World leaders, past and present, pay tribute to long reign, life of Queen Elizabeth

Political leaders past and present from across the U.K. and the rest of the world are paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth, whose long reign as monarch stretched seven decades and came to an end with her deathon Thursday.

The Queen died at age 96 and her passing brought expressionsof condolences for her family and the U.K.

In London, British Prime Minister Liz Truss said the Queen was "the rock on which modern Britain was built," describing her death as "a day of great loss."

Truss the 15thBritishprime minister of Elizabeth's long reign, who came to the job just two days ago also noted the passing of the crown to King Charles III.

"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," Truss said.

WATCH | Truss on the Queen's legacy:

Queen Elizabeth 'was the very spirit of Great Britain,' says British PM

2 years ago

Duration 3:09

British Prime Minister Liz Truss speaks to the public following the recent news of Queen Elizabeth's death, recapping some of her life and of her many accomplishments as monarch.

Truss's predecessor, Boris Johnson, said "this is our country's saddest day."

Former British prime minister Tony Blair said "we have lost not just our monarch but the matriarch of our nation, the figure who more than any other brought our country together, kept us in touch with our better nature, personified everything which makes us proud to be British."

Gordon Brown, the former Labour prime minister who succeeded Blair, said the Queen had "served this country to the last."

Irish Prime Minister Michel Martin said the Queen had helpednormalize relations with itsnearest neighbour, pointing to a visitshemade there in 2011 the first by a British monarch since Ireland's independence from London decades earlier.

"That visit was a great success, largely because of the many gracious gestures and warm remarks made by the Queen,"Martin said in a statement.

Farewell to 'a legend'

EuropeanCommission President Ursula von der Leyen said during a news conference in the Netherlands that her prayers were with the Queen.

"She represents the whole history of the Europe that is our common home with our British friends," von der Leyen said.

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"She has given to all of us in all these years, always, stability, confidence. She's shown an immense amount of courage. She is a legend in my eyes, and therefore my prayers are with her."

French President Emmanuel Macron said he'd remember Elizabeth as "a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century."

Germany's foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, expressed sadness at the news, tweeting: "Germany remains forever grateful that she stretched out her hand to us in reconciliation after the terror of World War II."

Italian Premier Mario Draghi hailed the Queen as having been "the absolute protagonist of world history of the last 70 years." Hesaid Elizabeth had represented the U.K. and the Commonwealth "with equilibrium, wisdom, respect for institutions and for democracy."

Royalty across Europe mourned Elizabeth's death.

Her life "set an example for all of us and will remain as a solid and valuable legacy for future generations," Spanish King Felipe VI said in a telegram sent to Charles.

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden called her "a constant presence, not only in British society but internationally."

Pope Francis, in a telegram to Charles, said he was praying for "eternal rest" for his late mother, and that he was deeply saddened to learn of her death.

In Nigeria,President Muhammadu Buhari expressed "immense sadness" over the death of the Queen.

"Her late Majesty was the only British sovereign known to 90 per cent of our population," Buharisaid, describing her reign as "unique and wonderful."

An 'irreparable loss'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose country has received support from Britain amid its ongoing fight against a Russian invasion,extended condolences "to the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth" in the wake of the "irreparable loss" of the Queen.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who has said his country intends to become a republic,said Thursday that "we join our brothers and sisters in the Commonwealth in mourning her passing, and pray for the comfort of the members of her family, and the people of the United Kingdom, as they grieve the loss of their beloved Queen and matriarch."

Back in Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement that the Queen had been "a constant presence in our lives" and that her service had been important within Canada's own history.

U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden said Elizabeth "defined an era" and that she had "deepened the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States."

FormerU.S. president Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, also recalled the Queen fondly.

"She welcomed us to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity," the Obamas said in a statement. "Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humour and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modisaid the long-serving Queen had "provided inspiringleadership to her nation andpeople" and that she "personified dignity and decency in public life."

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio KishidasaidElizabeth made a "great contribution" towardstrengthening Japan's ties with the U.K., adding that her death was a big loss for the international community.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanesesaid his government and fellow Australiansoffered their condolences to the Queen's family and the people of the United Kingdom.

"The deep respect and warm regard in which Australians always held Her Majesty will never fade," Albanese said in a statement.

"May she rest in eternal peace."