Leaders from around the world are united in mourning the death of the Queen, who passed away peacefully in Balmoral on Thursday afternoon.
The UK’s longest-reigning monarch was beloved around the globe and travelled extensively during and even before her 70-year reign.
The new King, Charles III, 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.”
New Prime Minister Liz Truss said: “We are all devastated by the news that we have just heard from Blamoral.
“The death of Her Majesty the Queen is a huge shock to the nation and to the world.”
She ended her touching remarks with the phrase: “God save the King”.
President Biden said: “Queen Elizabeth II led always with grace, an unwavering commitment to duty, and the incomparable power of her example. She endured the dangers and deprivations of a world war alongside the British people and rallied them during the devastation of a global pandemic to look to better days ahead.”
He added: “We send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who are not only mourning their Queen, but their dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world.”
He has ordered US flags be flown at half mast.
French President Emmanuel Macron was among the first world leaders to pay tribute.
He 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.”
Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin conveyed his deepest sympathy following the death of the Queen.
Mr Martin said: “The Queen’s reign was 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.”
Former President Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us … Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humour and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance.”
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: “It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.”
He added: “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.”
There will be seven days of national mourning in Jordan, the country’s king announced.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said: “It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“On behalf of the 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.”
Despite the tensions over the war in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin reached out to King Charles III in a telegram.
Russia’s leader wrote: “The most important events in the recent history of the United Kingdom are inextricably linked with the name of Her Majesty. For many decades, Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage.
“I wish you courage and perseverance in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss. I ask you to convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the members of the royal family and all the people of Great Britain.”
Former prime minister Boris Johnson said the death of the Queen would leave a “void” and “this is our country’s saddest day”.
“As is so natural with human beings, it is only when we face the reality of our loss that we truly understand what has gone,” he said.
“It is only really now that we grasp how much she meant for us, how much she did for us, how much she loved us.
“As we think of the void she leaves, we understand the vital role she played, selflessly and calmly embodying the continuity and unity of our country.
“We think of her deep wisdom, and historic understanding, and her seemingly inexhaustible but understated sense of duty.”
Sir Keir Starmer said togetherness in mourning the Queen’s death and celebrating her life is a reminder of what she achieved.
He told broadcasters: “Around the world people are united in mourning and united in celebrating her life.
“This togetherness is a reminder of what she achieved, a reminder of our shared values – values which I know will be upheld by her beloved son Charles, our new King.”
Israel Prime Minister said: “The Queen is an extraordinary figure, a unique leader who symbolized devotion and love for her homeland.”
Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg tweeted: “Over more than 70 years, she exemplified selfless leadership and public service.
“My deepest condolences to the royal family, to our #NATO Allies the United Kingdom and Canada, and to the people of the Commonwealth.”
Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair said: “We have lost not just our monarch but the matriarch of our nation, the figure who more than any other brought our country together, kept us in touch with our better nature, personified everything which makes us proud to be British.”
Portuguese president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said in a statement: “In this moment of mourning and pain, I offer to Your Majesty and to the entire Royal Family, as well as to all Britons, on behalf of the Portuguese people and on my own, my sincere condolences, conveying my deep feelings for the loss suffered “
“I am sure that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will remain for all an example of courage, dedication, stability and an unshakable sense of public service, as she has been throughout her more than 96 years of life and 70 years of reign.
“For Portugal and for all Portuguese people, the visits that Queen Isabel II made to our country, in 1957 and 1985, will remain in the memory of each of us, with unquestionable affection and appreciation.
“For me, personally, I cannot forget the honor of the meeting held during my trip to London, back in 2016.”
