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Memory of the Queen: Pictures of the British Queen are on display at Buckingham Palace
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Frank Augstein/AP
A visit to her was also an honor for the most powerful women and men in the world: after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, heads of state and government from all over the world expressed their deep sadness and paid tribute to her life and work.
Some associate very special, personal memories with the Queen.
"Michelle and I were fortunate to have met Her Majesty and she meant so much to us," former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle wrote in a statement.
They were always impressed by the Queen's warmth, humor and charm.
The Obamas had met the Queen in person on several occasions.
There was a faux pas that the former First Lady later recalled.
At the G20 summit in London in 2009, Michelle Obama, then First Lady, put an arm around the Queen's shoulder - the touch was a clear violation of protocol.
Obama later said she didn't regret the hug.
However, during a visit to Windsor Castle in 2016, when she was about to get into a car, she thought a lot about protocol - until the Queen told her to just get in.
When Obama wanted to stick to protocol, she became more direct.
'Oh, that's all nonsense.
Just get in,' said the Queen.
»Grace, elegance and tireless work ethic«
In their statement on the Queen's death, the Obamas wrote: "She listened well, thought strategically and was responsible for considerable diplomatic successes.
And yet she carried her high titles with a certain ease«.
Queen Elizabeth II cast a spell over the world, her long reign was characterized by "grace, elegance and a tireless work ethic".
Former US President Donald Trump also met the Queen in person during his tenure.
However, he had committed a few faux pas that were perceived as rude to the Queen.
First Trump let the then 92-year-old wait in the summer heat, then he ran past the bodyguards in front of the queen.
After her death, Trump now paid tribute to the British Queen's "tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity".
"May God bless the Queen, may she reign forever in our hearts and may God keep her and Prince Philip in the constant care of her," Trump wrote on Truth Social, a platform he co-founded.
He was referring to the Queen's husband, who died last year.
The Queen will be forever remembered for her loyalty to her country and her unwavering devotion to her countrymen and women.
Incumbent US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill praised the Queen as “a constant presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons in a world of constant change”.
Her legacy will figure prominently in the pages of British history and in the history of the world."
"Forever grateful that she gave us her hand in reconciliation"
In Germany, too, top politicians spoke out about the Queen's death.
Federal President Fank-Walter Steinmeier praised her as "a woman who shaped a century.
She experienced and wrote contemporary history.
Her Majesty was held in the highest esteem and respect throughout the world.”
Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the Queen as a "role model and inspiration for millions, including here in Germany".
Her commitment to German-British reconciliation after the horrors of World War II will not be forgotten.
She will be missed, not least her wonderful sense of humor.
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wrote that Germany remains "eternally grateful to Queen Elizabeth II for reaching out to us for reconciliation after the terror of World War II".
Federal Finance Minister and FDP leader Christian Lindner praised the Queen as the "queen of all liberal democracies".
Lindner wrote on Twitter: "A loss not only for the UK, but for all of us."
With regard to the connection between the House of Hanover from the Welf family and the British royal family, Union leader Friedrich Merz emphasized that the Lower Saxony state capital in particular stands for “the close ties between our countries”.
Therefore, the CDU federal party conference beginning on Friday in Hanover will start with a minute's silence for the Queen.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed "sincere condolences for this irreparable loss" to the Royal Family, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
Ireland recognizes 'gracious gestures and warm remarks'
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Queen had "rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects and authority on the world stage for many decades".
According to a statement by the Kremlin, the most important events in recent British history are "inseparably" linked to her name.
France's President Emmanuel Macron recalled the Queen as "a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who left a lasting impression on her country and her century."
Ireland's Prime Minister Michael Martin stressed that her state visit to Ireland in 2011 marked a "decisive step in the normalization of relations with our nearest neighbour".
This visit was a great success, "mainly because of the many kind gestures and warm remarks made by the Queen."
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After the Queen died on Thursday at the age of 96, her eldest son Charles will succeed to the throne.
Recently appointed Prime Minister Liz Truss said Britain was "heralding a new era in the glorious history of our great country, just as Her Majesty would have wished by saying the words God save the King." the King."
"Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built," Truss said, "she was the spirit of Britain - and that spirit will live on."
fok/Reuters
