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Queen Elizabeth II death: Latest celebrity tributes, from Daniel Craig to Helen Mirren

Britain’s longest-serving monarch died on Thursday 8 September

Inga Parkel,Tom Murray,Annabel Nugent
Friday 09 September 2022 06:44 BST
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Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, tributes from authors, actors, athletes, and more have begun pouring in.

On Thursday (8 September), the world was shaken by the announcement of the passing of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, who has died at the age of 96.

Responding to the news, celebrities have taken to social media to share thoughtful tributes. You can keep updated on news surrounding The Queen’s death here.

The tributes were led by Daniel Craig, who memorably performed as James Bond alongside the Queen at the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony.

He told PA: “I, like so many, was deeply saddened by the news today and my thoughts are with the royal family, those she loved and all those who loved her.”

Craig added that the Queen would be “profoundly missed”

Other stars to pay tribute to the monarch included Elton John, Mick Jagger, Sir Mo Farah and Helen Mirren.

“For my whole life Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has always been there,” Rolling Stones frontman Jagger wrote on Twitter. “In my childhood I can recall watching her wedding highlights on TV. I remember her as a beautiful young lady, to the much beloved grandmother of the nation. My deepest sympathies are with the Royal family.”

“My condolences to the Royal Family at this very sad time. The Queen was loved all over the world and meant so much to so many. Meeting her was one of the greatest honours of my life,” tweeted British Olympic gold medalist Farah.

Mirren, who played Elizabeth II in the 2006 film The Queen, offered her condolences on Instagram. “I am proud to be an Elizabethan,” she wrote. “We mourn a woman, who, with or without the crown, was the epitome of nobility.”

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Ozzy Osbourne also paid tribute on Twitter, writing: “I mourn with my country the passing of our greatest Queen. With a heavy heart I say it is devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II.”

David Beckham posted a photo of the Queen on Instagram with the caption: “I’m truly saddened by the death of Her Majesty, The Queen... How devastated we all feel today shows what she has meant to people in this country and around the world.”

Sports personality Gary Lineker added: “Such a terribly sad day. Her Majesty The Queen has died. A truly remarkable woman who served her country with dignity, loyalty and grace. A comforting ever present in the lives of most of us. Rest In Peace, Your Majesty.”

President George Bush talks to Queen Elizabeth II during a 14 May 1991 welcoming ceremony at the White House (AFP via Getty Images)

Harry Potter star Jason Isaacs shared: “It never made any sense having a queen and yet she, Elizabeth, somehow rose above all the debate around privilege or political controversy in a life stoically devoted to public service and duty. Eight decades of public life. A woman of importance.”

Comedian Jack Whitehall added: “Rest in peace, your majesty. She meant so much to so many people. What an incredible life.”

“Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing,” honoured Elton John in a Twitter statement. “She was an inspiring presence to be around, and led the country through some of our greatest, and darkest, moments with grace, decency, and a genuine caring warmth. Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly.”

Paris Hilton posted: “The original girl boss. One of the most inspirational women. The end of an era.”

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II,” former US tennis player Billie Jean King added. “For 70 years, her leadership, impact, and influence on the United Kingdom and the entire global community has been immense. I met her in 2010 at Wimbledon, and it was a special moment for me.”

“RIP Her Majesty  Queen Elizabeth II, 96. The greatest Monarch in history, and the greatest of Britons. Dignified, humble, wise, stoic, and dedicated to duty & service to the country she loved. Thank you for everything, Ma’am. We will be forever indebted to you,” Piers Morgan tweeted.

“What an extraordinary life. A fixed point, seemingly unchanged by the whirlings of history around her. So strange to be suddenly without,” presenter Sue Perkins wrote.

“The Queen was an extraordinary woman, and this nation has been very lucky,” British author Philip Pullman remembered. “I’m just old enough to remember the Coronation; she’s been there all my life, and I shall miss her.”

“Devastating news that Her Majesty the Queen has passed away. I was lucky to have been in her company more than once & was always left with a sense of amazement & gratitude. We have lost the greatest monarch who dedicated her entire life so selflessly to our country. RIP Ma’am,” Dragon’s Den TV personality Peter Jones posted.

“Mysterious Girl” singer Peter Andre shared a post on Instagram, writing: “Like many I feel so so sad about this. It has made me very emotional. Very surreal. Wow. Longest reigning monarch in British history. A true leader. Our queen, but also a mother, grandmother and wife. May she rest in peace with her beloved husband.”

“So saddened by the loss of our Queen. Above all she was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. My deepest condolences go out to the family,” the “Keep Bleeding” singer Leona Lewis tweeted.

X-Factor alum and Celebrity Gogglebox star Rylan Clark-Neal wrote: “God rest her soul.”

Apple CEO Tim Cook commented: “There is nothing more noble than to devote your life to the service of others. We stand with the people of the UK and Commonwealth in honouring the life and dedication to duty of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. May she rest in peace.”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson posted a video from his gym, saying: “I’m so sorry. I know the pain. Like, we all know the pain. What a life! What an incredible life! I’ve never had the privilege or honor of meeting The Queen, but what a life.”

“What an elegant, incredible woman,” actor Jennifer Garner wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of the Queen.

Retired footballer Alan Shearer added: “The Queen dedicated her life to the service of this country. For a boy from Newcastle, it was an honour to be in her presence. Thank you Ma’am. For everything.”

“My thoughts are with the Royal Family at this very difficult time. The Queen was an amazing inspiration and will be remembered for her incredible years of service to this country. Rest in peace, Your Majesty,” echoed Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane.

Whoopi Goldberg recalled: “Several years ago, I met Queen Elizabeth at The Royal Variety Performance of 2009. As she approached me, all I could think of was WTH?? I’m an American kid from the projects, and I’m in the company of the Queen of England. I was in awe. Rest In Peace. God Save the King.”

“We will remember her for her warmth and dedication to the British people throughout her reign.” West End star Michael Ball shared: “The Queen was the personification of strength, duty, determination and fortitude. We shall never see her like again in our lifetimes and I was proud to be her loyal subject. Rest in peace your Royal Majesty. A life well lived indeed.”

Victoria Beckham also said that “today is a very sad day for the entire world”.

The Spice Girls singer said that she is “deeply saddened” by the queen’s death, and that she will “be remembered for her steadfast loyalty and service”.

My Big Fat Wedding writer and star Nia Vardalos shared a photo of herself alonside the late royal, writing on Twitter: “God bless the Queen, the most charming and humorous dinner companion. Rest in Peace dear Queen Elizabeth.”

Janet Jackson also shared a tribute, posting a photograph of herself shaking hands with the Queen.

Rufus Wainwright posted a similar photo of himself meeting the queen at Westminster Abbey for Commonwealth Day in 2012.

The Queen was also mourned by singer Sir Tom Jones, who said she has been “an inspiration throughout my life”.

“She was a reassuring force in difficult times, her dedication was faultless and her commitment to duty unrivalled,” he tweeted, adding “long live the King”.

Ant and Dec posted a joint statement, stating that “it is hard to believe she will no longer be with us”.

“Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with King Charles and the entire Royal Family,” they said.

Theatre star Andrew Lloyd Webber said called the Queen “the constant anchor of not just Britain and her beloved Commonwealth, but an inspiration to the world for her lifetime of service”.

“Her legacy will be remembered as a selfless beacon for love, understanding, and the celebration of fellow human beings all over the world, no matter their race or creed,” wrote Webber.

Harry Styles paid tribute to the Queen during his concert in Madison Square Garden, New York.

The One Direction star asked the crowd to join him in a round of applause for her “70 years of service”.

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