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World leaders remember the Queen as a “witty and charming” monarch who left a lasting impression on her country

''Time and again, we were struck by her warmth.''
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Prime ministers, presidents, European monarchs and leaders around the globe have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after she tragically passed away on Thursday.

Dignitaries have reflected on the Queen’s 70-year reign, honouring her deep sense of duty, resilience, sense of humour and kindness.

Keep reading to see what world leaders have said about the Queen’s passing.

The Queen passed away, aged 96, at her beloved Scottish retreat Balmoral.

(Image: Getty)

British Prime Minister Liz Truss remembered the Queen as “the very spirit of Great Britain” whose legacy will endure.

“She has been our longest-ever reigning monarch. It is an extraordinary achievement to have presided with such dignity and grace for 70 years,” she said.

US president Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden, said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era.”

The Bidens said her Majesty had a “steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her”.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was clear the Queen “held a special place in her heart for Australia”.

Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, said flags would fly at half-mast.

(Image: Getty)

“As monarch for more than half the life of our Federation, the relationship between Australia and Britain matured and evolved throughout Her Majesty’s reign The Queen greeted each and every change with understanding, good grace and an abiding faith in the Australian people’s good judgment.

“This time of mourning will pass but the deep respect and warm regard in which Australians always held Her Majesty will never fade.”

Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, said flags would fly at half-mast and a state funeral service will be organised.

“I know that I speak for people across New Zealand in offering our deepest sympathy to members of the royal family at the passing of the Queen,” she said.

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

France’s president Emmanuel Macron said the Queen “embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years.”

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

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the Queen was “a constant presence in our lives” and that his nation would always “remember and cherish Her Majesty’s wisdom, compassion, and warmth”.

Former US President Barack Obama, who met the Queen on several occasions, said she had “captivated the world” with a “reign defined by grace, elegance and a tireless work ethic”.

“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,” he continued.

Former US President Barack Obama said the Queen had “captivated the world”.

(Image: Getty)

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy shared his “deep sadness” over the Queen’s passing, saying the UK and the Commonwealth had suffered “an “irreparable loss”.

Former US president George W Bush reflected fondly on his meetings with the Queen and her corgies, calling her “a woman of great intellect, charm, and wit”.

Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf, who is a distant relative to Her Majesty, said: “She has always been dear to my family and a precious link in our shared family history.”

King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands said he and Queen Maxima are remembering Queen Elizabeth II as a “steadfast and wise” monarch with “deep respect and great affection”.

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