CHICAGO (WLS) — Although Queen Elizabeth II was the British monarch, her death is being felt across the pond in America.
The Royal Family announced Thursday afternoon that the Queen “died peacefully at Balmoral,” at the age of 96.
She passed at 6:30 p.m. London time.
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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is among many in the U.S. who are not only mourning her, but also remembering her life and legacy after 70 years on the throne.
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“I join the world in mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II. For over seven decades she led with grace and was an inspiration for many,” Pritzker said in a tweet.
In a new proclamation, President Biden has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until “until sunset, on the day of interment,” he announced.
“As a mark of respect for the memory of Queen Elizabeth II, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment,” the proclamation reads.
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era,” the also said in a statement. “Queen Elizabeth II led always with grace, an unwavering commitment to duty, and the incomparable power of her example. She 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 seven decades of her history-making reign bore witness to an age of unprecedented human advancement and the forward march of human dignity. Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world.”
Former President Donald Trump posted a statement on his Truth Social platform that said in part:
“Melania and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Together with our family and fellow Americans, we send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom during this time of great sorrow and grief. Queen Elizabeth’s historic and remarkable reign left a tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity for Great Britain. Her leadership and enduring diplomacy secured and advanced alliances with the United States and countries around the world.”
The Obamas released a statement marking the Queen’s passing saying in part:
“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. Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance… 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. Our thoughts are with her family and the people of the United Kingdom at this difficult time.”
Former President Bill Clinton also expressed his condolences following the news.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and all the people Her Majesty inspired throughout her lifetime of service,” he said in a tweet along with a longer statement.
Former President George W. Bush said the Queen “was a woman of great intellect, charm, and wit.” He added that “spending time at Buckingham Palace, and having tea with Her Majesty – and her Corgis – is among our fondest memories of the presidency.”
Earlier in the day Thursday, doctors had expressed concern over her health and that she had been placed under medical supervision.
Now, her eldest son, 73-year-old Prince Charles, becomes the King of England immediately upon his mother’s death.
Her death comes roughly a year after the death of her husband Prince Philip, also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, who died at the age of 99 on April 9, 2021, in Windsor Castle.
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