestures and warm remarks made by the Queen during her time in Ireland.

“Her popularity with the Irish people was also very evident and clearly made a very positive impact on the Queen.

“In particular, I recall the warmth of the welcome she received from the public in Cork during her walkabout at the English Market.”

Bill Clinton, the former US president, has tweeted this tribute:

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour party, said: “Today, we mourn the passing of a remarkable sovereign.

“It is a deep, private loss for the Royal Family and all our thoughts are with them at this time. The nation shares in their grief.

“We will always treasure Queen Elizabeth II’s life of service and devotion to our nation and the Commonwealth; our longest-serving and greatest monarch.

“Above the clashes of politics, she stood not for what the nation fought over, but what it agreed upon. As Britain changed rapidly around her, this dedication became the still point of our turning world.

“So as our great Elizabethan era comes to an end, we will honour the late Queen’s memory by keeping alive the values of public service she embodied.

“For 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II stood as the head of our country. But, in spirit, she stood amongst us.”

The Belgian prime minister, Alexander De Croo, has paid the following tribute: “Belgium sends its condolences to the British Royal Family and to the British people.

“May HRH Queen Elizabeth II Rest In Peace. For over 70 years, she was a beacon of stability and dignity for the British people.”

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years.”

“I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.

“I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.”

Caroline Davies

As is traditional, officials brought a notice confirming the Queen’s death to the gates of Buckingham Palace.

A large crowd gathered to read it, and Royal Parks staff constructed pens from metal barriers to control the public.

Those gathered broke into the national anthem outside Buckingham Palace with many weeping after the flag was lowered to half mast.

Truss said the nation offers King Charles III our “loyalty and devotion”.

She ended her statement with the words: “God save the King.”

Truss also called for people to support King Charles III “to help him bear the awesome responsibility that he now carries for us all”.

Truss said it was “a day of great loss” but that the Queen would leave a great legacy.

King Charles has made a statement about the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth.

He said: “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.

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved mother.”

Truss added the Queen provided her with stability and strength we needed, “and the very spirit of Great Britain and that spirit will endure”.

She adds she was a personal inspiration to her and said she was determined to carry out her duties when she appointed her prime minister earlier this week.