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 at age 96.
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.
Her life was honored by the French people tonight, with the dimming of the lights on the Eiffel Tower:
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau made an emotional statement, saying that “Canada is in mourning”:
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.”
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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:
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.
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.
Hillary Clinton added on a separate statement, to go with the joint statement from herself and Bill, on Queen Elizabeth II’s death:
Barak and Michelle Obama sent their remembrances:
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:
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:
May she rest in peace, and may God provide comfort to her family at this time.