World leaders from across the globe have heaped tributes on the late Queen Elizabeth II whose death was announced earlier today.
The Queen's reign spanned over 70 years and she was present for a number of important historical figures such as Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill.
President Joe Biden's White House said in a statement: "In the years ahead, we look forward to continuing a close friendship with The King and The Queen Consort.
"Today, the thoughts and prayers of people all across the United States are with the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in their grief."
French President Emmanuel Macron described her as a "queen of hearts".
In an official statement, he said: "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the continuity and unity of the British nation for over 70 years. I keep the memory of a friend of France, a queen of hearts who marked her country and her century forever."
World politics changed significantly since 1952, with segregation ending in the US, apartheid ending in South Africa and the iron curtain falling after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
India's Prime Minister describe Her Majesty as a "stalwart of out times" and offered his thoughts to the Royal Family, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky describe her passing as an "irreparable loss."
The President of the Irish Republic, Michael D Higgins expressed his condolences "on behalf of the people of Ireland" while Taoiseach Micheal Martin spoke of her "popularity with the Irish people".
Martin said: "Her dedication to duty and public service were self-evident and her wisdom and experience truly unique."
The Queen’s passing is indeed the end of an era. Her State Visit to Ireland in 2011 marked a crucial step in the normalisation of relations with our nearest neighbour.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola tweeted: “Few have shaped global history like Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her unbreakable commitment to duty and service was an example to all.
"The world mourns with her people in the United Kingdom and beyond. She was truly Queen Elizabeth the Great. May she rest in peace."
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday extended his condolences to Britain for the
"irreparable loss" of Queen Elizabeth, who died earlier in the day aged 96, Russian news agencies said.
In a message to Charles, Britain's new king, Putin said the Queen "rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects,
as well as authority on the world stage".
He added: "I wish you courage and resilience in the face of this difficult, irreparable loss. May I ask you to pass on sincere condolences and support to members of the royal family and the entire people of Great Britain."
Former President Barack Obama, who previously described the Queen as a "jewel", added:
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has previously said her husband was particularly fond of the British monarch.
She revealed: "Barack is so incredibly fond of Her Majesty and I won't go into his fan-girling but I think it's because she does remind him of his grandmother Toot, she's smart and funny and honest. He is a huge fan for sure."
Michelle accidentally broke royal protocol by hugging the Queen during a state visit in 2009, but said Her Majesty brushed off the protocols as "rubbish".
Of one visit, Michelle said: "This was on our last visit and we went to Windsor Castle and we took Marine One, the helicopter, and we landed in a field and we were going to be driven by the Queen and picked up in the car.
"I had all this protocol buzzing in my head and I was like 'don't trip down the stairs and don't touch anybody, whatever you do' and so the Queen says 'just get in, sit wherever' and she's telling you one thing and you're remembering protocol and she says 'Oh it's all rubbish, just get in."
Her reign saw her meet 13 of the 14 sitting presidents from Harry Truman, through to John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton, before Joe Biden became the last after his inauguration in 2021.
After the Palace announced her death, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: "It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Canada is one of 15 countries that count the monarch as the head of state.
"She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history," Trudeau added.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marked his country's part of the commonwealth earlier this year by lighting a beacon in tribute to the Queen.
"This week marks the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. In her seven decades on the throne, The Queen has been a reassuring constant, projecting calm and strength," he said.
"Tonight, along with 53 other nations, we light a beacon to give thanks to Her Majesty and send our warmest congratulations."
European Council President Charles Michel added: “Our thoughts are with the royal family and all those who mourn Queen Elizabeth II in the UK and worldwide.
“Once called Elizabeth the Steadfast, she never failed to show us the importance of lasting values in a modern world with her service and commitment.”
You can leave your tributes to Queen Elizabeth II here
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