As night fell at Buckingham Palace, the crowds continued to gather to reflect on the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II as young and old tried to make their way to the crowded gates to lay their flowers. With a sea of people taking in the moment, and applause and cheers broke out, it was still clear that the announcement of the death of The Queen, the Commonwealth’s longest serving monarch, was just nigh on impossible to take in.
Having steered the monarchy through turbulent times, as Britain’s Empire ended and its place in the world fundamentally changed, She remained quiet and aloof, steadfast and strong-willed in seeing through the constant changes about her – but She stayed the same.
Head of state of the UK and 14 other countries, including Australia, Canada and Jamaica, the UK’s newest Prime Minister, Liz Truss, expressed her shock at the announcement, after being told the news by Cabinet Secretary Simon Case.
In his statement Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "It is a deep, private loss for the Royal Family and all our thoughts are with them at this time. The nation shares in their grief.
"We will always treasure Queen Elizabeth II's life of service and devotion to our nation and the Commonwealth; our longest-serving and greatest monarch. Above the clashes of politics, she stood not for what the nation fought over, but what it agreed upon.”
Around the UK, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “The death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, is a profoundly sad moment for the UK, the Commonwealth and the world. Her life was one of extraordinary dedication and service. On behalf of the people of Scotland, I convey my deepest condolences to the King and the Royal Family,” whilst Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “As our longest-reigning monarch, she firmly upheld the values and traditions of the British Monarchy. On behalf of the people of Wales, I offer our deepest condolences to Her Majesty's family during this sad time.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: “As we grieve together, we know that, in losing our beloved Queen, we have lost the person whose steadfast loyalty, service and humility has helped us make sense of who we are" He added that the Queen leaves behind a truly extraordinary legacy that is found in almost every corner of our national life, as well as the lives of so many nations around the world, and especially in the Commonwealth.
Pope Francis paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, saying: “I willingly join all who mourn her loss in praying for the late Queen’s eternal rest, and in paying tribute to her life of unstinting service to the good of the nation and the Commonwealth, her example of devotion to duty, her steadfast witness of faith in Jesus Christ and her firm hope in his promises."
Leaders from around the world spoke of their sadness at the death of Queen Elizabeth II, with US President Joe Biden saying: “She charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness, and generously shared with us her wisdom. She stood in solidarity with the United States during our darkest days after 9/11, when she poignantly reminded us that grief is the price we pay for love”.
French President Emmanuel Macron also paid tribute, saying: “The Queen was kind-hearted and a true friend of France”.
"Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” he went on to say: “embodied the British nation's continuity and unity for over 70 years. I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.”
German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, described the Queen as a "role model and inspiration for millions". He praised her role in repairing relations between the UK and Germany after the horrors of World War II.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country's history. I will miss her so”.
Survived by her four children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, HRH Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully at her Balmoral Castle home, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Her eldest now takes the reigns as King Charles III.
