U.S. President Joe Biden US paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II as a “stateswoman of unmatched dignity,” and said he looked forward to working with her son King Charles, noting their already “close friendship.”
Queen Elizabeth II, whose 70-year-reign spanned more than a dozen presidencies and enormous global and diplomatic change, died peacefully on Thursdayat her Scottish estate, where she had spent much of the summer.
King Charles III, who spent much of his 73 years preparing for the role, now takes the throne.
Biden ordered flags at the White House and other federal buildings to be lowered to half-staff, and also visited the British embassy in Washington to sign a condolence book for the queen.
“Queen Elizabeth II 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. … We were honored that she extended her hospitality to us in June 2021 during our first overseas trip as president and first lady, where she charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness and generously shared with us her wisdom.”aid.
U.S. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, extended deepest condolences to the Royal Family during this sad time. “Her extraordinary life and leadership will continue to inspire young women and girls in public service, now and for generations to come” she s
Biden – the 13th and final US president to meet Queen Elizabeth
Joe Biden had the distinction of being the 13th and final U.S. president to meet the Queen whose reign spanned seven decades. Biden and the first lady stopped by the British Embassy on Thursday evening to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II and sign a condolence book.
The queen was a 25-year-old princess when she came to Washington in 1951and stayed with Truman and his family. She met Herbert Hoover in 1957, more than 20 years after he left office.
Every living former U.S. president — Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump — joined Biden in mourning her passing and sending condolences to her family. Several of them released statements of condolences on her death on Thursday:
Former President Donald J. Trump
“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!”
Former President Barack Obama
Obama and his wife, Michelle, recalled the queen welcoming them, America’s first Black president and first lady, to the world stage “with open arms and extraordinary generosity.”
“Michelle and I were lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty, and she meant a great deal to us. Back when we were just beginning to navigate life as president and first lady, she welcomed us to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity.”
Former President George W. Bush
“She was a woman of great intellect, charm and wit. Spending time at Buckingham Palace, and having tea with Her Majesty — and her Corgis — is among our fondest memories of the presidency. Queen Elizabeth ably led England through dark moments with her confidence in her people and her vision for a brighter tomorrow.”
Former President Bill Clinton
“Throughout her remarkable 70-year reign, she led Britain through great transformations with unfailing grace, dignity, and genuine care for the welfare of all its people. In sunshine or storm, she was a source of stability, serenity and strength.”
Former President Jimmy Carter
“Her dignity, graciousness and sense of duty have been an inspiration, and we join the millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader.”
