The world is mourning the loss of Queen Elizabeth II after 70 years of reign. The Queen died at the age of 96 on 8 September, and since her passing, many have been honouring her Majesty with touching tributes.
King Charles III
The new King paid tribute to his mother the Queen with an official statement which read: "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."
Prime Minister Liz Truss
Liz Truss paid her tribute on the steps of Downing Street. She said: "We are all devastated by the news we have just heard from Balmoral. The death of Her Majesty The Queen is a huge shock to the nation and to the world. Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built. Our country has grown and flourished under her reign. Britain is the great country it is today because of her." She finished by adding: "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."
First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford
"Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II. As our longest reigning monarch, she firmly upheld the values and traditions of the British Monarchy. On behalf of the people of Wales I offer our deepest condolences to Her Majesty's family during this sad time."
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon
"On behalf of the people of Scotland, I offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to The King, The Queen Consort and to the entire Royal Family.
For more than 70 years, Queen Elizabeth has been the great constant in our national life. She has inspired us, on occasion comforted us and always personified values we hold dear.
This is a moment of acute loss and profound sadness, it also a moment of enormous significance. The passing of Queen Elizabeth marks the end of an era. Our nation is in mourning."
President Joe Biden
"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 the years ahead, we look forward to continuing a close friendship with The King and The Queen Consort. Today, the thoughts and prayers of people all across the United States are with the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in their grief. We send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who are not only mourning their Queen, but their dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world."
Barack and Michelle Obama
"Her Majesty was just 25 years old when she took on the enormous task of helming one of the world’s great democracies. In the decades that followed, she would go on to make the role of Queen her own—with a reign defined by grace, elegance, and a tireless work ethic, defying the odds and expectations placed on women of her generation.
Her Majesty worked with 15 Prime Ministers and countless foreign heads of state. She listened deeply, thought strategically, and was responsible for considerable diplomatic achievements. And yet, she wore her lofty titles with a light touch—as willing to act in a comic sketch for the London Olympics as she was to record steadying messages for the people of the UK during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
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."
Celebrity tributes
Helen Mirren
"I am proud to be an Elizabethan. We mourn a woman, who, with or without the crown, was the epitome of nobility."
Andrew Lloyd Webber
"The constant anchor of not just Britain and her beloved Commonwealth, but an inspiration to the world for her lifetime of service".
"Her legacy will be remembered as a selfless beacon for love, understanding and the celebration of fellow human beings all over the world, no matter their race or creed".
Elton John
"She was an inspiring presence to be around and led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency and a genuine caring warmth. Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly."
Joan Collins
"The Queen was magical. The greatest and most popular star who represented the best of British values. I was grateful to be part of her platinum jubilee and to see her last appearance on the balcony. I hope she knew how much we all loved her."
Sara Davies
"So saddened to hear the devastating news of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. Today, we have lost the greatest monarch in history, someone who selflessly and graciously dedicated her entire life to her country. She leaves a legacy which will never be forgotten. Thank you ma’am, may you rest in peace."
Gary Barlow
"This is an unbelievably sad day. Since the day I was born Queen Elizabeth has led us through good times and bad in the most extraordinary way. I am so honoured to have met her, talked to her and work for her. Those memories will never fade. Rest well your Majesty."
Illustrative tributes
It's understandable that you might want to honour Her Majesty, here are some ways to pay your respects to Queen Elizabeth II.
www.greatmagazines.co.uk
Our beautifully illustrated collectors’ edition is packed with iconic photographs of our Queen as a monarch, a mother and grandmother. We look back to her childhood, her time as a young bride, her accession to the throne and the key moments through her 70 years of dedicated service to the nation.