Queen Elizabeth dies: World leaders, celebrities remember the monarch

World leaders past and present, including presidents Jimmy Carter, Donald Trump and Joe Biden, honored Queen Elizabeth II after her death Thursday.

In a statement, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. 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, including many who have never known her country without her.” In the statement, the couple said they “look forward to continuing a close friendship with The King and The Queen Consort.”

In a post on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump said: “Melania and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. … 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. … 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!”

Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn offered their condolences, saying, “Her dignity, graciousness, and sense of duty have been an inspiration, and we join the millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader.”

In a statement, former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle said, “through periods of prosperity and stagnation — from the moon landing to the digital age — she served as a beacon of hope and stability for the people of the United Kingdom and the world. … 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.”

Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who left office this week, said in a statement: “This is our country’s saddest day. In the hearts of every one of us there is an ache at the passing of our Queen, a deep and personal sense of loss — far more intense, perhaps, than we expected. … She seemed so timeless and so wonderful that I am afraid we had come to believe, like children, that she would just go on and on.”

In a statement on Twitter, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, “It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the Ukrainian 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.”

Justin Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister tweeted that the queen “was a constant presence in our lives.”

“Her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our history,” Trudeau wrote.

The President of Estonia, Alar Karis, remembered the monarch in a statement, saying, “She understood the changing world and inspired us to embrace change. Her steadfast dedication to her country and people is deeply admired. Her wise, balanced, warm and affectionate attitude towards everyone has been a constant source of inspiration.”

FA, the governing body of football in the U.K., sent their condolences to the royal family on Twitter.

The European Space Agency remembered Queen Elizabeth II, saying, “Her Majesty witnessed the dawn of the space age, meeting astronauts from Neil Armstrong to Britain’s own Tim Peake.”

Celebrities also took to Twitter to remember the queen, with Reese Witherspoon saying simply: “Rest in Peace Queen Elizabeth II.”

Helen Mirren, who won an Oscar for playing Queen Elizabeth II in the movie “The Queen” in 2006, said, ‘I am proud to be an Elizabethan. We mourn a woman, who, with or without the crown, was the epitome of nobility.”

Musician Elton John said on Twitter, “Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing. She was an inspiring presence to be around and led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency and a genuine caring warmth. Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly.”

Ozzy Osbourne said on Twitter, “I mourn with my country the passing of our greatest Queen. With a heavy heart I say it is devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II.”

The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger said, “For my whole life her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has always been there. In my childhood I can recall watching her wedding highlights on TV. I remember her as a beautiful young lady, to the much beloved grandmother of the nation. My deepest sympathies are with the royal family.”

Even fictional characters joined in the remembrances. Paddington Bear, a fixture of British children’s literature, said simply on Twitter, “Thank you Ma’am, for everything.”

Hamilton, currently playing in London’s West End, shared their condolences with the royals, saying, “Everyone at Hamilton is deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty The Queen and we offer our sincere condolences to the Royal Family. We join together with the people of the United Kingdom and around the world in mourning her loss.”

Even smaller organizations remembered the monarch for her powerful impact. The Mammal Society posted on Twitter, “We are deeply saddened to hear the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.”

The Eiffel Tower’s Twitter account announced Thursday evening that it would remain dark in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Soccer great Pele said that Elizabeth’s “deeds have marked generations.”

“This legacy will last forever.”

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