Leaders from around the world united in London to bid farewell to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II today, along with the nation.
She passed away on Thursday 8 September at the age 96 at Balmoral Castle, her summer residence in Scotland. “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,” stated the newly appointed king Charles III, the Queen’s eldest son. “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.”
Queen Elizabeth II was on the throne since 1952, when the nation was still rebuilding from the destruction of World War II, and admired worldwide for her calm leadership and fortitude despite decades of political upheaval and social changes both at home and abroad. From the UK to the Commonwealth and beyond, world leaders have been paying their respects to the longest reigning monarch in British history and hailing her unwavering commitment and dedication to serving her country and commonwealth for over seven decades.
TRIBUTES FROM EUROPE’S LEADERS
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin paid tribute to the monarch’s role in securing peace in Northern Ireland: “Her commitment to and support for the Good Friday Agreement, reconciliation and mutual understanding was critical to advancing positive relations on these islands and is deeply appreciated by the Irish people.”
For France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Her Majesty Elizabeth II was a “kind-hearted Queen” and “friend of France”: “Her Majesty the Queen has embodied the continuity and the unity of the British Nation for more than 70 years. I keep the memory of a friend of France, a queen of heart that has marked her country and her century forever.”
Her life “set an example for all of us and will remain as a solid and valuable legacy for future generations… We will miss Her dearly,” said Spanish King Felipe VI, in a telegram. “
King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden called her “a constant presence, not only in British society but internationally”. Norway’s King Harald said that for “nearly a century, Her Majesty devoted her life to the service of the Commonwealth, following the British people through good days and bad, in times of happiness and sorrow.”
Outgoing Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said she “guaranteed stability in time of crisis and was able to keep alive the value of tradition in a society in constant and profound evolution”.
TRIBUTES FROM US LEADERS
US President Joe Biden said 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. The seven decades of her history-making reign bore witness to an age of unprecedented human advancement and the forward march of human dignity.”
In a statement, former US President Barack Obama said she made “the role of Queen her own – with a reign defined by grace, elegance, and a tireless work ethic, defying the odds and expectations placed on women of her generation.” He said she welcomed him and his wife – the first Black American president and first lady – to the world stage “with open arms and extraordinary generosity” and said they were struck by her ability to put people at ease.
George W Bush decribed her as “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.”
Bill Clinton and his wife, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, joined people around the world to mourn the Queen stating: “Throughout her remarkable 70-year reign, she led Britain through great transformations with unfailing grace, dignity, and genuine care for the welfare of all its people. In sunshine or storm, she was a source of stability, serenity, and strength”.
MORE TRIBUTES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
For Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Queen was a constant in Canadians’ lives and one of his “favourite people in the world”: “For most Canadians, we have known no other sovereign. Her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.”
Australia announced that its parliament would be suspended for 15 days. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the “special place in her heart” the Queen reserved for his country as the only ruling sovereign to ever visit the Commonwealth nation, starting with her first trip in 1954, just eight months after her coronation. “This time of mourning will pass but the deep respect and warm regard in which Australians always held Her Majesty will never fade,” Albanese said.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin also sent a telegram to King Charles III, saying: “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.”
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman described Queen Elizabeth’s reign as “a model of leadership that will be immortalized in the history”. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman added the Queen was “an example of wisdom, love and peace.”
TRIBUTES FROM COMMONWEALTH MEMBERS
Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo recalled Queen Elizabeth’s visits to his country and praised “the friendliness, elegance, style and sheer joy she brought to the performance of her duties”.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Queen “personified dignity and decency in public life”: “We shall miss her inspiring presence, her calm, her steadiness, and, above all, her great love and belief in the higher purpose of the Commonwealth of Nations, and in its capacity to be a force for good in our world.”
Messages of condolences also came in from leaders of British territories in the Caribbean who seek to replace the monarch with their own heads of state amid demands that Britain apologise for its colonial-era abuses and award its former colonies slavery reparations. Jamaican’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlighted that for many years the Queen visited the island every decade: “Undoubtedly, she formed a special bond with the people of Jamaica. We are saddened that we will not see her light again, but we will remember her historic reign.”
Bermuda’s Premier David Burt noted that Elizabeth II’s reign “has spanned decades of such immense change for the United Kingdom and the world.”
TRIBUTES FROM BUSINESS LEADERS
Business leaders from around the world have also flooded social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn with tributes to Her Majesty. In his tribute to the Queen on LinkedIn, Ronald O’Hanley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at State Street, described her as an “unforgettable legacy”: “As a fixture on the world stage for seven decades, the Queen exemplified the very best of leadership — duty and wisdom — and the British spirit — sanguine and reserved, altruistic and self-effacing, witty and wise… To our friends in the UK and around the world, we join you in mourning, and in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s life, work, and deeds. In this time of reflection, the example of her life and the dignity of her death offers a profound message for us all.”
Apple’s CEO Tim Cook, said: There is nothing more noble than to devote your life to the service of others. We stand with the people of the UK and Commonwealth in honoring the life and dedication to duty of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. May she rest in peace.”
David Solomon, Chairman & CEO of Goldman Sachs, said he was “saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”: Most of us have never known another British monarch, and during her 70 years on the throne, her commitment to public service was a model for us all. I extend my deepest sympathies to the Royal Family and all our colleagues in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.”
Melinda Gates, Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, tweeted: “Spanning nearly three-quarters of a century – and a world transformed many times over – Her Majesty’s was a reign without equal. I will cherish the kindnesses that Queen Elizabeth II extended to our family and the remarkable leadership, resilience, and example she showed us all.”
WORLDWIDE RESPECT
Jeff Bezos, Founder of Amazon, said he could think of “no one who better personified duty”: “My deepest condolences to all the Brits mourning her passing today.”
Robert Iger, Former CEO of Disney, said: “The world has lost an extraordinary person, Queen Elizabeth. I always respected and appreciated her energy, dedication, fortitude…her deep sense of duty….and the fact that she loved her job and her people loved her back. The true and sad end of an era….”
“On behalf of Fidelity International, I would like to offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, spent a lifetime dedicating her remarkable life to the service of others,” added Anne Richards, Chief Executive Officer at Fidelity International. “She will be missed by colleagues both in the UK and globally. On a personal level, it’s a time for reflection on a life well spent.”
Enrique Lores, President & CEO of HP, said on LinkedIn: “Today is a difficult day, for HP colleagues in the UK and all of us who admired Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Through her extraordinary life and steadfast resolve, she demonstrated what it means to serve with dignity and grace. May she rest in peace as we honour her legacy.”
Salesforce’s UK & Ireland CEO Zahra Bahrololoumi shared: “A life dedicated to the service of others and a shining light to so many here at home and across the globe. May she rest in peace.
TRIBUTES FROM THE BUSINESS WORLD
Business institutions and bodies also joined the world in mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The European Parliament said that Queen Elizabeth II “will be remembered as one of history’s great leaders. Our flags will fly at half-mast in honour of her life and legacy”.
Women on Boards also paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as “the greatest leader of our time”: “A woman of immense grace, dignity and courage who became the platinum standard for leadership in an ever-changing world. Remarkable, faithful, tireless service to our country and people. May you go quietly and be at peace.”
The FTSE Women Leaders Review added: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We pay tribute to her leadership and a lifetime of loyal service to this country and beyond.”
The Black British Business Awards joined the nation in mourning Her Majesty: “A remarkable leader who will be remembered with great affection and respect for the dignified and graceful leadership shown as times changed in the Commonwealth – where many of us are from. May your light continue to shine brightly. May your soul rest in peace,” stated Sophie Chandauka MBE, Chair and Executive Founder of The Black British Business Awards.
STRIKES CALLED OFF AS A SIGN OF RESPECT
As a sign of respect the UK’s labour unions called off strikes as the UK heads into a 10-day mourning period. British railway and postal workers, at the forefront of sector-wide strikes over a cost-of-living crisis, for example, have called off upcoming walkouts following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The Communication Workers Union had planned to continue a 48-hour stoppage Friday, but this has been called off “out of respect for” the Queen, CWU said General Secretary Dave Ward.
Additionally, the RMT rail union said it was suspending walkouts planned the next week and the TSSA transport union has called off its September strikes. Train drivers union Aslef has also suspended a planned stoppage. “RMT joins the whole nation in paying its respects to Queen Elizabeth,” said General Secretary Mick Lynch in a statement. “The planned railway strike action on 15 and 17 September is suspended… We express our deepest condolences to her family, friends and the country.”
In London, some theatre shows cancelled evening productions, and the city’s famous Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew announced that it would be closed today on Friday.
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