Current affairs

Global mourning for Queen Elizabeth II: How the world leaders reacted to the death of a towering monarch?

By alagu, 09 September, 2022
Queen Elizabeth, United Kingdom, England, Liz Truss

The globe mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II, a towering monarch who served on the throne for the longest time in Britain's history. She passed away at her Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday at the age of 96, leaving a rich legacy and precious throne to her son, the heir apparent Prince Charles. She was frailing that she broke the traditions for the past few days owing to her health condition.

She left her official seat at Buckingham Palace in July for Balmoral Castle, her summer retreat in Aberdeenshire in Scotland, and never returned alive. She even held her audience for the prime ministerial transition at Balmoral for the first time where she appointed Liz Truss as the new British Prime Minister on Tuesday. In two days, the world has lost her and everything, from her death to her succession, has happened in a day. 

In the afternoon hours of Thursday, Buckingham Palace released an unusual statement that distressed the millions and sparked a sense of worry that her reign is nearing its end. The statement read, "Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen's doctors are concerned for her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral." As soon as the statement caught attention, several leaders and commoners immediately responded to it with their wishes and prayers for the Queen for her speedy recovery. 

The events that unfolded following the statement have frightened the people and brought a wave of perplexion over the Queen's health. The members of the royal household including Elizabeth's children rushed to Balmoral to be her side and the global spotlight was on the gates of Balmoral and on Buckingham Palace. There wasn't an imminent announcement about Elizabeth's health condition and downpours and tears were rampant across the UK. 

About six hours later, at around 6.30 pm Britain time, it was officially announced that the longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth has died peacefully at Balmoral. It was announced that she died in the afternoon and it appears that the announcement of her demise was decided to be made once all the royal members have reached Balmoral. 

In a tweet, the Royal Family wrote, "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 same was hoarded at the gates of Buckingham Palace and the flags across the country were lowered to half-mast. The air of grieving was all across the UK, on everyone's faces and in households as they were struck by what would be a piece of painful news in their lifetime. 

After learning about her demise, several world leaders are expressing their condolences and remembered working with her. In a statement, Elizabeth's eldest son Charles, who is now King Charles III, said, "The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family. We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world." 

"During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held", Charles added. In her statement, British Prime Minister Liz Truss said, "Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built. Our country has grown and flourished under her reign. In the difficult days ahead, we will come together with our friends across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the world to celebrate her extraordinary lifetime of service." 

She further said, "It is a day of great loss, but Queen Elizabeth II leaves a great legacy. God save the King." Several former British Prime Ministers including Boris Johnson, David Cameron, Theresa May, and Tony Blair have joined their fellow Britons in a greatest national mourning of the death of Queen Elizabeth. Beyond the borders, the leaders of various countries have extended their condolences to the Royal family and to those connected to her death. 

US President Joe Biden penned his statement along with his wife Jill Biden in which he wrote, "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era. 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. An enduring admiration for Queen Elizabeth II united people across the Commonwealth. The seven decades of her history-making reign bore witness to an age of unprecedented human advancement and the forward march of human dignity." 

In his statement, former US President Barack Obama said, "Today, Michelle and I join so many others who are celebrating her life and mourning her passing. Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us. Back when we were just beginning to navigate life as President and First Lady, she welcomed us to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity. Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humour and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance." 

"Like so many, Michelle and I are grateful to have witnessed Her Majesty's dedicated leadership and we are awed by her legacy of tireless, dignified public service. Our thoughts are with her family and the people of the United Kingdom at this difficult time", the Obamas added. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to Twitter and wrote, "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." 

"As we look back at her life and her reign that spanned so many decades, Canadians will always remember and cherish Her Majesty's wisdom, compassion, and warmth. Our thoughts are with the members of the Royal Family during this most difficult time", he added. French President Emmanuel Macron wrote, "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 Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, "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 the people of the UK in this sad hour." He further released his pictures with her and wrote, "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." 

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida took to Twitter and wrote, "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." Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, a Commonwealth country under Elizabeth's reign, issued a statement on the passing of Her Majesty. 

Albanese said, "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. The Government and the people of Australia offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who are grieving for a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother- the person whom for so long was their greatest inner strength. Australian hearts go out to the people of the United Kingdom who mourn today, knowing they will feel they have lost part of what makes their nation whole." 

 

You may also like

Comments