Death of Queen Elizabeth marked around world with tributes

As world leaders paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth on her death aged 96 on Thursday, the public in Britain and around the globe paid their own respects to a woman who had been the face of her nation for more than 70 years.

US President Joe Biden said the Queen was "more than a Monarch, she defined an era".

Our statement on the death of Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/0n7pmVVg2w

— President Biden (@POTUS) September 8, 2022

British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who met with the Queen earlier in the week, said she was a personal inspiration to herself.

The Prime Minister’s statement on the death of Her Majesty The Queen. pic.twitter.com/CwxGL1N74h

— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) September 8, 2022

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described her as a "stalwart of our times". 

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

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine said: “We extend sincere condolences to the Royal Family, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss."

It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the 🇺🇦 people, we extend sincere condolences to the @RoyalFamily, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 8, 2022

French leader Emmanuel Macron described the Queen as a "friend of France".

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

Anthony Albanese Prime Minister of Australia said "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".

This morning I signed the condolence book for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, offering the deepest sympathies to the King, the Royal Family, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, from the people of Australia. pic.twitter.com/ZwlpqsX63J

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 9, 2022

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Queen Elizabeth II was deeply committed to many charitable and environmental causes and spoke movingly to delegates at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow.

I am deeply saddened at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, admired worldwide for her leadership & devotion.

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

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 8, 2022

Justin Trudeau said that Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign will forever remain an important part of their country’s history. 

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.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 8, 2022

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said that between 1971 and 2018, she "missed only one Head of Government Meeting".

Tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Read the full statement by Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, Secretary-General, Commonwealth of Nations

— The Commonwealth (@commonwealthsec) September 8, 2022

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced that flags will be flown at half-mast on all public buildings for approximately 12 as a tribute.

(1/2) The Jamaican flag will be flown at half mast on all public buildings for approximately 12 days from today September 8th, to September 19th as a tribute following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/vtE1OLCb9j

— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) September 8, 2022

Former US President Barack Obama said: "Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us."

Like so many of you, 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. pic.twitter.com/sbID222iSQ

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 8, 2022

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro declared official mourning throughout the country for a period of three days as a sign of sorrow for the death of Queen Elizabeth.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message to Britain’s new King, said the Queen "rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage", adding: "I wish you courage and resilience in the face of this difficult, irreparable loss. May I ask you to pass on sincere condolences and support to members of the royal family and the entire people of Great Britain."

Pope Francis shared the following statement: "I willingly join all who mourn her loss in praying for the late Queen’s eternal rest, and in paying tribute to her life of unstinting service to the good of the Nation and the Commonwealth."