The people have spoken. Justin Trudeau, Emmanuel Macron and more world leaders and celebrities are sending thoughts and prayers to the British royal family after news broke of Queen Elizabeth II‘s death.
Buckingham Palace confirmed on Thursday, September 8, that the queen passed away at age 96. She was the longest-reigning British monarch and the world’s longest-serving female head of state following her coronation in 1953. Hours before her death, the queen was placed under “medical supervision” due to growing concerns about her health, with members of the royal family rushing to be by her side at her Balmoral estate in Scotland.
In October 2021, she was hospitalized for one night after canceling royal appearances in Northern Ireland on medical recommendation. Though she returned to work later that month, the queen’s relatives were “urging her to take it easy,” a source told Us Weekly exclusively. The palace later released a statement confirming that Elizabeth was advised to take a two-week rest, leading her to appear virtually for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) reception in November 2021 instead of in person.
The following February, the palace confirmed that Elizabeth had tested positive for COVID-19 and would cancel her virtual duties while she recovered. Her eldest son, Prince Charles, also battled the virus that month for a second time.
Later that year, the queen’s health continued to make headlines. Before marking her Platinum Jubilee in June, Elizabeth skipped the opening day of British Parliament for only the third time in her 70-year reign. She later experienced “discomfort” after the Trooping the Colour parade, causing her to pull out of the Service of Thanksgiving in June with “great reluctance,” per a palace statement.
Elizabeth died more than one year after Prince Philip was laid to rest in April 2021. The Duke of Edinburgh was 99 years old when he “passed away peacefully” at the pair’s royal residence, with the queen’s doctor later confirming his cause of death as old age.
“While as a family we are in a period of great sadness, it has been a comfort to us all to see and to hear the tributes paid to my husband, from those within the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world,” Elizabeth noted in a statement on her milestone 95th birthday after Philip’s death. “My family and I would like to thank you for all the support and kindness shown to us in recent days. We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life.”
The queen and Philip celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in November 2020, making the pair the longest-married couple in the history of the British monarchy. The royal couple met in 1939, when the monarch was just 13 years old, and were engaged eight years later.
Elizabeth is survived by her sons, Charles, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, as well as daughter Princess Anne. The royal matriarch also had eight grandchildren, including Prince William and Prince Harry, and 12 great-grandchildren.
The final years of the queen’s royal tenure didn’t come without their challenges. In January 2020, Harry, 36, and Meghan Markle announced that they would be stepping down from their senior royal duties. Their transition out of the spotlight was made official two months later, and the couple relocated to California with their infant son, Archie.
Buckingham Palace confirmed one year later that the Sussexes would not be returning as working members of the royal family, shortly after the couple announced they had baby No. 2 on the way. Lilibet “Lili” Diana, named in honor of the queen, arrived in June 2021. The monarch met her namesake while the Suits alum, 41, and her husband were in the U.K. for the Platinum Jubilee in June.
“After reluctantly pulling out of Party at the Palace, spending time with her great-grandchildren and seeing Lilibet turn 1 added some light to her day,” a source exclusively told Us of the meeting. “She thinks they’re adorable and gave Lili and Archie gifts.”
While Meghan and Harry’s initial exit was unexpected, Elizabeth and her staff had a firm plan in place for when her time came to step away from the throne. “Charles will serve as king with Duchess Camilla by his side,” a source told Us exclusively in November 2020, nearly two years before Her Royal Highness herself announced her hopes for Camilla, 75.
“When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me,” the sovereign noted in a February statement. “And it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”
Scroll to see how celebrities reacted to the sad news from Buckingham Palace:
"This is our country's saddest day," the former British prime minister began in a lengthy statement shared via Twitter. "In the hearts of every one of us there is an ache at the passing of our Queen, a deep and personal sense of loss — far more intense, perhaps, than we expected. In these first grim moments since the news, I know that millions and millions of people have been pausing whatever they have been doing to think about Queen Elizabeth, about the bright and shining light that has finally gone out. She seemed so timeless and so wonderful that I am afraid we had come to believe, like children, that she would just go on and on." Johnson closed with a reference to Charles, writing: "Though our voices may still be choked with sadness we can say with confidence the words not heard in this country for more than seven decades. God Save The King." James Veysey/Shutterstock
"Rosalynn and I extend our condolences to the family of Queen Elizabeth II and the citizens of the United Kingdom," the former U.S. president said in a statement. 'Her dignity, graciousness and sense of duty have been an inspiration, and we join the millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader." Kevin D Liles/AP/Shutterstock
"Laura and I were honored to have known Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," the former U.S. president wrote in a statement. "She was a woman of great intellect, charm and wit. Spending time at Buckingham Palace, and having tea with Her Majesty — and her corgis — is among our fondest memories of the presidency. Queen Elizabeth ably led England through dark moments with her confidence in her people and her vision for a brighter tomorrow. Our world benefitted from her steady resolve, and we are grateful for her decades of service as sovereign. Americans in particular appreciate her strong and steadfast friendship. Laura and I join our fellow citizens in sending our heartfelt condolences to the Royal family and the British people." Shutterstock
"RIP HM Queen Elizabeth II. Deeply saddened at this tragic news," tweeted the Princess Bride actor. "I always had enormous respect for Her Majesty. She had an enormous sense of duty and compassion. She will be sorely missed and not just by me. Our condolences to her family. God rest her soul." Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
"I had memorable meetings with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during my UK visits in 2015 and 2018," India's prime minister wrote via Twitter. "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." Ajit Solanki/AP/Shutterstock
"The United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and the entire world are joined together in mourning this evening," tweeted the former British prime minister. "HM Queen Elizabeth II served this country to the last. I offer my sincere condolences to the Royal Family. May she rest in peace." Paul Grover/Shutterstock
"Jordan mourns the passing of an iconic leader," the king of Jordan wrote via Twitter. "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a beacon of wisdom and principled leadership for seven decades. She was a partner for Jordan and a dear family friend. We stand with the people and leadership of the UK at this difficult time." Lamkey Rod/CNP/ABACA/Shutterstock
"Rest in Peace Queen Elizabeth II," tweeted the Legally Blonde star alongside a throwback photo of the monarch. Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
"Rest In Paradise to The Queen ❤️," the "Ride" songstress wrote via Twitter. Rob Latour/Shutterstock
"We will never see her like again," tweeted the Broadway legend. "She was steadfast, staunch, and dedicated until the very end. 70 years of duty. Unbelievable." Patrick Lewis/StarPix/Shutterstock
"The transition of the Queen of England saddens me as I had the opportunity of meeting and performing for her," tweeted the "That's What Friends Are For" singer. "She graciously greeted me with knowledge of my recordings naming I Say A Little Prayer as a favorite. Condolences to her family and the citizens of the United Kingdom." Matt Baron/Shutterstock
"Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's passing," the "Tiny Dancer" singer wrote in a statement shared via social media. "She was an inspiring presence to be around, and [led] the country through some of our greatest, and darkest, moments with grace, decency and a genuine caring warmth. Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly." Paul Grover/Shutterstock
"Spanning nearly three-quarters of a century — and a world transformed many times over — Her Majesty’s was a reign without equal," tweeted the philanthropist. "I will cherish the kindnesses that Queen Elizabeth II extended to our family and the remarkable leadership, resilience and example she showed us all." AFF-USA/Shutterstock
"I am proud to be an Elizabethan," the Red actress wrote via Instagram. "We mourn a woman, who, with or without the crown, was the epitome of nobility." Mirren won an Oscar for her portrayal of Elizabeth in the 2006 film The Crown and a Tony Award for the same role in the 2015 play The Audience. Simone Comi/ipa-agency.net/Shutterstock
"The original girl boss," tweeted the Cooking With Paris alum. "One of the most inspirational women. The end of an era. 👑 RIP 💔." Broadimage/Shutterstock
"Several years ago, I met Queen Elizebeth at The Royal Variety Performance of 2009," the View cohost wrote via Twitter. "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." Jason Mendez/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
"Rest In Peace, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," tweeted the reality star. "Graceful, dedicated, elegant, unforgettable. Today and always we will remember her as one of the greatest leaders our world has ever seen. I send my love and condolences to the Royal Family." Frank Micelotta/Shutterstock
"May you Rest In Peace Queen," the "If" singer tweeted alongside a photo of herself meeting the monarch. Matt Baron/Shutterstock
"Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era," the president and his first lady said in a joint 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. An enduring admiration for Queen Elizabeth II united people across the Commonwealth. The seven decades of her history-making reign bore witness to an age of unprecedented human advancement and the forward march of human dignity." The duo's remarks included a recollection of the first time they met the monarch. "We first met the Queen in 1982, traveling to the UK as part of a Senate delegation," they recalled. "And we were honored that she extended her hospitality to us in June 2021 during our first overseas trip as President and First Lady, where she charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness, and generously shared with us her wisdom. All told, she met 14 American presidents. She helped Americans commemorate both the anniversary of the founding of Jamestown and the bicentennial of our independence. And 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.'" WILL OLIVER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
"Today, Michelle and I join so many others who are celebrating [the queen's] life and mourning her passing," the former president said in a statement. "Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us. Back when were just beginning to navigate life as President and First Lady, she welcomed us to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity. Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at easy, and how she brought her considerable humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance. Like so many, 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." Bonnie Cash/UPI/Shutterstock
"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," tweeted the Canadian prime minister. "As we look back at her life and her reign that spanned so many decades, Canadians will always remember and cherish Her Majesty’s wisdom, compassion, and warmth. Our thoughts are with the members of the Royal Family during this most difficult time." James Shaw/Shutterstock
"Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years," the French president wrote via Twitter. "I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century." Jacques Witt/SIPA/Shutterstock
"It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," tweeted the president of Ukraine. "On behalf of the 🇺🇦 people, we extend sincere condolences to the @RoyalFamily, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you." SERGEY DOLZHENKO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
"RIP HER MAJESTY!" the Saved by the Bell alum wrote via Twitter alongside a photo of the late monarch. Broadimage/Shutterstock
"Queen Elizabeth II has passed away at age 96. My thoughts are with the royal family and with the people of the United Kingdom and truly around the world who mourn her passing," the Star Trek alum wrote via Twitter. "In her time, the Queen saw a country and indeed a world transformed. There shall be none other like her." Eric Charbonneau/Shutterstock
"#RIPQueenElizabeth 💔," tweeted the Fifty Shades of Grey author. Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
The California native tweeted the hashtag "#HerMajesty." Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup for FX/Shutterstock
"I mourn with my country the passing of our greatest Queen," the rocker wrote via Twitter. "With a heavy heart I say it is devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II." Amy Harris/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
"RIP Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 96," tweeted the British TV host. "The greatest Monarch in history, and the greatest of Britons. Dignified, humble, wise, stoic, and dedicated to duty & service to the country she loved. Thank you for everything, Ma’am. We will be forever indebted to you." David Fisher/Shutterstock
"Queen Elizabeth II, a timeless icon that will live in our hearts forever," the Keeping Up With the Kardashians alum tweeted. "RIP Your Majesty!" Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
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