As monarch for seven decades, Queen Elizabeth lived through times of extraordinary change, and this was reflected in several tributes.
Mr Macron observed that she „embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years” and former US President Barack Obama observed that she lived „through periods of prosperity and stagnation – from the Moon landing to the fall of the Berlin Wall”.
France’s Emmanuel Macron led the tributes, remembering „a kind-hearted queen” who was „a friend of France”.
US President Joe Biden first met Her Majesty 40 years ago and described her as „more than a monarch – she defined an era”. Remembering his visit to the UK in 2021 as president, Mr Biden said „she charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness, and generously shared with us her wisdom”. „Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity constancy who deepened the bedrock of the Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special,” Mr Biden added.
Queen Elizabeth II met 13 US presidents – beginning with Dwight D Eisenhower- during her reign. Barack Obama said the Queen 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,” Mr Obama, who met the Queen on several occasions, said in a statement.
Canada – where Queen Elizabeth was head of state – has seen 12 prime ministers during her reign. An emotional Justin Trudeau – who has known the Queen for decades, first meeting her as a child when his father was prime minister – said she had „an obvious deep and abiding love for Canadians”.”In a complicated world, her steady grace and resolve brought comfort to us all,” the prime minister said, adding that he would miss their „chats” where she was „thoughtful, wise, curious, helpful, funny and so much more”.
„She was one of my favourite people in the world, and I will miss her so,” he said, holding back tears.
Flags have been lowered to half-mast around the world – including at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium.EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the Queen’s „empathy and ability to connect with every passing generation, while remaining rooted in the tradition that truly mattered to her, was an example of true leadership”.
António Guterres, the UN’s secretary-general, said Queen Elizabeth was „a reassuring presence throughout decades of sweeping change, including the decolonisation of Africa and Asia and the evolution of the Commonwealth”.
In a statement, he paid tribute to „her unwavering, lifelong dedication to serving her people. The world will long remember her devotion and leadership”.
