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President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on Thursday mourned the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, calling her a “stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy” who deepened the alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom, and whose “legacy will loom large.”
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch who served as the beloved face of her country and source of strength for seven decades, died Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. She was 96.
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era,” the Bidens said.
“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.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II, LONGEST-REIGNING BRITISH MONARCH, DEAD AT 96
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth stands with U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden in the Grand Corridor during their visit at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, Britain, June 13, 2021. (Steve Parsons/Pool via REUTERS)
“She was the first British monarch to whom people all around the world could feel a personal and immediate connection—whether they heard her on the radio as a young princess speaking to the children of the United Kingdom, or gathered around their televisions for her coronation, or watched her final Christmas speech or her Platinum Jubilee on their phones. And she, in turn, dedicated her whole life to their service,” they continued.
The Bidens said that she “always led with grace, an unwavering commitment to duty, and the incomparable power of her example.”
“She endured the dangers and deprivations of a world war alongside the British people and rallied them during the devastation of a global pandemic to look to better days ahead. Through her dedication to her patronages and charities, she supported causes that uplifted people and expanded opportunity,” the Bidens said. “By showing friendship and respect to newly independent nations around the world, she elevated the cause of liberty and fostered enduring bonds that helped strengthen the Commonwealth, which she loved so deeply, into a community to promote peace and shared values.”
“Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special,” they continued.
Biden said he first met the Queen in 1982 when traveling to the United Kingdom as part of a Senate delegation. The Bidens also met with the Queen last summer during their first overseas trip as president and first lady.
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II stands with US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden as they listen to the US national anthem at Windsor Castle near London, Sunday, June 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) (AP)
The Bidens said the Queen “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,'” they said.
President Joe Biden inspects a Guard of Honour after arriving to meet Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle near London, Sunday, June 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool) (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool)
“In the years ahead, we look forward to continuing a close friendship with The King and The Queen Consort,” the Bidens said. “Today, the thoughts and prayers of people all across the United States are with the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in their grief.”
The Bidens sent their “deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who are not only mourning their Queen, but their dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.”
“Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world,” they said.
Elizabeth’s doctors said earlier Thursday that they were “concerned for Her Majesty’s health” and that she was “resting comfortably” at Balmoral under medical supervision.
CHARLES BECOMES KING OF ENGLAND AFTER DEATH OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II
She died “peacefully” Thursday afternoon, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow,” Buckingham Palace said.
The royal was preceded in death by her husband, Prince Philip, who spent more than seven decades supporting the queen. The Duke of Edinburgh, Britain’s longest-serving consort, died in April 2021 at age 99. Elizabeth and Philip were married for more than 70 years and had four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
The former Prince Charles has become the king of England following the death of his mother.
Charles, who will be called King Charles III, ascended to the kingship immediately upon the death of his mother, according to British laws of succession. Soon after, he released his first statement as king.
“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,” the king 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,” the king continued. “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.”
PHOTOS: QUEEN ELIZABETH THROUGH THE YEARS
The new king’s coronation and first formal appearance as the head of the commonwealth is not yet scheduled — Charles is expected to stay the night at Balmoral with the rest of the Royal Family.
Fox News’ Stephanie Nolasco and Timothy H.J. Nerozzi contributed to this report.
