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Queen Elizabeth II: World reacts to death of monarch

The Queen, in one of her last photographs, waiting in the Drawing Room at Balmoral to greet Liz Truss on Tuesday - Jane Barlow/Pool Photo via AP, File© Jane Barlow/Pool Photo via AP, File

King Charles III has led tributes to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon, calling it "a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family."

The 96-year-old monarch visited more than 100 countries across six continents during her reign and was admired by people, politicians and religious leaders everywhere. Tributes are being paid from all corners of the globe.

Liz Truss made an address to the nation on the steps of Downing Street, saying: "Through thick and thin, Queen Elizabeth II provided us with the stability and the strength that we needed. She was the very spirit of Great Britain—and that spirit will endure."

Boris Johnson, her predecessor, called Her Majesty "the finest monarch in our history." 

US President Joe Biden praised her "unmatched dignity," and has ordered the flag at the White House to be lowered to half-staff, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted her "wisdom, compassion, and warmth."

Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky have paid tribute, while statements have been released by the leaders of India, Israel, Ireland, Germany and Pakistan.

11:18 PM

POTUS AND FLOTUS head to British embassy

President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are visiting the British Embassy in DC this evening - signing a condolence book for the Queen. 

Joe Biden signs a condolence book as US first lady Jill Biden and US ambassador Karen Pierce look on - Reuters© Reuters

10:40 PM

European Parliament flags at half staff for Queen

10:35 PM

US Defence Secretary says Queen had 'profound sense of duty'

Lloyd Austin, the US Defence Secretary, said: 

On behalf of the Department of Defense, I send my condolences to the family of Her Majesty The Queen and to the people of the United Kingdom and all Commonwealth nations. From an early age, Queen Elizabeth II demonstrated a profound sense of duty to her country and to the world that the next generation would inherit. She grew up in a world rocked by conflict and war, and in a radio address as a young princess, she reminded her generation that, “when peace comes, it will be for us, the children of today, to make the world of tomorrow a better and happier place.” 

10:17 PM

Sinn Féin President: passing marks 'end of an era' in Ireland relations

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald said: 

"I wish to extend deepest sympathy to the British Royal Family on the death of Queen Elizabeth II.  Her passing marks the end of an era. Relationships between our two countries for so long marked by conflict and suffering have been recast and reimagined through the Good Friday Agreement. The Queen proved a powerful advocate and ally of those who believe in peace and reconciliation. I salute her contribution to the huge change that has evolved in recent years. Her death is a moment of heartbreak and pride for the British people. To them, and especially to Irish unionists, I extend on behalf of Sinn Féin and Irish Republicans sincere condolences. "

10:15 PM

Donald Trump on new King Charles III

"King Charles III, who I have gotten to know well, will be a Great and Wonderful King," former president Donald Trump writes. "He dearly loves the United Kingdom and all that it represents to the World. He will prove to be an inspiration to everyone. Queen Elizabeth has been, and will be from above, very proud of King Charles III."

 

President Donald Trump and Queen Elizabeth II inspect a Guard of Honour, formed of the Coldstream Guards at Windsor Castle in Windsor in 2018. - AP© AP

10:09 PM

Australia PM calls Queen Elizabeth II 'remarkable'

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has offered his "deepest condolences" to the royal family, in a poignant tribute describing Her Majesty's reign as "remarkable". "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," he said in a statement. "There is comfort to be found in Her Majesty's own words: 'Grief is the price we pay for love.' "This is a loss we all feel, for few have known a world without Queen Elizabeth II." 

10:06 PM

Monuments around the world to light up in Her Majesty's honour

The lights on the Eiffel Tower will be turned off tonight at midnight in Paris to honour the queen. In New York, the Empire State Building will be illuminated in purple and silver.

09:57 PM

US flags to fly at half-staff until burial

US President Joe Biden orders US flags at the White House and all public buildings, grounds, military posts and naval stations to be flown at half-staff in honour of Queen Elizabeth, until she is buried. 

This is highly unusual for a foreign monarch, Josie Ensor in New York writes. 

09:52 PM

New Zealand's PM woken by police officer to be broken news

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern learned of the Queen's death when a police officer shone a light into her room at 4.50am today.

"Just a night prior I'd been reading about the news about the state of her health...so when the torchlight came into my room, I knew what it meant," Ms Ardern told media this morning.

She said it was with "great sadness" that New Zealand has woken up with the news of the Queen's death.

"Here is a woman who gave her life utterly to serve others." 

09:51 PM

Saudi Arabia passes on its well wishes

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said via its London embassy: "The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, on behalf of the people of KSA, wishes to express its deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen."

Social media users are fondly remembering one particular visit by Saudi King Abdullah in 2003, when the monarch was driven around Balmoral by Elizabeth, who, according to a former British ambassador to Saudi Arabia, asked the Queen to “slow down and concentrate on the road”.

Women were of course banned from driving at the time in the ultra-conservative kingdom and some speculated the Queen was making a point. 

Elizabeth II drives her Range Rover car  - AFP© AFP

09:36 PM

Mexico sends condolences

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Mexico's President has tweeted: "I send my condolences to the people of the United Kingdom on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, British monarch and ruler of 14 independent states.

"In the same way, I extend them to her family, friends and members of the Royal House." 

09:34 PM

Brazil orders three days of mourning

Brazil's government has declared three days of national mourning "as a sign of sorrow" following the Queen's death.

"Official mourning is declared throughout the country, for a period of three days, starting on the date of publication of this decree, as a sign of sorrow for the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," the decree stated. 

09:29 PM

Putin writes to King Charles III

Vladimir Putin, the Russian President has written to King Charles III, saying: "Your Majesty, please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

"The most important events in the recent history of the United Kingdom are inextricably linked with the name of Her Majesty. For many decades, Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage. 

Queen Elizabeth II and Vladimir Putin back in 2000 - Fiona Hanson/Pool Photo via AP, File© Fiona Hanson/Pool Photo via AP, File

"I wish you courage and perseverance in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss. I ask you to convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the members of the royal family and all the people of Great Britain." 

09:24 PM

'Stability in times of crisis'

Italy's prime minister, Mario Draghi, expressed his condolences, saying: "Queen Elizabeth has been a key figure in world history over the last seventy years. She represented the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth with poise, wisdom and respect for the institutions and for democracy.

"She was the most beloved symbol of her country and garnered respect, affection and fondness all over the world. She ensured stability in times of crisis and kept the value of tradition alive in a society undergoing continuous and profound change. 

A picture of Queen Elizabeth II is displayed on a giant screen prior to the start of the UEFA Europa League match between SS Lazio and Feyenoord Rotterdam at the Olympic stadium in Rome -  VINCENZO PINTO/AFP via Getty Images©  VINCENZO PINTO/AFP via Getty Images

"Her spirit of service, her dedication to the United Kingdom and to the Commonwealth and the immense dignity with which she carried out her role for such a long time have been an endless source of admiration for generations. 

"Our heartfelt condolences go to the Royal Family and the governments and all citizens of the United Kingdom and the countries of the Commonwealth." 

09:21 PM

'A beacon of wisdom'

King Abdullah II of Jordan said: "Jordan mourns the passing of an iconic leader. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a beacon of wisdom and principled leadership for seven decades. She was a partner for Jordan and a dear family friend. We stand with the people and leadership of the UK at this difficult time."  

09:21 PM

Malta adds tribute

Robert Abela, the prime minister of Malta, tweeted: "Malta joins the rest of the world in mourning the death of HM The Queen Elizabeth II. As monarch and Head of the Commonwealth, she was loved by all. We will always remember her fondly, especially living here as a young princess. My condolences to the Royal Family."  

Reference: The Telegraph: Josie Ensor, Jamie Johnson