The world is in mourning after the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II who passed peacefully in Balmoral, aged 96, all her children at her side.
Unsurprisingly, tributes are pouring in from around the globe, commemorating the life, achievements and footprint left by Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
From her son, Charles, now King, and world leaders to celebrities like Helen Mirren, who has played the Queen on the silver screen, here is how the world is honouring the Queen’s legacy.
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King Charles
New King Charles released a statement following his mother’s death which read: “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.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be a deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”
Prince William
“On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute. So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign,” the royal wrote.
“I, however, have lost a grandmother. And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade.”
The Duke of Cornwall went on to honour the role Her Majesty played in his wife Catherine’s life, and the lives of his children, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
“My wife has had twenty years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives.
“She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real.”
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
After news broke of The Queen’s death, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle updated their Archewell website to be completely black in honour of their grandmother and grandmother-in-law.
The only text on the screen read: “In loving memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926 – 2022.”
Sarah Ferguson
“She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy: the most fantastic example of duty and service and steadfastness, and a constant steadying presence as our head of state for more than 70 years,” Sarah wrote.
“She has given her whole life selflessly to the people of the UK & the Commonwealth. To me, she was the most incredible mother-in-law and friend.
“I will always be grateful to her for the generosity she showed me in remaining close to me even after my divorce.”
Queen Margrethe
“Your mother was very important to me and my family. She was a towering figure among the European monarchs and a great inspiration to us all. We shall miss her terribly,” Queen Margrethe wrote in a letter to King Charles.
“Her 70 years of reign and service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth are an unprecedented and remarkable achievement. We shall always remember her important contributions to their development and prosperity.
“During her long life the world and your nation have changed dramatically. Throughout her reign in times difficult as well as positive she has played a crucial role as a unifying figure highly respected and deeply loved.”
Helen Mirren
Actress Helen Mirren wrote: “I am proud to be an Elizabethan. We mourn a woman, who, with or without the crown, was the epitome of nobility.”
British Prime Minister Liz Truss
“With the king’s family, we mourn the loss of his mother,” she said. “And as we mourn, we must come together as a people to support him. To help him bear the awesome responsibility that he now carries for us all.
“With the passing of the second Elizabethan age, we usher in a new era in the magnificent history of our great country, exactly as Her Majesty would have wished, by saying the words … God save the King.”
Barack Obama
“Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us. Back when we were just beginning to navigate life as President and First Lady, she welcomed us to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity. Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance.
“Like so many, Michelle and I are grateful to have witnessed Her Majesty’s dedicated leadership, and we are awed by her legacy of tireless, dignified public service. Our thoughts are with her family and the people of the United Kingdom at this difficult time.”
Carrie Bickmore
“A poignant sky above London just minutes after the Queen passes away. 🌈 RIP.”
Victoria Beckham
“Today is a very sad day not just for our country but for the entire world. I’m deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Monarch, Her Majesty The Queen. She will be remembered for her steadfast loyalty and service and my thoughts are with the royal family at this incredibly sad time.”
Anthony Albanese
“From her famous first trip to Australia, the only reigning sovereign to ever visit, it was clear Her Majesty held a special place in her heart for Australia,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote.
“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.”
“May she rest in eternal peace.”
