World leaders pay tribute after death of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and the nation's figurehead for seven decades, died surrounded by some of her family members, Buckingham Palace said on Thursday. 

Tributes have been pouring in as heads of governments and international organizations send messages of condolences following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

With the death of Queen Elizabeth, her son Charles, 73, has now become Britain's new king.

After Queen Elizabeth II passed away, the new British Prime Minister Liz Truss delivered a speech at the Prime Minister's Office, saying that "the death of the Queen is a huge shock to the nation and to the world.”

Truss also said that Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built, and she has been a personal inspiration to many Britons.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that he was saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

"I am deeply saddened at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland," said Guterres in a statement.

He extended his condolences to the queen's family, the government and people of Britain, and the wider Commonwealth of Nations.

"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," said the statement.

"I would like to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II for her unwavering, life-long dedication to serving her people. The world will long remember her devotion and leadership," it said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her condolences to the British royal family through social media, saying that Queen Elizabeth II was one of the most respected personalities worldwide.

US President Biden and his wife issued a statement on Thursday local time, saying that Queen Elizabeth II "defined an era".

In their statement, the Bidens offered their deep condolences to the British people and the royal family, saying that Queen Elizabeth II had deepened the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States, and made the U.S.-UK relationship "special." The statement also said the Bidens look forward to the continued close friendship with King Charles and Queen.

French President Emmanuel Macron posted a message on his personal social media platform to mourn Queen Elizabeth II. He said the queen embodied the British nation's continuity and unity for over 70 years, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expressed his condolences on social media.

"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," said Trudeau.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences on Friday (September 9) on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"Her life of faithful service will be remembered for centuries to come," said Albanese speaking live to Australians via a televised address, adding that her death marked "the end of an era, the close of the second Elizabethan age."

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expressed her condolences on Friday (September 9) on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

"I know I speak for all New Zealanders in conveying our deepest sympathy, to members of the royal family and condolences to King Charles III on behalf of the government and New Zealanders at this time of enormous loss," Ardern said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy joined world leaders in offering condolences to the British Royal Family following the death of Queen Elizabeth.

"It is a heavy loss for entire Europe, for the world," Zelenskiy said.

Former US President Donald Trump called the late Queen Elizabeth a "great woman" who never made mistakes following the death of Britain's 96 year-old monarch on Thursday.

"Who could be greater than what she's done? And she did it so long, so well and never made mistakes," Trump said on GB News.