Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, breathed her last on Thursday in Balmoral Castle, United Kingdom (UK) at the age of 96.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
The royal family’s official website carried the message: “Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022” along with an official statement issued by Buckingham Palace.
Flags on landmark buildings in Britain were being lowered to half mast as a period of official mourning was announced. Royal residences that are open to the public will be closed.
Shortly after the official announcement, world leaders took to Twitter to extend their condolences.
President Arif Alvi expressed his sincere condolences.
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif extends his heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, people and government of the UK.
UK’s newly elected PM Liz Truss mourned the death of her country’s monarch. She released a statement that reads: “With the King’s family, we mourn the loss of his mother. As we mourn, we must come together as a people to support him. To help him bear the awesome responsibility that he now carries for us all.”
United States (US) President Joe Biden shared a statement on the demise of the Queen. “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,” Biden said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping offered “sincere sympathies to the British government and people” following the Queen’s death, adding: “Her passing is a great loss to the British people.”
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his “deep sorrow”. “The loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a great loss not only to the British people but also to the international community. Japan’s thoughts are with the United Kingdom as the British people overcome this deepest sadness”, he said.
Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau said, “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.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said, “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.”
Indian PM Narendra Modi, in a tweet, said he had memorable meetings with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“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 at her wedding. I will always cherish that gesture.”
Finish PM Sanna Marin said, “My deepest condolences to the Royal Family, people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto said, “Queen’s sense of duty and devotion to service are an example to us all. Deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the UK.”
Earlier, it was reported that Queen’s doctors were concerned about her health and she was under observation.
All the Queen’s children travelled to Balmoral, near Aberdeen, after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision.
Her grandson, Prince William, is also there, with his brother, Prince Harry, on his way.
