Queen Elizabeth II died Thursday at age 96, and tributes immediately flooded social media soon after Buckingham Palace confirmed the news.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg released statements, as did prime ministers and presidents from around the world.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama said in a statement, "Like so many of you, Michelle and I are grateful to have witnessed Her Majesty's dedicated leadership, and we are awed by her legacy of tireless, dignified public service. Our thoughts are with her family and the people of the United Kingdom at this difficult time."
U.S. President Joe Biden released a lengthy message, as did his immediate predecessor in the White House, Donald Trump.
Music stars from Mick Jagger and Ozzy Osbourne to Janet Jackson and Nicki Minaj tweeted about the passing of Britain's longest-reigning monarch, as did actors, reality TV stars, talk show hosts, professional athletes and many other celebrities.
Many people posted simple social media messages similar to Reese Witherspoon's tweet that read: "Rest in Peace Queen Elizabeth II."
"Queen Elizabeth II was a good friend of the United Nations, and visited our New York Headquarters twice, more than fifty years apart," read Guterres' statement in part. "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."
Deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Over more than 70 years, she exemplified selfless leadership and public service. My deepest condolences to the Royal Family, to our #NATO Allies the United Kingdom and Canada, and to the people of the Commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/hHyqBdhKcx
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) September 8, 2022
In a tweet, Stoltenberg said, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Over more than 70 years, she exemplified selfless leadership and public service. My deepest condolences to the Royal Family, to our #NATO Allies the United Kingdom and Canada, and to the people of the Commonwealth."
"Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch," Biden said in his statement. "She defined an era."
Trump posted on Truth Social, "Melania and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Together with our family and fellow Americans, we send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom during this time of great sorrow and grief."
"Several years ago, I met Queen Elizebeth [sic] at The Royal Variety Performance of 2009," Whoopi Goldberg tweeted. "As she approached me, all i could think of was WTH?? I'm an American kid from the projects and I'm in the company of the Queen of England. I was in awe. Rest In Peace. God Save the King."
The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime.
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) September 8, 2022
My thoughts - and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom - are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time.
I mourn with my country the passing of our greatest Queen. With a heavy heart I say it is devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II pic.twitter.com/JZYXGRz2hb
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) September 8, 2022
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered as a stalwart of our times. She provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people. She personified dignity and decency in public life. Pained by her demise. My thoughts are with her family and people of UK in this sad hour.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 8, 2022
It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada's longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country's history.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 8, 2022
My deepest condolences to the Royal Family, people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
— Sanna Marin (@MarinSanna) September 8, 2022
My wife Sara and I, along with all the people of Israel, send our condolences to the people of Britain and to the royal family on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) September 8, 2022
I feel honored to have met HM Queen Elizabeth, and I am very sad to hear of her passing. My deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the British people. https://t.co/fPbpAt5ILv
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) September 8, 2022
RIP, QUEEN https://t.co/aOv8ButbUT
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) September 8, 2022
May you Rest In Peace Queen 🤍 pic.twitter.com/xpnIHbxmy6
— Janet Jackson (@JanetJackson) September 8, 2022
For my whole life Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has always been there. In my childhood I can recall watching her wedding highlights on TV. I remember her as a beautiful young lady, to the much beloved grandmother of the nation. My deepest sympathies are with the Royal family. pic.twitter.com/3JLILZDKwK
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) September 8, 2022
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Jon Jackson is an Associate Editor at Newsweek based in New York. His focus is on reporting on the Ukraine ... Read more
