Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, died. The palace announced she died at Balmoral Castle, where members of the royal family had rushed to her side after her health took a turn for the worse. She died peacefully on Thursday.
LONDON SEPTEMBER 9: Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and a rock of stability across much of a turbulent century, died Thursday after 70 years on the throne. She reached the respectable age of 96 years. She died peacefully on Thursday afternoon at her Scottish estate, where she had spent much of the summer.
On 8 September 2022, Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen was under medical supervision at Balmoral Castle after doctors expressed concern. The statement read, “Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.”
The palace announced she died at Balmoral Castle, where members of the royal family had rushed to her side after her health took a turn for the worse. Balmoral has been one of the residences of the British royal family since 1852 when the estate and its original castle were bought from the Farquharson family by Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria.
Her son King Charles III said the death of his beloved mother was a “moment of great sadness” for him and his family and that her loss would be “deeply felt” around the world.
When her father died in February 1952, Elizabeth became queen regnant of seven independent Commonwealth countries: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon, as well as Head of the Commonwealth.
World Leaders Pay Tribute
The US president, Joe Biden, and the first lady, Jill Biden, said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 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.”
– “Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special.”
Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, said on Twitter: “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.”
Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said in a statement: “I would like to express my sorrow at the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
– “For as long as most of us have been alive, she has been a cherished representative and symbol for United Kingdom and the head of state for the many countries of the Commonwealth.”
– “My thoughts today are naturally with the Queen’s family and the British people, but her passing is a loss for us all.”
In a statement by His Majesty The King of Sweden following the death of Her Majesty The Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland he says that:
– “My family and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of my dear relative Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
– “The Queen served her countries and the Commonwealth with outstanding dedication and duty.”
– “She has been a constant presence, not only in British society but also internationally.”
– “She has always been dear to my family and a precious link in our shared family history.”
– “We offer our heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty’s family and her peoples.”
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman sent condolences to British King Charles III early on Friday.
– “”Her majesty was a role model for leadership that will be immortalized in history,” the King said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyj, President of Ukraine, said in a statement:
– “It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the Ukrainian people, we extend sincere condolences to the Royal Family, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the following statement:
– “It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Trudeau wrote in a tweet.
– “She was a constant presence in our lives — and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.”
– “As we look back at her life and her reign that spanned so many decades, Canadians will always remember and cherish Her Majesty’s wisdom, compassion, and warmth. Our thoughts are with the members of the Royal Family during this most difficult time.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter:
– “I had memorable meetings with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during my UK visits in 2015 and 2018. I will never forget her warmth and kindness. During one of the meetings she showed me the handkerchief Mahatma Gandhi gifted her on her wedding. I will always cherish that gesture.”
Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin extended his condolences to King Charles for the “irreparable loss” of his mother, saying the Queen had “rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage”.
And Mr. Putin continues: “I wish you courage and resilience in the face of this difficult, irreparable loss. May I ask you to pass on sincere condolences and support to members of the royal family and the entire people of Great Britain.”
Many more leaders from around the world have offered their condolences to Great Britain and the people who have lost a much admired and loved Queen.
Images: Titanic Belfast & Nicolas de Camaret & Pete Souza & Government of India
