Biden Responds to Queen's Death
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden pose for an official photo with Queen Elizabeth II in the Grand Corridor of Windsor Castle on Sunday, June 13, 2021, in Windsor, England. (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz).
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era.”
Article by Cate McCusker, Senior White House Correspondent
WASHINGTON - This afternoon Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom’s longest reigning monarch, passed away at 96 years old.
About a half hour into the White House Daily Briefing on Thursday afternoon, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre learned of the Queen’s death.
“As I said earlier, our hearts and our thoughts go to the family members of the Queen, to the people of the United Kingdom,” she said.
Jean-Pierre stressed that she wanted people to hear from the President first, but she noted the strength of the United States’ relationship with the UK.
“Our relationship with the people of the United Kingdom, and this is something that the president has said himself, has grown stronger and stronger,” she said. “The United Kingdom is one of our closest allies, and our hearts go to the people of the United Kingdom, to the Queen, and to her family.”
Jean-Pierre also said earlier in the press conference that during a previously scheduled video conference with the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Liz Truss, Biden conveyed that his thoughts are with the Queen, her family, and the people of the United Kingdom.
At around 2:30 in the afternoon, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden released a statement on the Queen’s passing.
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch,” the statement began. “She defined an era.”
The Bidens highlighted the length of her tenure as monarch, as her steadfast presence provided strength for the people of the UK.
“In a world of constant change, she was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her.”
The Bidens also spoke of her accomplishments throughout her reign as Queen, from enduring the dangers of a world war alongside her fellow countrymen to supporting the British people through the pandemic. They also thanked her for her support of the US and for deepening “the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States.”
The Bidens sent their condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom.
“Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world.”
Other politicians have also commented on the Queen’s passing.
“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,” Prime Minister Truss said. “It is a day of great loss, but Queen Elizabeth II leaves a great legacy. God save the King.”
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, noted the Queen’s service to Canadians and her place in their country’s history.
“She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history,” he said. “As we look back at her life and her reign that spanned so many decades, Canadians will always remember and cherish Her Majesty’s wisdom, compassion, and warmth.
Former President Barack Obama also released a statement on the Queen’s death.
“Like so many, Michelle and I are grateful to have witnessed Her Majesty’s dedicated leadership, and we are awed by her legacy of tireless, dignified public service.”