'Marked her century': World pays tribute as Queen Elizabeth II dies
World leaders paid homage to Queen Elizabeth II on Friday, Sept. 9 (Philippine time) after she died aged 96 in her Scottish summer residence following nearly a year of ailing health.
Here are some of the tributes to Britain's longest-serving monarch, who was also head of state in 14 Commonwealth countries around the world:
'Grace, dignity, and dedication'
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Queen Elizabeth had been "widely admired."
"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," Guterres said.
I am deeply saddened at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, admired worldwide for her leadership & devotion.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 8, 2022
She was a good friend to the @UN & a reassuring presence through decades of change.
Her unwavering, lifelong dedication will be long remembered. pic.twitter.com/1wlZEt8PLA
'Hearts and thoughts'
The White House expressed its deep sympathies, noting she was the leader of one of the United States' strongest allies.
"Our hearts and our thoughts go to the family members of the queen (and) to the people of the United Kingdom," said White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre, minutes after the death of the sovereign was announced.
'Elizabeth the Steadfast'
EU leaders expressed regret at the death of the queen, who was head of state throughout Britain's entire EU membership and eventual departure.
"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," EU council president Charles Michel tweeted.
Our thoughts are with the royal family and all those who mourn Queen Elizabeth II in the UK and worldwide.
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) September 8, 2022
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. pic.twitter.com/NZj3qcyhU7
'Remarkable friend'
Ireland's President Michael Higgins called Queen Elizabeth II "a remarkable friend" who had "great impact on the bonds of mutual understanding between our two peoples."
"As we offer our condolences to all our neighbours in the United Kingdom, following the loss of a remarkable friend of Ireland, we remember the role Queen Elizabeth played in celebrating the warm and enduring friendship" between both countries, he said.
Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Queen Elizabeth II: https://t.co/ih16da84QA pic.twitter.com/rH5zfmSQ0t
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) September 8, 2022
'Inspiring leadership'
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was "pained" by her death.
The monarch of India's former colonial power had "provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people", Modi tweeted, adding she "personified dignity and decency in public life."
I had memorable meetings with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during my UK visits in 2015 and 2018. I will never forget her warmth and kindness. During one of the meetings she showed me the handkerchief Mahatma Gandhi gifted her on her wedding. I will always cherish that gesture. pic.twitter.com/3aACbxhLgC
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 8, 2022
'Marked her century'
French President Emmanuel Macron hailed Queen Elizabeth II as "a friend of France... who marked her country and her century as never before."
"Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II embodied continuity and unity in the British nation for more than 70 years," the French leader tweeted.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 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.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) September 8, 2022
'Balance and wisdom'
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said the "beloved" monarch represented the UK and the Commonwealth with "balance and wisdom."
"She guaranteed stability in moments of crisis and kept alive the value of tradition in a society in constant and profound evolution. Her spirit of service, her dedication... the deep dignity with which she held office for such a long time have been a constant source of admiration for generations," he said.
'Stability and humor'
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said earlier on Thursday, before the news of her death, that the queen was in his prayers.
"She has lived through so many important moments in the Western world... and has done so with calm, stability, and humor," he said, according to the ANP news agency. (AFP)
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