Biden joins world leaders in mourning death of Queen Elizabeth II

(CNN) — U.S. President Joe Biden and leaders around the world mourned Queen Elizabeth II, following her death earlier Thursday at the age of 96.

The President and first lady Jill Biden said in a joint statement that the queen — the longest-reigning British monarch whose rule spanned seven decades — “defined an era.”

“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 White House statement said. “We send our 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.”

American flags at the White House, other federal buildings, military facilities and embassies overseas will be flown at half-staff “until the day of internment,” according to a proclamation by President Biden on the queen’s death.

The first couple, in their statement, called the queen “a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her.”

“Supported by her beloved Prince Philip for 73 years, Queen Elizabeth II led always 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,” the White House statement continued.

The queen, the Bidens added, “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,” the statement said, referring to the UK’s “special relationship” with the United States — a term coined by Winston Churchill. The Bidens also said they look forward to continuing “a close friendship” with King Charles III and the Queen Consort.

Recalling their time spent together, the Bidens wrote that they first met Queen Elizabeth in 1982 as part of a Senate delegation traveling to the UK.

Biden and the queen last spoke and saw one another during the President’s visit to the UK in June 2021, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said earlier Thursday.

• Queen Elizabeth II dead at 96 after 70 years on the throne
• After a lifetime of preparation, Charles takes the throne
• 10 things to know about Queen Elizabeth II’s life
• What to know about UK accession rules after queen’s death

World leaders mourn

Condolences from leaders around the world have been pouring in following the news of the queen’s death.

“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,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted in a statement. “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.”

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote that the queen “embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years. I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.”

Taoiseach of Ireland Micheál Martin called her passing “the end of an era,” saying her “dedication to duty and public service were self-evident and her wisdom and experience truly unique.”

Yair Lapid, the Prime Minister of Israel, wrote that she “leaves behind an unparalleled legacy of leadership and service.”

Guillermo Lasso, the President of Ecuador, said he was “shocked” by her passing, adding that “her long life and service to her people will pass to history as an exemplary sovereignty.”

Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, called Queen Elizabeth “a figure of global significance, witness and author of British and European history.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted, “It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 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.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the queen “was a role model and inspiration for millions, also here in Germany. Her commitment to German-British reconciliation after the horrors of World War II will remain unforgotten. She will be missed, not least her wonderful humour.”

Former US presidents send condolences

Former American presidents have also issued condolences following her passing.

George W. Bush, who welcomed the queen to the United States during his time in office, recalled spending time in Buckingham Palace and meeting her famed corgis.

“Spending time at Buckingham Palace, and having tea with Her Majesty — and her corgis — is among our fondest memories of the presidency,” Bush wrote. “Queen Elizabeth ably led England through dark moments with her confidence in her people and her vision for a brighter tomorrow. Our world benefited from her steady resolve, and we are grateful for her decades of service as sovereign.”

Donald Trump wrote in a statement that “her leadership and enduring diplomacy secured and advanced alliances with the United States and countries around the world. However, she will always be remembered for her faithfulness to her country and her unwavering devotion to her fellow countrymen and women.”

“Melania and I will always cherish our time together with the Queen, and never forget Her Majesty’s generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor. What a grand and beautiful lady she was — there was nobody like her!” Trump wrote.

The Obamas remembered the queen as a leader who made the role “her own.”

“Her Majesty was just 25 years old when she took on the enormous task of helming one of the world’s great democracies. In the decades that followed, she would go on to make the role of Queen her own — with a reign defined by grace, elegance, and a tireless work ethic, defying the odds and expectations placed on women of her generation,” they wrote.

Bill and Hillary Clinton marked the passing by remembering her as a someone with “unfailing grace, dignity, and genuine care for the welfare of all its people.”