By now, you’ve likely heard about the passing of the U.K.’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, at age 96, after 70 years on the throne.
After news of her death broke, remembrances began to pour out from every corner of the world — though, this first one came from closer to home. Famed English athlete David Beckham mentions how grateful he is that the Queen “would have known how loved she was,” since she was able to witness the celebrations for her Platinum Jubilee (70th anniversary of her reign) in 2022.
David Beckham wrote this touching message following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/r1ToUbBFLR
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 8, 2022
Her life was honored by the French people tonight, with the dimming of the lights on the Eiffel Tower:
The Eiffel Tower turns out its lights in a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
Her Majesty passed away this afternoon in Balmoral at the age of 96.
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— GB News (@GBNEWS) September 8, 2022
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau made an emotional statement, saying that “Canada is in mourning”:
"She was our Queen for almost half of Canada’s existence."
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has shared an emotive reflection on his friendship with Queen Elizabeth II.
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— 9News Australia (@9NewsAUS) September 8, 2022
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram expressing his condolences to the new King Charles III:
In a telegram to King Charles III, Britain’s new monarch, Putin said the queen — who passed away at the age of 96 — was a major historical figure during her 70-year reign.
“For many decades,” he wrote, “Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage.”
…
In his message on Thursday, Putin made no mention of war or politics.
“I wish you courage and perseverance in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss,” he told King Charles. “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.”
Some world leaders managed to show much more respect than several American progressives did when railing against supposed “racism and colonialism,” as my colleague Bonchie wrote earlier. Here’s the president of Nigeria sharing his nation’s “immense sadness” as part of the Commonwealth:
My family and I, and the more than 200 million Nigerians, have learned with immense sadness of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, and the end of her unique and wonderful 70-year reign. She was the only British Sovereign known to 90 percent of our population.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) September 8, 2022
He adds:
Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom, and the entire Commonwealth, as we join the entire world in mourning this loss.
The story of modern Nigeria will never be complete without a chapter on Queen Elizabeth ll, a towering global personality and an outstanding leader. She dedicated her life to making her nation, the Commonwealth and the entire world a better place.
I welcome the ascension of His Majesty King Charles III to the throne, in line with tradition, and pray that his reign will witness continuing robust relations between our two nations.
Hillary Clinton added on a separate statement, to go with the joint statement from herself and Bill, on Queen Elizabeth II’s death:
Few individuals in the history of humanity have led their people with such steadiness and grace as Queen Elizabeth. My condolences to everyone mourning her passing today, and the end of an era. https://t.co/6hiFl1kBZ1
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) September 8, 2022
Barak and Michelle Obama sent their remembrances:
Statement by President Obama and Mrs. Obama
on the Passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II pic.twitter.com/pztVvvV6Dg— CSPAN (@cspan) September 8, 2022
The mention of the Olympics video reminds me that the late monarch also took part in a charming video back in June, to celebrate the Jubilee year, which I wrote about (I included the James Bond skit with Daniel Craig, in case you want to watch it again).
Here’s the condolence statement from Donald and Melania Trump:
President Trump honors Queen Elizabeth's" "remarkable reign" that "left a tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity for Great Britain." pic.twitter.com/tpCzyxa4Fn
— Mollie (@MZHemingway) September 8, 2022
It reads:
Melania and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Together with our family and fellow Americans, we send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom during this time of great sorrow and grief.
Queen Elizabeth’s historic and remarkable reign left a tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity for Great Britain. Her leadership and enduring diplomacy secured and advanced alliances with the United States and countries around the world. However, she will always be remembered for her faithfulness to her country and her unwavering devotion to her fellow countrymen and women.
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!
Our thoughts and prayers will remain with the great people of the United Kingdom as you honor her most meaningful life and exceptional service to the people.
May God bless the Queen, may she reign forever in our hearts, and may God hold her and Prince Philip in abiding care.
As the former president mentions in the letter, Her Majesty was known for her sense of humor:
I'm as far from a Royalist as you can get, however I've huge respect for the Queen and hearing of her failing health is very sad.
Her dignity is hugely admirable and cheeky humour exemplified never better when she wore a broach Obama gave her for Trump's visit. I wish her peace. pic.twitter.com/EuuXnt4qC7
— Peter Guy (@Getintothis) September 8, 2022
May she rest in peace, and may God provide comfort to her family at this time.
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