The world reacts to the death of Queen Elizabeth II – POLITICO

US President Joe Biden has paid tribute to the « incomparable » Queen Elizabeth II, who died Thursday at the age of 96.

The British monarch died peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday, Buckingham Palace announced. His eldest son Charles is now king.

Tributes to the late leader came from leaders around the world.

Biden – the 14th US president whom Elizabeth II would meet – described the Queen in a statement as a « stable presence » who « defined an era » full of unprecedented human progress. He said she was « the first British monarch with whom people around the world could feel a personal and immediate connection ».

« Supported by her beloved Prince Philip for 73 years, Queen Elizabeth II has always led with grace, an unwavering commitment to duty and the matchless power of her example, » he said. The Queen’s legacy would, Biden added, « a great place in the pages of British history and in the history of our world. »

French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the Queen as a figure who « embodied the continuity and unity of the British nation » during her reign.

« I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who left a lasting mark on her country and her century, » Macron said. said.

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres said she was « admired around the world for her leadership and dedication. »

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau describe the late leader as a « constant presence in our lives » whose « service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history ».

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the Queen’s « empathy and ability to connect with each passing generation, while remaining grounded in the traditions that really mattered to her, was an example true leadership ».

The Queen was the first reigning sovereign to visit Australia when she did in 1954. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese – a Republican – said the Queen was a « monarch who let her humanity show, accomplishing his duty with fidelity, integrity and humour ».

The Queen made a historic state visit to the Republic of Ireland in 2011, the first by a monarch since 1911, when the whole island of Ireland was still part of the United Kingdom. Irish Head of State Michael D. Higgins paid tribute to the Queen and said her visit was « pivotal » in improving understanding between Britain and Ireland.

“During those memorable few days eleven years ago, the Queen did not shy away from confronting the shadows of the past. Her moving words and gestures of respect were deeply appreciated and admired by the people of Ireland,” Higgins said.

Northern Ireland First Minister-designate Michelle O’Neill – from the Irish Republican party Sinn Féin – said she was grateful for Queen Elizabeth II’s contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process in the 1990s.

“Throughout the peace process, she has led by example in building relationships with those of us who are Irish and who share political allegiance and aspirations different from herself and her government,” O’Neill tweeted.

Indian leader Narendra Modi, who described the queen as a « pillar of our times », said he cherished a special meeting with the monarch.

“During one of the meetings, she showed me the handkerchief that Mahatma Gandhi gave her at his wedding. I will always cherish this gesture,” modi said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Express his « sincere condolences » to the Royal Family, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.