(Reuters) – Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and the nation’s figurehead for seven decades, died on Thursday aged 96.
Here is some reaction to her death:
U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES
“As the United Kingdom’s longest-lived and longest-reigning Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II was widely admired for her grace, dignity, and dedication around the world. She was a reassuring presence throughout decades of sweeping change, including the decolonization of Africa and Asia and the evolution of the Commonwealth.”
U.S. PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN AND JILL BIDEN
“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 their country without her,” they said in a statement. “Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world.”
RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN
In a message to Charles, Britain’s new king, Putin said the queen “rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage”, adding:
“I wish you courage and resilience in the face of this difficult, irreparable loss. May I ask you to pass on sincere condolences and support to members of the royal family and the entire people of Great Britain.”
KREMLIN SPOKESMAN DMITRY PESKOV
The Russian people have “great respect” for Queen Elizabeth II, her “wisdom and authority”, he said. “Such qualities are in very short supply on the international stage at the moment.”
POPE FRANCIS
“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.”
DALAI LAMA IN A MESSAGE TO KING CHARLES
“Her reign, as Britain’s longest serving monarch, represented celebration, inspiration and a reassuring sense of continuity for so many people alive today.
“Your mother lived a meaningful life with dignity, grace, a strong sense of service and a warm heart, qualities we all should treasure.”
PATRIARCH KIRILL, HEAD OF THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
“Her Majesty has remained a symbol of stability, continuity and sustainability of centuries-old historical traditions, not only for her Fatherland, but for the entire European continent.”
COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY-GENERAL PATRICIA SCOTLAND
“Her Majesty loved the Commonwealth, and the Commonwealth loved her. During her reign she travelled more than any monarch in history, visiting every part of our family of nations.
“The growth and vibrancy of our modern Commonwealth is a credit to her and testament to her dedication, wisdom and leadership.”
INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered as a stalwart of our times. She provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people. She personified dignity and decency in public life. Pained by her demise. My thoughts are with her family and people of UK in this sad hour.”
SHEHBAZ SHARIF, PRIME MINISTER OF PAKISTAN
“Deeply grieved at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Pakistan joins the UK & other Commonwealth nations in mourning her death. My heartfelt condolences to the royal family, people & government of the UK.”
CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN TRUDEAU
“It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.”
GHANAIAN PRESIDENT NANA AKUFO-ADDO
“The Ghanaian people have very fond memories of the two visits she made to Ghana during her reign, and, on both occasions, we remember the friendliness, elegance, style and sheer joy she brought to the performance of her duties.”
SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA
“Her Majesty was an extraordinary and world-renowned public figure who lived a remarkable life. Her life and legacy will be fondly remembered by many around the world. The Queen’s commitment and dedication during her 70 years on the throne remains a noble and virtuous example to the entire world.”
NIGERIAN PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI
“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.”
KENYA’S PRESIDENT-ELECT WILLIAM RUTO
“The queen’s leadership of the Commonwealth for the past seven decades is admirable.”
“She steered the institution’s evolution into a forum for effective multilateral engagement whose potential to drive tremendous socioeconomic progress remain incontestable.”
NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER JACINDA ARDERN
“To us she was a much admired and respected monarch, to them she was a mother and grandmother.”
“The Queen was a much loved and admired monarch, whose record reign of 70 years is an absolute testament to her, and her commitment to us all. She was extraordinary.”
AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE
“With the passing of Queen Elizabeth the Second, an historic reign and a long life devoted to duty, family, faith and service has come to an end.”
“There is comfort to be found in Her Majesty’s own words: ‘Grief is the price we pay for love’.”
FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP AND FORMER FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP
“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.”
FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
“Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us.”
“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.S. PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH
“Laura and I were honored to have known Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a woman of great intellect, charm, and wit. Spending time at Buckingham Palace, and having tea with Her Majesty – and her Corgis – is among our fondest memories of the presidency. Queen Elizabeth ably led England through dark moments with her confidence in her people and her vision for a brighter tomorrow.”
FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and all the people Her Majesty inspired throughout her lifetime of service.”
EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT URSULA VON DER LEYEN
“It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was the world’s longest serving Head of State and one of the most respected personalities worldwide. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the British people.”
EUROPEAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT CHARLES MICHEL
“Once called Elizabeth the Steadfast, she never failed to show us the importance of lasting values in a modern world with her service and commitment.”
IRISH PRIME MINISTER MICHEAL MARTIN
“Her State Visit to Ireland in 2011 marked a crucial step in the normalisation of relations with our nearest neighbour. That visit was a great success, largely because of the many gracious gestures and warm remarks made by the Queen.”
DUTCH KING WILLEM-ALEXANDER
“We remember Queen Elizabeth II with deep respect and great affection. Steadfast and wise, she dedicated her long life to serving the British people. We feel a strong bond with the United Kingdom and its royal family, and we share their sorrow at this time.”
NORWAY’S KING HARALD
“For nearly a century, Her Majesty devoted her life to the service of the Commonwealth, following the British people through good days and bad, in times of happiness and sorrow. We send our deepest condolences to the British people on the loss of their beloved Queen.
“On a personal note, I am mourning the loss of a dear relative and confidant friend.”
DENMARK’S QUEEN MARGRETHE IN LETTER TO KING CHARLES
“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.”
KING CARL XVI GUSTAF OF SWEDEN
“The Queen served Her countries and the Commonwealth with an outstanding devotion and sense of duty. She has been a constant presence, not only in British society but internationally. In addition, she has always been a good friend to my family and a link to our shared family history.”
GERMAN CHANCELLOR OLAF SCHOLZ
“The Queen embodied the best of our shared European inheritance, democracy and the rule of law,” Scholz said in a televised statement. “We wish her successor Charles III strength, skill and the necessary luck for his new post.”
FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON
“We are grateful for her deep affection for France: Elizabeth II mastered our language, loved our culture and touched our hearts.”
“To you, she was your Queen. To us, she was The Queen. She will be with all of us forever.”
ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER MARIO DRAGHI
“Queen Elizabeth was a major player in world history over the last seventy years. She represented the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth with balance, wisdom, respect for institutions and democracy. She has been the most beloved symbol of her country and has garnered respect, affection and warm feelings everywhere.”
TURKISH PRESIDENT TAYYIP ERDOGAN
Erdogan said he was saddened to learn of Queen Elizabeth’s death and sent his deepest condolences to the royal family and the people and government of the United Kingdom.
SPANISH PRIME MINISTER PEDRO SANCHEZ
“A figure of global significance, witness and author of British and European history.”
UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY
“It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the UA people, we extend sincere condolences to the @RoyalFamily, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
POLISH PRESIDENT ANDRZEJ DUDA
“For decades she has been an embodiment of everything that makes Britain truly Great. She will be missed and remembered in Poland and all over the world.”
SWISS PRESIDENT IGNAZIO CASSIS
“She will be remembered as a woman of great strength & steady leadership.”
CHIEF MINISTER OF GIBRALTAR FABIAN PICARDO
“The People of Gibraltar will mourn Her Majesty as a monarch who has reigned wisely and with incomparable dedication throughout the period of our post-war emergence as a part of the British family of nations.”
“The People of Gibraltar and the Government proclaim their loyalty to the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to His Majesty The King.”
BARBADOS PRESIDENT SANDRA MASON
“Just under one year ago Barbados took the decision to complete the course of independence by breaking constitutional ties with the British monarchy and establishing the world’s newest republic. Significant as that decision was, given the place Barbados has held in the British Empire for centuries, it did not in the least diminish the friendship between our two nations, or indeed with Buckingham Palace.”
JAMAICAN PRIME MINISTER ANDREW HOLNESS
“We join our brothers and sisters in the Commonwealth in mourning her passing, and pray for the comfort of the members of her family, and the people of the United Kingdom, as they grieve the loss of their beloved Queen and matriarch.”
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO PRIME MINISTER KEITH ROWLEY
“Though Trinidad and Tobago gained its Independence and later became a Republic, this country recognizes the lasting legacy of Her Majesty.”
PRIME MINISTER OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, GASTON BROWNE
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has had an impactful reign, during which her relations with my State and its people have remained mutually respectful and unchanging.”
“Before being accorded the role of Head of the State of Antigua and Barbuda, beginning 1st November 1981, Her Majesty was shown great affection by the people of our country on her visits.”
GRENADA’S PRIME MINISTER DICKON MITCHELL
“As Head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty’s steady leadership helped to unite people and countries from around the globe in common cause, and for this, Queen Elizabeth II will always be remembered.”
SAUDI ARABIA’S KING SALMAN BIN ABDULAZIZ
“Her majesty was a role model for leadership that will be immortalised in history.”
MOROCCO’S KING MOHAMMED VI
Offered condolences, recalling the “qualities and merits of an illustrious queen, who invariably stood as a symbol of the greatness of the United Kingdom, devoting her entire life to serving her country”.
ISRAELI PRESIDENT ISAAC HERZOG
“Queen Elizabeth was a historic figure: she lived history, she made history, and with her passing she leaves a magnificent, inspirational legacy.”
OMAN’S SULTAN HAITHAM BIN TARIQ
Expressed his sincere condolences and sincere sympathy to His Majesty, his family and the friendly British people, recalling the merits of the late queen and the position she enjoyed among the peoples of the world.
QATAR’S AMIR SHEIKH TAMIM BIN HAMAD AL-THANI
“The world has unanimously appreciated and respected her. She was a source of inspiration and nobility.”
LEBANON’S PRESIDENT MICHEL AOUN
Emphasising how the Lebanese people were saddened by the loss of the queen: “She was always by their side, especially during the painful circumstances that Lebanon underwent.”
PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT MAHMOUD ABBAS
“Since her accession to the throne and for many decades, she has been giving and doing good and performing her royal duties, leaving behind a rich legacy that will remain engraved in the minds and hearts of generations.”
UAE’S PRESIDENT MOHAMED BIN ZAYED
“Her Majesty was a close friend of the UAE and a beloved & respected leader whose long reign was characterised by dignity, compassion & a tireless commitment to serving her country.”
DUBAI RULER SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL-MAKTOUM
“We join the world in mourning the passing of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, a global icon who represented the finest qualities of her nation and people. Her incredible lifetime of service and duty to the United Kingdom is unparalleled in our modern world.”
ABDULLAH BIN AL HUSSEIN, KING OF JORDAN
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a beacon of wisdom and principled leadership for seven decades. She was a partner for Jordan and a dear family friend. We stand with the people and leadership of the UK at this difficult time.”
IRAQI PRESIDENT BARHAM SALIH
“Queen Elizabeth will be remembered as a great icon of history who served with grace, dignity and fortitude.”
KUWAIT’S EMIR SHEIKH NAWAF AL-AHMAD AL-JABER AL-SABAH
Offered his condolences and noted that the world had lost a great leader who was wise, experienced and far-sighted. She had historical stance that contributed to shaping several regions in the contemporary world.
BAHRAIN’S KING HAMAD BIN ISA AL KHALIFA
His Majesty mourned Her Majesty’s passing and emphasised that the world has lost a great source of inspiration and strength whose wisdom and humanity will be missed by all.
CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING
“Queen Elizabeth II was the first British monarch to visit China. Her death is a great loss to the British people.”
“I attach great importance to the development of Sino-British relations and am ready to work with King Charles III to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level as an opportunity to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.”
JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER FUMIO KISHIDA
“Queen Elizabeth … played an extremely important role in the peace and prosperity of the world. In 1975, she visited Japan and contributed greatly to the strengthening of Japan-Britain relations.
“(Her death) is a great loss not only to the British people but also to the international community.”
JAPAN’S EMPEROR NARUHITO
“Many people across the world were deeply touched by the way she always prayed for world peace and stability. I express respect and gratitude from the bottom of my heart to the many achievements and contributions she made.”
SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT YOON SUK-YEOL
“She had a strong belief in the cause of human freedom and left great legacies of dignity. Her kind heart and good deeds will remain in our memories.”
SINGAPORE PRIME MINISTER LEE HSIEN LOONG
“She performed her duties with devotion, grace, and humility. Her contributions to the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and indeed to the world will be recorded in history, and she will always be remembered fondly as a great world leader.”
TAIWAN PRESIDENT TSAI ING-WEN
Tsai expressed “deep condolences” for the death. Her office said: “Taiwan and the United Kingdom are united in their gratitude for the Queen’s lifelong contribution to world peace and prosperity; Taiwan will also work with the United Kingdom to continue to work hard for common ideals and values.”
PHILIPPINES PRESIDENT FERDINAND MARCOS JR.
“She exemplified to the world a true monarch’s great dignity, commitment to duty, and devotion to all those in her realm.
“The world has lost a true figure of majesty in what she demonstrated throughout her life and throughout her reign as Queen.”
INDONESIA PRESIDENT JOKO WIDODO
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, a widely admired and beloved queen.”
THAILAND’S MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
“We share with the British people and the international community in mourning this great and irreparable loss.”
MALAYSIA FOREIGN MINISTER SAIFUDDIN ABDULLAH
“Her Majesty was a towering figure and led a lifetime of dedication and service to the people of the UK and the Commonwealth.”
TUVALU ACTING PM AND MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS SIMON KOFE
“We were fortunate to have the Queen visit us in our history, and we recognize her incredible commitment to service and the critical role she has played through transformational times in our world.”
BRAZIL PRESIDENT JAIR BOLSONARO
“She was not only the queen of the British people but a queen for us all.”
SURINAME PRESIDENT CHAN SANTOKHI
“The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a great loss to the world. It marks the end of an era in the history of the British monarchy, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations.”
ARGENTINE GOVERNMENT
Expressed its “sorrow” at the death of Queen Elizabeth II and said that it “stood by the British people and her family in this moment of pain”.
VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT NICOLAS MADURO
“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II of England, British monarch. We express our condolences to the royal family, to the United Kingdom and to the British people. Peace to her Soul!”.
ECUADORIAN PRESIDENT GUILLERMO LASSO
“Distraught at the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, whose long life and dedication to the service of her people go down in history as an exemplary reign.”
PARAGUAYAN PRESIDENT MARIO ABDO BENÍTEZ
“From the Republic of Paraguay, we convey our condolences to the Royal Family, the Government and the people of the United Kingdom on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, who will always be remembered for her great vocation of service, ” said
MEXICAN FOREIGN MINISTER MARCELO EBRARD
“Our thoughts and condolences to the people and government of the United Kingdom.”
PANAMANIAN PRESIDENT LAURENTINO CORTIZO
“I send heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, the British people and the Commonwealth on the physical passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who honored Panama on a historic State Visit six decades ago. Peace to her soul.”
GUATEMALAN PRESIDENT ALEJANDRO GIAMMATTEI
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her leadership will remain a legacy for humanity. We express our deepest condolences to the royal family and the British people.”
PERUVIAN PRESIDENT PEDRO CASTILLO
“On behalf of the Peruvian people, we express our condolences to the royal family and the entire United Kingdom on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II of England, the British monarch. Her legacy of service and leadership will live on in history.”
(Compiled by Alison Williams, Deepa Babington and Richard Pullin)
Jesse Pitts has been with the Global Banking & Finance Review since 2016, serving in various capacities, including Graphic Designer, Content Publisher, and Editorial Assistant. As the sole graphic designer for the company, Jesse plays a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of Global Banking & Finance Review. Additionally, Jesse manages the publishing of content across multiple platforms, including Global Banking & Finance Review, Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.