Biden joins world leaders in mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II
The President and first lady Jill Biden expressed their condolences at the British Embassy in Washington, where they made an impromptu stop to sign a condolence book.
“We mourn for all of you. She was a great lady. We’re so delighted we got to meet her,” the President told embassy staff.
The first lady also presented a bouquet of flowers to British Ambassador to the US Karen Pierce, who greeted them at the embassy.
The President and the first lady said earlier in a joint statement that the Queen — the longest-reigning British monarch whose rule spanned seven decades — “defined an era.”
“Today, the thoughts and prayers of people all across the United States are with the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in their grief,” the White House statement said. “We send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who are not only mourning their Queen, but their dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world.”
American flags at the White House, other federal buildings, military facilities and embassies overseas will be flown at half-staff “until the day of internment,” according to a proclamation by President Biden on the Queen’s death.
The first couple, in their statement, called the Queen “a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her.”
“Supported by her beloved Prince Philip for 73 years, Queen Elizabeth II led always with grace, an unwavering commitment to duty, and the incomparable power of her example. She endured the dangers and deprivations of a world war alongside the British people and rallied them during the devastation of a global pandemic to look to better days ahead,” the White House statement continued.
The Queen, the Bidens added, “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,” the statement said, referring to the UK’s “special relationship” with the United States — a term coined by Winston Churchill. The Bidens also said they look forward to continuing “a close friendship” with King Charles III and the Queen Consort.
Recalling their time spent together, the Bidens wrote that they first met Queen Elizabeth in 1982 as part of a Senate delegation traveling to the UK.
Biden and the Queen last spoke and saw one another during the President’s visit to the UK in June 2021, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said earlier Thursday.
World leaders mourn
Condolences from leaders across the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world have poured in following the news of the Queen’s death.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the Queen was “loved and admired” by the people of Scotland.
“And by all accounts, Her Majesty was rarely happier than when she was here in Scotland at her beloved Balmoral,” Sturgeon continued, referring to the castle where the Queen died.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the Queen was “a constant presence in our lives — and her service to Canadians will…
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