Celebs bid fond farewell to 'our greatest Queen'
Celebrities around the world bade a fond farewell Thursday (Sept. 9 Manila time) to perhaps the biggest global star of them all, with heartfelt tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
British entertainment royalty led the chorus, with Helen Mirren, who played the monarch in the 2006 biopic "The Queen" calling herself "proud to be an Elizabethan."
"We mourn a woman who, with or without the crown, was the epitome of nobility."
Elton John, who has a lavish home just a stone's throw from Windsor Castle, said he was "deeply saddened" by 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 genuine caring warmth," he wrote on Instagram.
"Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly."
John was knighted by the Queen in 1998, just months after singing a re-worked version of "Candle in the Wind" at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Fellow entertainer Mick Jagger mourned the loss of someone who had been present "for my whole life."
"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."
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. pic.twitter.com/3JLILZDKwK
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) September 8, 2022
Composer and theater producer Andrew Lloyd Webber, in a statement on Twitter, said Elizabeth's "legacy will be remembered as a selfless beacon for love, understanding and the celebration of fellow human beings all over the world."
— Andrew Lloyd Webber (@OfficialALW) September 8, 2022
Harry Potter author JK Rowling said Elizabeth had "earned her rest."
"She did her duty by the country right up until her dying hours, and became an enduring, positive symbol of Britain all over the world," she tweeted.
Most British people have never known another monarch, so she’s been a thread winding through all our lives. She did her duty by the country right up until her dying hours, and became an enduring, positive symbol of Britain all over the world. She’s earned her rest. #TheQueen
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 8, 2022
Reality TV star and former Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne—who was part of the line-up for the queen's Golden Jubilee concert in 2002—called Elizabeth "our greatest Queen."
"With a heavy heart I say it is devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II," said the rocker, who recently revealed he plans to leave the United States to return to live in Britain.
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 pic.twitter.com/JZYXGRz2hb
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) September 8, 2022
Spice Girl, entrepreneur and wife of one of England's most popular footballers, Victoria Beckham said the queen's death marked a sad day "for the entire world".
"She will be remembered for her steadfast loyalty and service," she said.
Today is a very sad day for the entire world. I’m deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Monarch, Her Majesty The Queen. She will be remembered for her steadfast loyalty and service and my thoughts are with the royal family at this time. pic.twitter.com/ObZSKqNaNy
— Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) September 8, 2022
'Graced the world'
Former Beatle Paul McCartney, who was knighted by Elizabeth in 1997 and performed at her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, paid tribute to the queen, and her son Charles as he succeeds her on the throne: tweeting: "God bless Queen Elizabeth II... Long live The King."
God bless Queen Elizabeth II
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) September 8, 2022
May she rest in peace
Long live The King
Paul McCartney pic.twitter.com/fK9wXqkAsa
American stars were also quick to offer condolences, with heiress Paris Hilton declaring Elizabeth "the original girl boss."
The original girl boss. One of the most inspirational women. The end of an era. 👑 RIP 💔 https://t.co/WZWpGIaXoH
— ParisHilton (@ParisHilton) September 8, 2022
Fellow reality star Khloe Kardashian spoke of the sense of continuity the Queen brought in an ever-changing world during her 70 years on the throne.