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The United Kingdom and the entire world are mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, the Queen died peacefully at the age of 96 on Thursday at her Scottish estate, Balmoral Castle, in Scotland.

Charles, her eldest son, is now King. He became the new monarch immediately and is now known as King Charles III. He said that his mother’s death was a moment of “greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.” Newly-appointed Prime Minister Liz Truss, who met the Queen just this Tuesday, said that she was “the rock upon which modern Britain was built.”

The outpouring of love and support for the Queen and the Royal Family has been tremendous around the globe. We have collected snapshots of how the world reacted to the passing of Elizabeth II, a testament to her enduring legacy, to share with you, Dear Readers. Public figures, world leaders, celebrities, Paddington, and ordinary people like us have expressed their sadness, as well as their admiration for the Queen. Tributes have been flooding in.

In an ever-changing world, the Queen was a constant. This truly is the end of an era.

Queen Elizabeth II reigned for over 70 years. Her life was one of duty and service. She will be dearly missed

Image credits: RoyalFamily

Image credits: RoyalFamily

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in 1926

Image credits: theroyalfamily

Image credits: RoyalFamily

She became Queen in 1952, and was crowned a year later, in 1953

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Together with Prince Philip, they raised four children, and went on to have eight grandchildren, as well as twelve great-grandchildren

Image credits: theroyalfamily

Image credits: theroyalfamily

Image credits: theroyalfamily

Image credits: theroyalfamily

Image credits: theroyalfamily

Image credits: theroyalfamily

Image credits: theroyalfamily

Image credits: theroyalfamily

The Queen had an enduring love for corgis, and had over 30 of them throughout her life

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Image credits: theroyalfamily

Image credits: theroyalfamily

Image credits: theroyalfamily

Elizabeth II was the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. She marked 70 years of her reign in 2022

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Here are some of the most powerful tributes to Queen Elizabeth II that public officials, celebrities, and people from all over the world have shared

King Charles III said: “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world."

Charles III said that he and his family would be comforted and sustained by their knowledge of the “respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.” Together with his wife Camilla—now the Queen Consort—he will return to London on Friday, where the King will address the nation.

British writer Ariane Sherine shared her thoughts about the Queen's passing and what the current mood is like in the UK, with Bored Panda.

"It was a real shock. I think, even though she was 96, we all thought and hoped she'd go on forever because she was all we'd ever known. The mood is very somber, it's the end of an era as she's the only monarch to reign in our lifetimes," she said.

"Even my grandad was only two when she came to the throne, and he's 72. But it's nice she made the milestone of reigning for 70 years, which she reached a few months ago. Aside from a few naysayers, the British public held her in very high regard and will miss her greatly."

In writer Ariane's opinion, the Queen will be "a really hard act to follow."

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"She did her duties so well and for so long, and remained completely impartial and dignified when it came to politics," she told Bored Panda.

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Bored Retsuko
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Remember Pandas, let's not downvote each other's comments, as it gets people banned. If you disagree with someone, just say so (or ignore). Use downvotes for hate speech/spam only.

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Anyone-for-tea?
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also apparently, when Putin visited, the Home Secretary at the time was blind and his guide dog growled at Putin and the Queen said “Dogs have interesting instincts, don’t they?'" I love the anecdotes like this that show her humour, but in such a subtle and classy way.

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"I do wonder if in years to come we'll still have a royal family, but there's no doubt that she will go down in history as the very best of them and will be sadly missed by most of the people she reigned over," Ariane noted that Queen Elizabeth II's legacy will endure for a very long time.

"I think it's definitely a unifying moment of collective grief," she said that the UK is united in mourning the Queen. However, some Brits are very much against the royals.

"Some people are against the monarchy because of colonialism and Empire, others because they don't think people should be elevated above others and that the divide between rich and poor is unfair. My take is that, if we do have to have royals, they should act like the Queen. She was lovely, always so gracious and diplomatic, and her passing will leave a chasm in British life."

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Linda Csapo
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since I still miss my dog, who died in 2019, every single effing day so much, this actually made me cry out loud. And kind of wanting to die as well. He was the only living creature ever who really loved me.

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Angela B
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a beautiful tribute. Regardless of how any individual personally feels about Royalty, I am terribly sad that Queen Elizabeth has passed away. I admire her stoic, witty,, unflappable and many other attributes as well. The photo of HRH all by herself at the Service for Prince Phillip made me cry. Her reign as Queen is all a majority of people have ever known. May she rest in Peace.

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United States President Joe Biden has been leading the international tributes to Queen Elizabeth II. He met her for the first time in 1982. Most recently, they met in 2021.

“She charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness, and generously shared with us her wisdom. She stood in solidarity with the United States during our darkest days after 9/11, when she poignantly reminded us that, 'Grief is the price we pay for love,’” he said.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron called Queen Elizabeth II “kind-hearted” and a friend of his country.

"Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation's continuity and unity for over 70 years. I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century,” he said.

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Pamela24
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The video with sir Paddington was one of the last public expressions of her wonderful humour we got to see. Loved that one.

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the Queen and “her wonderful humor” would be missed. He praised her as a “role model and inspiration for millions” and said that she helped repair the relations between the UK and Germany after the “horrors of World War II.”

Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, opened up about how the monarch was “one of his favorite people in the world.” “She was a constant presence in our lives—and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country's history. I will miss her so."

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Harley Lee
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah that’s such a beautiful sentiment! Thank u cabbies we r grateful for u everyday and u r part of our Britain x

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Meanwhile, former US President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, noted that they 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."

George W. Bush said that the Queen “ably led England through dark moments” and shared that “having tea with Her Majesty—and her corgis—is among our fondest memories of the presidency.” Former President Bill Clinton said: “In sunshine or storm, she was a source of stability, serenity and strength. We will always be grateful for the kindness she showed us through the years.”

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Remi Flynne
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this. However, for those who might not know Philip's nickname for the Queen was actually 'Cabbage'. Lilibet was her childhood nickname, one fondly adopted by the Queen's grandparents and parents during her early childhood when she struggled to pronounce her name.

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Wysteria_Rose
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I think of how many world leaderships she outlived...I guess starting the job in your twenties is a good reason for that.

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The Queen lived her life in service to the United Kingdom. Her’s was a life of duty. And though everyone knew that the day would come when they would have to say a final ‘farewell,’ what has transpired still hasn’t fully dawned on many people.

Queen Elizabeth II reigned for over 70 years, and has been the only British monarch that many of us have ever known. A world without her seems impossible. She was a constant in our universe. Now, Charles has become the ruling monarch.

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Born in London on April 21, 1926, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor became heir to the throne in 1936 at 10 years old, after her uncle, Edward VII abdicated the throne. In 1947, she married Prince Philip, who became the Duke of Edinburgh. They stayed together through 74 years of marriage until his passing in 2021, at the age of 99.

The couple had 4 children together: the eldest, Charles, was born in 1948; Princess Anne arrived in 1950; Prince Andrew was born in 1960; Prince Edward—in 1964. The Queen had 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

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Remi Flynne
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um... love all the sentiments, and don't downvote me, but she wasn't the Queen of England. She was the Queen of the United Kingdom. I personally spoke to some very upset people from Wales yesterday who were not happy at being excluded when the people of England were being offered sympathy, they said 'we're sad at the loss of our Queen too'!

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Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, passed away in 1952 while she was in Kenya together with Philip. She returned to London, now, as Queen. "It was all a very sudden kind of taking on and making the best job you can," she said. At the age of 27, she was crowned at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953. An estimated TV audience of over 20 million people tuned in for her coronation.

Throughout her reign, the Queen saw the coming and going of 15 prime ministers. From the legendary Winston Churchill to the newly appointed Liz Truss.

What follows next has been clear for those in-the-know for, seemingly, forever. There is a secret plan, ‘London Bridge,’ for the days following the Queen’s death. Nearly every single step has been carefully planned out, steeped in tradition. The Guardian has extensively written about this in 2017.

“For a time, she will be gone without our knowing it. The information will travel like the compressional wave ahead of an earthquake, detectable only by special equipment. Governors general, ambassadors and prime ministers will learn first. Cupboards will be opened in search of black armbands, three-and-a-quarter inches wide, to be worn on the left arm,” The Guardian writes.

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Joy
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In amongst all the media commentary, it's these heartfelt and beautiful illustrations that are the most moving.

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“Screens will glow. There will be tweets. At the BBC, the ‘radio alert transmission system’ (Rats), will be activated—a cold war-era alarm designed to withstand an attack on the nation’s infrastructure.

All news organizations will scramble to get films on air and obituaries online. At the Guardian, the deputy editor has a list of prepared stories pinned to his wall. The Times is said to have 11 days of coverage ready to go. At Sky News and ITN, which for years rehearsed the death of the Queen substituting the name ‘Mrs Robinson’, calls will go out to royal experts who have already signed contracts to speak exclusively on those channels. ‘I am going to be sitting outside the doors of the Abbey on a hugely enlarged trestle table commentating to 300 million Americans about this,’” one expert told The Guardian.

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Anyone-for-tea?
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find it incredible that the first and last one were born 101 years apart. (Winston Churchill and Liz Truss)

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Aunt Riarch
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely. Though if anyone comes into the pub tonight with a corgi, I'll be done for

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At age 73, King Charles III has now become the head of the Commonwealth, an association of 56 independent countries and 2.4 billion people. He will be the head of state for 14 of these countries, as well as the United Kingdom, writes the BBC.

Though Charles III immediately became King upon his mother’s passing, he will most likely officially be proclaimed monarch on Saturday, at St. James’ Palace in London. The formal coronation will happen sometime later, though it is at this point unclear, when. Queen Elizabeth II had succeeded her father in February of 1952, but she was only crowned in June 1953.

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Aunt Riarch
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First attempts at the national anthem are going to take some concentration

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Has sold soul for corn chip
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Indeed, i always felt as though she were immortal. Never truly imagined a day with her gone

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Barong
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I couldn’t imagine being in this office and then having this happen. It’s a shock I’m sure. The Queen life was impressive as she has been a part of the world as long as most of us have been alive, she took her title and duties seriously dedicating 70 years of her life to the service of the country. Especially being that Liz Trus met the Queen only a few days ago. I don’t know how much the Queen’s passing will affect Mrs. Truss’ government but I wish her the best. I’m sure as a new prime minister, for better worse, she was probably expecting to be in the center of media and public attention right now.

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Miss Frankfurter
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cannot remember this lovely gentleman’s name (Tom Moore maybe?) during Covid, raised a gazillion £ for the fight against Covid by walking up and down the driveway of his daughter’s home and when people found out money pored in from many countries. So generous, sweet and deserving to be Knighted by Her Majesty.

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Michelle C
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree. I’m a thirtysomething-year-old American and Queen Elizabeth II is the only monarch that I have seen rule The United Kingdom in my lifetime. It’s going to take me a while to get used to calling the former Prince of Wales King Charles III!

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RoanTheMad
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's so strange knowing the queen was gifted at her wedding by a man born in the 1860's.. truly a testament to her long and full life. (though sadly, Gandhi was assassinated before Elizabeth became queen)

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Ladytron
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sounds a bit like he's submitting a paper for school compared to Obama's post.

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izzy (pan)da
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

what an amazing photo. i will forever be in awe of how much she was born to be a queen. elegance, sophistication, radiance, strength, elevation was within her to a cellular level. perfectly poised without trying. it was all just so natural. just HER. the most wonderful, balanced blend of gentle and powerful. there really will never be another one of her again. unequivocally. such a profound gap she has left on this world. god bless

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Baby&Booby
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow....looks like the Queen is saying what a beautiful girl you are. Such a nice picture

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Note: this post originally had 71 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.