Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms, died on 8 September 2022, leading to reactions from around the world. The new king, Charles III, paid tribute to his "darling Mama" in an address to the nation and Commonwealth the next day. Politicians throughout the Commonwealth paid tribute to the Queen, praising her long public service. Political figures of the rest of the world also offered their condolences and tributes, as did members of royal families, religious leaders and other public figures.
Commemorations were observed at many global landmarks, with some lit up in the colours of the Union Jack or illuminating an image of Elizabeth. Many organisations paid their respects, and some suspended operations or cancelled events. BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 all interrupted television programming to cover the news, while print media dedicated entire front covers in tribute.
The wider public also reacted on social media, many sending condolences to the royal family or thanking the Queen for her work. Others debated the legacy of the British Empire and the abolition of the monarchy.
Royal family
King Charles III, successor to Elizabeth II, released a statement immediately following his mother's death.
Charles gave his first address to the nation and Commonwealth on 9 September at 6 p.m. BST, in which he mourned, paid tribute, and proclaimed his son William the Prince of Wales. The Queen's three younger children, Anne, Andrew, and Edward, published statements of their own. Charles, along with Anne and Edward, participated in the BBC One special programme A Tribute to Her Majesty The Queen.
Four of the Queen's grandchildren, William, Harry, Beatrice, and Eugenie, paid tribute to their grandmother via their own statements.
Political United Kingdom Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Liz Truss, delivered a live televised address to the nation regarding the Queen's death from outside 10 Downing Street, calling her "the rock on which modern Britain was built". Former Prime Minister Sir John Major said: "For 70 years Her Majesty The Queen devoted her life to the service of our nation and its wellbeing. In her public duties she was selfless and wise, with a wonderful generosity of spirit. That is how she lived – and how she led. For millions of people – across the Commonwealth and the wider world – she embodied the heart and soul of our nation, and was admired and respected around the globe." Former Prime Minister Sir 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." Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "The United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and the entire world are joined together in mourning this evening. HM Queen Elizabeth II served this country to the last. I offer my sincere condolences to the Royal Family. May she rest in peace." Former Prime Minister David Cameron said: "At this solemn and profoundly sad time for our country, the Commonwealth and the world, I offer His Majesty The King and the whole Royal Family, my heartfelt condolences on the death of Queen Elizabeth II." Former Prime Minister Theresa May said the Queen was "the most impressive head of state" that she had met during her time in office. She also issued a statement, in which she said: "Her Majesty witnessed tremendous change, moving adroitly with the times but always providing stability and reassurance. She was our constant throughout this great Elizabethan era. It was the honour of my life to serve her as prime minister. ... Our thoughts and prayers now are with her family. God Save The King." Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "This is our country's saddest day. In the hearts of every one of us there is an ache at the passing of our Queen, a deep and personal sense of loss – far more intense, perhaps, than we expected. As is so natural with human beings, it is only when we face the reality of our loss that we truly understand what has gone. Though our voices may still be choked with sadness we can say with confidence the words not heard in this country for more than seven decades. God Save The King."
Devolved governments
Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "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." Former first minister of Scotland and Alba Party leader Alex Salmond released a statement on the party's website paying tribute to the Queen, calling her death "a great moment of sadness for her family and for people around the world." Scottish Alba Party general secretary Chris McEleny said there was "no place" for King Charles in an independent Scotland after the end of the Queen's reign. First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said that it was "incredibly sad" to hear of the death of the Queen, and "On behalf of the people of Wales I offer our deepest condolences to Her Majesty's family during this sad time". In a statement Drakeford added "Her Majesty has reigned over the United Kingdom and Commonwealth firmly upholding the values and traditions of the British Monarchy." Northern Ireland First Minister-designate Michelle O'Neill said "Personally, I am grateful for Queen Elizabeth's significant contribution and determined efforts to advancing peace and reconciliation between our two islands. Throughout the peace process she led by example in building relationships with those of us who are Irish, and who share a different political allegiance and aspirations to herself and her government." Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party Jeffrey Donaldson said: "This is just the saddest news and our hearts are breaking. "Her Majesty The Queen was a wonderful lady and I had the privilege of meeting her many times including here at Hillsborough Castle. "People right across Northern Ireland tonight will be deeply sorrowful for the loss of this marvellous, wonderful Queen. "There is no doubt Her Majesty The Queen played a very important role in helping to build reconciliation. Her visit to Dublin was a cathartic moment in the history of British-Irish relations."
Crown dependencies Chief minister of the Isle of Man Alfred Cannan paid tribute, saying: "We are all deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Throughout her long reign, The Queen – our Lord of Mann – has been a beacon of strength and stability, of dependability and continuity. She led a life dedicated to the service of her people, setting an example for us all. On behalf of the Government and people of the Isle of Man, I extend my sincerest condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time." Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey Richard Cripwell said: "I served Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the Army for more than 40 years and it has been my honour and privilege to be Her personal representative in the Bailiwick since February 2022. It was my most sad and solemn duty to receive official notification of the passing of Her Majesty and to convey it to others in the Bailiwick. Even in this time of great sadness, I know that everyone in the Bailiwick will always remember Her Majesty's exceptional devotion to Her people, Her extraordinary service to those She represented and Her love of these Islands." Bailiff of Guernsey Richard McMahon also said: "Like others across the Bailiwick and throughout the world, I feel a profound sense of loss. Her Majesty offered an example to us all in her enduringly strong sense of duty and public service. She was an important figurehead for the UK, for the Bailiwick of Guernsey and for many other parts of the world throughout her reign. On behalf of the people of Guernsey, I have asked His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor to send the Bailiwick's official condolence message to Buckingham Palace." President of the Policy and Resources Committee of Guernsey Deputy Peter Ferbrache also said: "Like many in our community, for as long as I can remember Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was the sovereign. As the longest reigning monarch in British history, she represented continuity, constancy and commitment to people in the Bailiwick and around the globe. It is sad, strange and unsettling to hear that Her Majesty is now lost to us." : Bailiff and acting lieutenant governor of Jersey, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, issued the following statement: "I know that islanders will be deeply saddened, as am I, at the news from Buckingham Palace of the death of Her Majesty the Queen. It is almost impossible to overstate her importance in the life of the nation and all her dominions in the 70 years of Her reign. She has been an example of duty discharged and promises kept, and she has worked tirelessly over the decades for the wellbeing of all her peoples and of the Commonwealth. There will be time in the days and weeks to come, to reflect on all of that but today we can only feel the sadness, of the loss of a person who has been a constant presence in our lives, and who is held in this island in such great esteem and affection. We should also remember that this is also a private time of grief for the Royal Family and our thoughts and prayers are with them now as they come to terms with the loss of a mother and grandmother."
Overseas territories Edward David Burt, Premier of Bermuda, said: "The recognition of her longevity and the significance of her service affords this consequential reign a unique place in history. Beyond the role which the Queen fulfilled for these 70 years within the UK and the Commonwealth, she was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and her family is now mourning that loss. On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I express sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom." John Rankin, Governor of the Virgin Islands, said in a speech: "I know the people of the British Virgin Islands will be deeply saddened by this news and will join me in a period of mourning for Her Majesty The Queen. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this difficult time." Martyn Roper, Governor of the Cayman Islands, said: "She has been an inspirational role model and given outstanding service throughout our lives. She is the only Monarch that very many of us have ever known. Her loss will be keenly felt. She is unlike any other Monarch in history." A period of 10-day was designated for national mourning with the funeral to be a public holiday. Flags for most part were told to be flown at half mast. Sir David Steel, Governor of Gibraltar, issued a statement: "Across the world, not just within every nation of the Commonwealth, people will mourn her passing. She has been a beacon of fortitude, hope and kindness. Despite our great sadness, we can reflect on how blessed we have been to live during the time of a monarch who has cared deeply for everyone, collectively and individually, who has shown amazing courage at the darkest of times, and who has instilled in all of us hope for the future." Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo remarked, "The People of Gibraltar will mourn Her Majesty as a monarch who has reigned wisely and with incomparable dedication throughout the period of our post-war emergence as a part of the British family of nations."