EU council president Charles Michel has led tributes to the Queen after she died on Thursday.
The former Belgian PM was quick to react to the shock news and issued a statement.
It reads, “We remember a remarkable woman today. A remarkable human being. Who shouldered an immense responsibility over the past 70 years. Her inspiration has spanned generations and touched the lives of so many.”
Michel went on, “While we all mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth the Second, we also consider her reign. It has left a legacy like few others in European and global history. From the turbulent years of the Cold War well into the globalised era of the 21st century.”
He said, “For many, she was an anchor of stability in a rapidly changing world. She was once called “Elizabeth the Steadfast”. She was indeed a wise leader who never failed to show us the importance of lasting values in this modern world – values like service, commitment, and tradition.”
“She once said: “grief is the price we pay for love”. She was respected, esteemed, and sincerely loved by so many around the world. Our thoughts are, first and foremost, with the King and the Royal Family, with the people of the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth.”
“For us in the European Union, her reign covered almost the full arc of post-war European integration. We will always remember her contribution to reconciliation among our nations after World War II and the Cold War. She had experienced the devastation of World War II and knew the importance of trust and cooperation among our countries.”
He said, “We will always remember her contribution to reconciliation among our nations after World War II and the Cold War. She had experienced the devastation of World War II and knew the importance of trust and cooperation among our countries.”
“Many of our past and present European leaders have experienced her warm hospitality. So did I at several occasions.”
“We will do our part to carry on her legacy. Her special legacy of building bridges and of building trust among nations,” it ended.
The Co-Chairmen of the European Conservatives and Reformists in the European Parliament, Prof Ryszard Legutko (Poland) and Raffaele Fitto (Italy), on behalf of the Group, have expressed their sadness upon learning of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“It is with great sorrow that we receive news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her 70-year reign was nothing short of extraordinary – setting an irreproachable example of the value of service to one’s nation and people. We offer our deepest sympathies to the people of the United Kingdom at this time,” said Prof Ryszard Legutko.
“Looking across the decades that Queen Elizabeth II served, one cannot help but feel humbled. Over the course of her reign, she maintained a reputation not only as the Queen of England, but as a global personage adorned by all. We are filled with sadness by her loss. May her life continue to provide inspiration to us all,” said Raffaele Fitto.
Reaction also came from America where U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement on learning of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
It reads, “I send my deepest condolences to the people of the United Kingdom on the occasion of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Britain’s longest ruling monarch, the Queen embodied the essence of British leadership for over seven decades and leaves a proud legacy of service to her people and of steadfast friendship and respect for the United States. The U.S. Congress was honored to host Her Majesty as she joined the American people in celebrating the bicentennial, and again for her Address to a Joint Session of Congress in 1991. Her meaningful engagement with American leaders from President Truman to President Biden and her commitment to our countries’ Special Relationship greatly contributed to the enduring friendship between our nations.”
“Today we join in mourning Her Majesty with millions around the world who loved, admired and respected her, and pray her loved ones find comfort in reflecting on her extraordinary life and knowing The Queen is now reunited with her loving husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. May she rest in peace.”
