Tributes have flooded in from British politicians following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II aged 96.
New prime minister Liz Truss led the tributes with a statement.
She said: “We are all devastated at the news of the Queen’s death, which is a huge shock to the nation and the world.
“Queen Elizabeth II is the rock on which modern Britain was built. Our country has grown and flourished under her reign.
“In the difficult days ahead, we will come together with our friends across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the world to celebrate her extraordinary lifetime of service.
“It is a day of great loss, but Queen Elizabeth II leaves a great legacy.
“She was the very sprit of Great Britain and that spirit will endure.
“Her devotion to duty is an example to us all.
“Today the Crown passes, as it has done for more than a thousand years, to our new monarch, our new head of state, His Majesty King Charles III.
“With the King’s family we mourn the loss of his mother and come together.
“We offer him our loyalty and devotion, just as his mother devoted so much to us for so long.
“God save the King.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also released a statement.
He said: “Today we mark the passing of a remarkable sovereign.
“It is a deep, private loss for the Royal Family and all our thoughts are with them at this time. The nation shares in their grief.
“We will always treasure Queen Elizabeth II’s life of service and devotion to our nation and the Commonwealth; our longest-serving and greatest monarch. Above the clashes of politics, she stood not for what the nation fought over, but what it agreed upon.
“As Britain changed rapidly around her, this dedication became the still point of our turning world. So as our great Elizabethan era comes to an end, we will honour the late Queen’s memory by keeping alive the values of public service she embodied.
“For seventy years, Queen Elizabeth II stood as the head of our country. But, in spirit, she stood amongst us.”
Former prime minster Boris Johnson also released a lengthy, three-part statement on Twitter:
The first ministers of Scotland and Wales also expressed their condolences to the Queen’s family.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, is a profoundly sad moment for the UK, the Commonwealth and the world. Her life was one of extraordinary dedication and service. On behalf of the people of Scotland, I convey my deepest condolences to the King and the Royal Family.”
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “As our longest-reigning monarch, she firmly upheld the values and traditions of the British Monarchy. On behalf of the people of Wales, I offer our deepest condolences to Her Majesty’s family during this sad time.”
Featured image: UK Home Office @Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
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