The world is reflecting on the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in British history, who died today at 96 years old.
"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement released today. "The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
Scroll on to read commemorations of the late history-making monarch from fellow royal family members, as well as leaders and celebrities across the globe.
King Charles
Buckingham Palace released a statement today from His Majesty The King, in which he reflected on the passing of his mother.
"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," King Charles said. "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."
He added, "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."
Liz Truss
The newly appointed prime minister of the United Kingdom, Liz Truss, made an address to journalists following the death of the monarch on Thursday.
"It is a day of great loss, but Queen Elizabeth II leaves a great legacy," Truss said. "Today, the crown passes, as it has done for more than a thousand years, to our new monarch, our new head of state, His Majesty, King Charles III. With the king's family, we mourn the loss of his mother. And 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. We offer him our loyalty and devotion just as his mother devoted so much to so many for so long. And with the passing of the second Elizabethan age, we usher in a new era in the magnificent history of our great country, exactly as Her Majesty would have wished: by saying the words, 'God save the king.'"
Watch this space for updates.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Moments after her death was announced, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared a tribute to the queen on the website for their foundation, Archewell. The landing page of the site changed to a simple black background with small white text that read, "In loving memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022."
Prince Harry is currently in Balmoral Castle, mourning the queen's passing alongside his family, while Meghan is in England.
Joe Biden and Jill Biden
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden expressed their condolences in a statement released today.
"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," the message read. "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."
Barack Obama
The former U.S. president wrote on social media, "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 humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance."
Boris Johnson
The former prime minister released a statement reflecting on the monarch's passing.
"This is our country's saddest day," he wrote. "In the hearts of every one of us there is an ache at the passing of our Queen, a deep and personal sense of loss—far more intense, perhaps, than we expected."
Justin Trudeau
The Canadian prime minister released a statement on social media, writing, "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."
Mick Jagger
The musician shared a statement on Twitter, writing, "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."
Nicki Minaj
The rapper shared a brief message of condolences on Twitter.
Stella McCartney
The designer paid her respects to the late monarch.
Jimmy Carter
The former U.S. president extended his condolences to the British royal family.
"Her dignity, graciousness, and sense of duty have been an inspiration, and we join the millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader," he said, per ABC.
Reese Witherspoon
The actress shared a photo of the monarch on Twitter.
Chelsey Sanchez is an editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she writes about any and all things related to culture and entertainment. Previously, she has covered pop culture and politics for outlets like The Atlantic, Flaunt, and The Indypendent. She feels very strongly about Jane Austen adaptations.
