Leaders from every corner of the world briefly united Thursday and Friday in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, following her death in her Scottish home at the age of 96.
Britain’s new Prime Minister Lisa Terrace today paid tribute to the Queen and pledged “loyalty and devotion” to King Charles III.
She told a silent House of Commons that Elizabeth II was “one of the greatest leaders the world has ever known” and called her “the nation’s greatest diplomats”.
Honors flowed from the countries they ruled to those they were at war with, from small states to the most powerful countries in the world, and from centuries-old institutions to nations that had not yet emerged when they took the throne.
Many countries expressed their respect for the late Queen, from a minute of silence at the United Nations to turning off the lights of the Eiffel Tower, the flag at half-staff over the White House and other steps in the Sultanate of Oman and Brazil, where days of mourning were declared, or Jordan and Cuba.
Here is some of what has been said regarding Queen Elizabeth, who has ruled the United Kingdom since 1952 and was also Head of State for 15 Commonwealth countries around the world:
The Commonwealth, the union of countries formerly part of the British Empire as well as the remaining Overseas Territories, led the world honour.
And the region of South Asia, where Britain was the colonial power until just before the reign of Elizabeth, took the initiative to honor the late queen, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his “pain” at her death.
In the Southern Hemisphere, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that “the Queen’s life and memory will be remembered throughout the world”, while Kenyan President-elect William Ruto praised her “excellent” leadership of the Commonwealth.
In Kenya, outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta expressed a “deep sense of loss” for a queen who is an “outstanding symbol of dedicated service”.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also praised Queen Elizabeth’s “unlimited integrity”, speaking of the “end of time” with her departure.
On the other side of the world, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stressed that Elizabeth II, who was the head of the Canadian state as a queen, was an “enduring presence” in the lives of Canadians and “will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.”
The Queen was also honored by the youngest member of the Commonwealth, with David Burt, Prime Minister of the tiny British territory of Bermuda, hailing her “life of uncompromised duty”.
US President Joe Biden said that Elizabeth II was the first British Queen to have personal relationships with people around the world, and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast in the White House and government buildings.
Others who adopted a less friendly attitude toward Britain also sent their condolences.
Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences Thursday to King Charles III, wishing him “courage and steadfastness” following the death of his mother, at a time when Britain leads the Western campaign to impose sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced today that Putin will not attend the Queen’s funeral. Peskov said that although “the Russians respected her for her wisdom”, Putin’s attendance at the Queen’s funeral was “not on the cards”.
Chinese President Xi Jinping also expressed his “sincere sympathy with the British government and people.”
Germany, which under the Queen transformed from Britain’s archenemy to a staunch ally, hailed Elizabeth II as a “symbol of reconciliation” following two world wars.
“Her commitment to German-British reconciliation following the horrors of World War II will remain unforgettable,” Chancellor Olaf Scholz said.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida echoed this sentiment. “She played an important role in creating a world of peace and prosperity,” he said, adding that the Queen’s death was a “great loss” for the international community.
Argentina, which lost a bitter war with Britain over the Falkland Islands in 1982, expressed its “sadness” at Elizabeth’s death. In a brief statement issued by the Foreign Office, the government said it “accompanies the British people and their family in this moment of grief”.
At the United Nations, the Security Council observed a minute of silence.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the Queen “has been greatly appreciated for her grace, grace and devotion around the world. Her presence has been reassuring through decades of great change.”
In the Vatican, Pope Francis expressed his “deep sadness” at the Queen’s departure, noting that he was praying for her and her son, Charles, who succeeded her as king.
European Union leaders have expressed their sorrow for the death of the Queen, who was Britain’s head of state throughout her membership in the European Union until her recent exit from the bloc. European Council President Charles Michel praised the Queen, saying that “steadfast Elizabeth” embodies “the importance of unchanging values”.
King Philip of Belgium, who has a close family link with the British aristocracy, praised an “exceptional queen who deeply etched history” and demonstrated “dignity, courage and devotion throughout her reign.”
Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf described her as “a good friend of my family and a link to our common family history”.
For his part, King Felipe VI of Spain said that she “wrote the most important chapters of history”.
The Queen of Denmark, Margaret II, announced the cancellation of a number of events that were scheduled for the weekend marking the 50th anniversary of her accession to the throne, to mourn the death of the Queen of Britain.
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz indicated that “Her Majesty the Queen was a model of leadership that will be immortalized in history.”
The King of Morocco said he had lost a “great and distinguished friend who was very respected”.
In Japan, Emperor Naruhito praised the Queen’s “many achievements and contributions” and expressed “deep sadness” at her death.
Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who supports her country’s independence from the United Kingdom, said Elizabeth II’s departure was a “sad moment for the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the world”.
For his part, French President Emmanuel Macron praised “a friend of France and a queen of hearts” who imprinted “her country and the century”.
