- Guterres, Trump, Obama, Carter, Ardern, others pay tributes
World Leaders, monarchs, and dignitaries have been paying tribute to a monarch who, in the words of United States (US) President Joe Biden, “defined an era”.
Biden and first lady, Jill Biden, called the queen “a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States.”
The Bidens wrote in their statement; “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,” adding that they; “look forward to continuing a close friendship with The King and The Queen Consort.”
They later visited the British Embassy in Washington, where they took flowers and signed a condolence book and after the embassy visit, Biden made brief remarks about the queen at a Democratic National Committee event.
“She was an incredibly gracious and decent woman,” he said.
This is even as reactions continued to trail the news from around the world, with New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern explaining how she was woken by a police officer’s torchlight in her bedroom before five in the morning.
Having gone to bed reading of the Queen’s ill health, “when that torchlight came into my room I knew immediately what it meant”, Ardern said. “I am profoundly sad.”
Ardern was among the first mourners who arrived at New Zealand’s parliament, in the capital, Wellington, to leave tributes for Queen Elizabeth in an official condolence book she opened accompanied by the Governor-General, Cindy Kiro.
“With our deepest gratitude for your love for the people of Aotearoa New Zealand, and for your life of service”, Ardern wrote.
She followed the words with the Māori proverb “he kotuku rerenga tahi”, which translates to “a white heron’s flight is seen but once”. It refers to a rare event, and the comparison is intended as an honour.
Similarly, President Biden has been joined by other U.S. leaders to mourn the death on Thursday of Queen Elizabeth II, whose 70-year-reign spanned more than a dozen presidencies and enormous global and diplomatic change.
Former US presidents, from Jimmy Carter to Donald Trump, were on hand to offer their condolences to the monarch who held sway on the throne for 70 years.
“Melania and I will always cherish our time together with the Queen, and never forget Her Majesty’s generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor”, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.
Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama said the queen’s reign was “defined by grace, elegance, and a tireless work ethic, defying the odds and expectations placed on women of her generation.”
Former President George W. Bush said spending time at Buckingham Palace and having tea with the queen and her beloved corgis was one of his “fondest memories of the presidency.”
Former President Bill Clinton celebrated the queen for leading the U.K. “with unfailing grace, dignity, and genuine care for the welfare of all its people,” while former President Jimmy Carter called the queen a “remarkable leader” and “an inspiration.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., wrote in a statement that attending the queen’s speech to Congress in 1991 was a personal honor and said her “extraordinary life and leadership will continue to inspire young women and girls in public service, now and for generations to come.”
In paying tribute to the late Queen, United Nations (UN) Secretary General, António Guterres, said she was admired for her grace and dignity across decades of change and recalled how the monarch spoke movingly to delegates at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow last year.
With the United Nations General Assembly observing a minute’s silence for the Queen at its current meeting in New York, Guterres said; “As the United Kingdom’s longest-lived and longest-reigning Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II was widely admired for her grace, dignity, and dedication around the world. She was a reassuring presence throughout decades of sweeping change, including the decolonization of Africa and Asia and the evolution of the Commonwealth.
“Queen Elizabeth II was a good friend of the United Nations, and visited our New York Headquarters twice, more than fifty years apart. She was deeply committed to many charitable and environmental causes and spoke movingly to delegates at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow.
“I would like to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II for her unwavering, lifelong dedication to serving her people. The world will long remember her devotion and leadership.”
From South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the Queen had enjoyed a “remarkable life”, adding; “Her Majesty was an extraordinary and world-renowned public figure who lived a remarkable life. Her life and legacy will be fondly remembered by many around the world. The Queen’s commitment and dedication during her 70 years on the throne remain a noble and virtuous example to the entire world.”
Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, said: “The Ghanaian people have very fond memories of the two visits she made to Ghana during her reign, and, on both occasions, we remember the friendliness, elegance, style, and sheer joy she brought to the performance of her duties.”
On his part, an emotional Justin Trudeau, Canada’s Prime Minister, said he would miss the Queen, who was “one of my favourite people”.
