Condolences and prayers for Queen Elizabeth II poured in from across the United States following her death on Thursday.
Joe Bidenthe US President, said the Queen was “more than a monarch. She defined an era”. In her tribute, posted on the White House websiteBiden called her “a stateswoman of unparalleled dignity and steadfastness who has deepened the fundamental alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States”:
In an ever-changing world, she was a stable presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, many of whom never knew their country without her. A lasting admiration for Queen Elizabeth II has united people across the Commonwealth. The seven decades of his historic reign witnessed an era of unprecedented human progress and the advancement of human dignity.
She was the first British monarch with whom people around the world could feel a personal and immediate connection – whether they heard her on the radio as a young princess speaking to children across the UK, or gathered around from their televisions for his coronation, or watched his last Christmas speech or his platinum disc jubilee on their phones. And she, in turn, devoted her whole life to their service.
Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unparalleled dignity and steadfastness who deepened the fundamental alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special.
Biden’s statement also included personal memories of his meetings with the first lady, Jill Bidenhad with the Queen:
We first met the Queen in 1982, traveling to the UK as part of a Senate delegation. And we were honored that she extended her hospitality to us in June 2021 on our first trip abroad as President and First Lady, where she charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness and generously shared his wisdom with us.
In total, 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.”
Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, offered his condolences, writing, “Today Michelle and I join so many others celebrating his life and mourning his passing… Michelle and I were blessed to know Her Majesty, and she meant a lot to us. When we were just beginning to navigate life as President and First Lady, she welcomed us onto 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 the way she brought her considerable humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance.
“Like so many others, Michelle and I are grateful to have witnessed Her Majesty’s dedicated leadership, and we are impressed by her legacy of tireless and dignified public service. Our thoughts are with his family and the people of the UK at this difficult time.”
Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, wrote“Hillary and I mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and join people across the UK and Commonwealth, and around the world, in giving thanks for her extraordinary life.”
He added: “Sunny or stormy, she was a source of stability, serenity and strength. We will always be grateful for the kindness she showed us over the years, especially during our visits to the palace of Buckingham in 1995 and 2000, and for all she has done to deepen this special relationship.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, also shipped prayers on behalf of himself and his wife: “Rosalynn and I send our condolences to the family of Queen Elizabeth II and to the citizens of the United Kingdom. His dignity, kindness and sense of duty were inspirational and we join millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader.
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives, said“Today, Americans join the people of the United Kingdom in mourning the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II. During her seven decades on the throne, Her Majesty has been a pillar of leadership on the world stage and a devoted friend of liberty. On behalf of the United States Congress, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time.”
She added: “Personally, it was an honor to be on the floor of the House during her historic speech to Congress in 1991 and to welcome her as Speaker during her important visit to the United States in 2007, which has deepened the privileged relationship between our nations.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell wrote“Today, all Americans join our great friends across the Atlantic in mourning the monumental loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Elaine and I express our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the Kingdom United and Commonwealth.”
Kevin McCarthy, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, echoes sentiments: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II represented what it means to lead with conviction, selflessness and faith in God and His people. She led her people with grace, showing what servant-leadership means in principle and in practice. I join the world in mourning their loss.
Amanda Gorman, America’s Youngest Inaugural Poet, tweeted: “Long live the Queen – but much longer her legacy.”
American actor George Takei wrote“Queen Elizabeth II has died aged 96. My thoughts are with the Royal Family and people across the UK and around the world who mourn her passing. In her time, the Queen saw a country and even a transformed world. There will be no other like her.