Update: World Leaders React to the Death of Queen Elizabeth

On Thursday afternoon, Queen Elizabeth II died aged 96 at the Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Below are reactions from international leaders on the death of the Queen of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth.

CUBA: Cuba's Foreign Minister: "On the occasion of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, I express my heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the British government and people."

CHILE: Chile's Foreign Ministry: "The Government of Chile deeply regrets the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We extend our sincere condolences to the people of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the British royal family."

PANAMA: Panama's Foreign Ministry: Panama extends its deepest condolences to the Royal Family, to the British people and to all those who in her long career held in esteem Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, whom we will remember for the fortitude that characterized her. May she rest in peace.

INDIA: The prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, wrote on Twitter: 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.

CANADA: The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II:

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“For most Canadians, we have known no other Sovereign. Queen Elizabeth II was a constant presence in our lives. Time and again, Her Majesty marked Canada’s modern history. Over the course of 70 years and twenty-three Royal Tours, Queen Elizabeth II saw this country from coast to coast to coast and was there for our major, historical milestones.

“She would proclaim ‘it was good to be home’ when returning to her beloved Canada. She was indeed at home here, and Canadians never ceased to return her affection.

“Her Majesty vowed to devote her life to the service of the Commonwealth and its people. On behalf of all Canadians, I thank Queen Elizabeth II for honouring this vow and for a lifetime of service.

“Her Majesty’s reign spanned so many decades – a period when we came into our own as a confident, diverse, and forward-looking country. It is her wisdom, compassion, and warmth that we will always remember and cherish.

“Today, a page has not only been turned, but a chapter in our shared history has drawn to a close. I know Her Majesty’s service to Canada and Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history. The coming days will be a period of mourning for Canadians, as it will be for all Commonwealth citizens, ending with a national day of mourning when a commemorative service will be held to mark the passing of our Sovereign.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I express our heartfelt condolences to members of the Royal Family during this most difficult time.”

VENEZUELA: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said via Twitter: "The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II of England, British monarch. We express our condolences to the royal family, the United Kingdom and the British people. Peace to her Soul!"​​​​​​​

GERMANY: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Queen Elizabeth: “We mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II. She was a role model and inspiration for millions, also here in Germany.

“Her commitment to German-British reconciliation after the horrors of World War II will remain unforgotten. She will be missed, not least her wonderful humour.

UNITED STATES: Joe Biden President of the United States of America, "She charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness, and generously shared with us her wisdom. She stood in solidarity with the United States during our darkest days after 9/11, when she poignantly reminded us that, 'Grief is the price we pay for love."

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Queen Elizabeth II Died Aged 96 at the Balmoral Castle

BRAZIL: The Workers' Party presidential candidate Lula da Silva pointed out that "Queen Elizabeth II witnessed and participated in the last 80 years' greatest historical processes and events. As Head of State, she marked an era and reigned in coexistence with prime ministers from different ideological lines."

"In our administration, the U.K. and Brazil kept excellent diplomatic, political, and commercial relations," said the leftist leader who governed his country from 2003 to 2011.

"My condolences to the family and everyone who admired Queen Elizabeth II in the UK and around the world," Lula added.

ITALY: Prime Minister Mario Draghi mourned the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, saying she was "an outstanding figure in world history for the last seventy years."

"She represented the U.K. and the Commonwealth with balance, wisdom, respect for institutions, and democracy. She has been her country's most beloved symbol and garnered respect, affection, and sympathy around the world," he pointed out. 

"She ensured stability in times of crisis and kept alive the value of tradition in a society in constant and profound evolution. Our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the governments and citizens of the U.K. and Commonwealth countries," Draghi added.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: President Michael Higgins expressed his "deep personal sadness" at the death of Queen Elizabeth II, whom he called a "friend of Ireland."

"I offer my sincere condolences to the British people and to the member countries of the Commonwealth on the loss of their unique, committed, and respected Head of State," the Irish president said in a message sent to King Charles.

"Her personal commitment to her office and her extraordinary sense of duty were hallmarks of her period as a Queen, who will occupy a unique place in British history," Higgins added.

SCOTLAND: Chief Minister Nicola Sturgeon said "the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth is a profoundly sad moment for the U.K., the Commonwealth, and the world."

"Her life was one of extraordinary dedication and service. On behalf of the people of Scotland, I convey my deepest condolences to The King and the Royal Family," the leader of the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) added.

UNITED NATIONS: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland... Elizabeth II was widely admired for her kindness, dignity and dedication," the UN Secretary Antonio Guterres said.

He also called the Queen a "reassuring presence throughout decades of radical change, including the decolonization of Africa and Asia and the evolution of the Commonwealth."