Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie Mourn Their "Grannie," Queen Elizabeth II
The world is reflecting on the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in British history, who died Thursday, September 8, at 96 years old.
"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement released Thursday. "The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
Scroll on to read commemorations of the late history-making monarch from fellow royal family members, as well as leaders and celebrities across the globe.
King Charles
Buckingham Palace released a statement Thursday, September 8, from His Majesty The King, in which he reflected on the passing of his mother.
"The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family," King Charles said. "We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms, and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world."
He added, "During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held."
Prince William
Kensington Palace released a heartfelt statement Saturday, September 10, from the Prince of Wales, in which he reflected on his grandmother's kindness and love toward his family. He also praised the late queen's "example of service and dignity in public life."
On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute. So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign.
I, however, have lost a grandmother. And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade. My wife has had twenty years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives.
She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real.
I thank her for the kindness she showed my family and me. And I thank her on behalf of my generation for providing an example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all.
My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love. All of the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen. I will honour her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie
The queen's granddaughters released a shared statement through Eugenie's Instagram account this Saturday, posting the message along with a sweet childhood photo of the late monarch posing with two young princesses. In addition to sharing memories of their "Grannie," the sisters also wrote, "We're so happy you're back with Grandpa."
Our dearest Grannie,
We've not been able to put much into words since you left us all.
There have been tears and laughter, silences and chatter, hugs and loneliness, and a collective loss for you, our beloved Queen and our beloved Grannie.
We, like many, thought you'd be here forever. And we all miss you terribly.
You were our matriarch, our guide, our loving hand on our backs leading us through this world. You taught us so much and we will cherish those lessons and memories forever.
For now dear Grannie, all we want to say is thank you. Thank you for making us laugh, for including us, for picking heather and raspberries, for marching soldiers, for our teas, for comfort, for joy. You, being you, will never know the impact you have had on our family and so many people around the world.
The world mourns you and the tributes would really make you smile. They are all too true of the remarkable leader you are.
We're so happy you're back with Grandpa. Goodbye dear Grannie, it has been the honour of our lives to have been your granddaughters and we're so very proud of you.
We know that dear Uncle Charles, the King, will continue to lead in your example as he too has dedicated his life to service.
God save the King.
With our love,
Beatrice and Eugenie
Liz Truss
The newly appointed prime minister of the United Kingdom, Liz Truss, made an address to journalists following the death of the monarch on Thursday, September 8.
"It is a day of great loss, but Queen Elizabeth II leaves a great legacy," Truss said. "Today, the crown passes, as it has done for more than a thousand years, to our new monarch, our new head of state, His Majesty, King Charles III. With the king's family, we mourn the loss of his mother. And as we mourn, we must come together as a people to support him, to help him bear the awesome responsibility that he now carries for us all. We offer him our loyalty and devotion just as his mother devoted so much to so many for so long. And with the passing of the second Elizabethan age, we usher in a new era in the magnificent history of our great country, exactly as Her Majesty would have wished: by saying the words, 'God save the king.'"
Watch this space for updates.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Moments after her death was announced, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared a tribute to the queen on the website for their foundation, Archewell. The landing page of the site changed to a simple black background with small white text that read, "In loving memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022."
Prince Harry is currently in Balmoral Castle, mourning the queen's passing alongside his family, while Meghan is in England.
Joe Biden and Jill Biden
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden expressed their condolences in a statement released Thursday, September 8.
"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," the message read. "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."
Barack Obama
The former U.S. president wrote on social media, "Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us. Back when we 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 ease, and how she brought her considerable humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance."
Boris Johnson
The former prime minister released a statement reflecting on the monarch's passing.
"This is our country's saddest day," he wrote. "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."
Justin Trudeau
The Canadian prime minister released a statement on social media, writing, "She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history. 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."
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde
The Belgian royals released a statement via social media.
Elton John
The singer shared a message of condolences on Twitter.
Mick Jagger
The musician shared a statement on Twitter, writing, "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."
Nicki Minaj
The rapper shared a brief message of condolences on Twitter.
Stella McCartney
The designer paid her respects to the late monarch.
Jennifer Garner
The actress paid tribute to the monarch on Instagram.
Victoria Beckham
The designer shared a message on Twitter, writing, "She will be remembered for her steadfast loyalty and service and my thoughts are with the royal family at this time."
Jimmy Carter
The former U.S. president extended his condolences to the British royal family.
"Her dignity, graciousness, and sense of duty have been an inspiration, and we join the millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader," he said, per ABC.
Reese Witherspoon
The actress shared a photo of the monarch on Twitter.
Barbra Streisand
The iconic singer remembered the monarch on social media.
Kris Jenner
The Kardashian matriarch wrote on Twitter, "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."
Paris Hilton
Hilton called the late queen "the original girl boss."
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