World leaders remember a ‘kind-hearted Queen’

LONDON, Sept 09 (BBC/AFP): Leaders from every corner of the globe briefly united on Thursday in homage to Queen Elizabeth II, after the world's longest-serving monarch died at her Scottish home at age 96.

Tributes poured in-from countries she had ruled over to those she had been at war with, from tiny territories to the mightiest governments on the planet, and from centuries-old institutions to nations that had not yet been born when she took the throne.

Here are some of the accolades to Queen Elizabeth, who had ruled the United Kingdom since 1952 and was also head of state in 14 Commonwealth countries around the world.

Global tributes were led by the Commonwealth, the association of countries that were previously part of the British empire as well as its remaining overseas territories.

South Asia, where Britain was the colonial power until just before Elizabeth's reign began, paved the way, with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he was "pained" by her death.

World leaders and dignitaries have been paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who has died at the age of 96.

They have honoured her deep sense of duty and her resilience, as well as the Queen's sense of humour and kindness.

France's Emmanuel Macron led the tributes, remembering "a kind-hearted queen" who was "a friend of France".

US President Joe Biden first met Her Majesty 40 years ago and described her as "more than a monarch - she defined an era".

Remembering his visit to the UK in 2021 as president, Mr Biden said "she charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness, and generously shared with us her wisdom".

Chinese President Xi Jinping offered "sincere sympathies to the British government and people" following the Queen's death, adding: "Her passing is a great loss to the British people."

Canada - where Queen Elizabeth was head of state - has seen 12 prime ministers during her reign.

An emotional Justin Trudeau - who has known the Queen for decades, first meeting her as a child when his father was prime minister - said she had "an obvious deep and abiding love for Canadians".

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the Queen's "empathy and ability to connect with every passing generation, while remaining rooted in the tradition that truly mattered to her, was an example of true leadership".

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, now the world's only reigning female monarch, wrote to King Charles to express her condolences.

King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands - who is Queen Elizabeth's fifth cousin - said he and Queen Maxima remembered the "steadfast and wise" monarch with "deep respect and great affection".

Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf, also a distant relative to Her Majesty, said: "She has always been dear to my family and a precious link in our shared family history."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz paid tribute to the Queen's "wonderful humour" and said in a statement that "her commitment to German-British reconciliation after the horrors of World War Two will remain unforgotten".

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled his "memorable meetings" with the monarch during two UK visits.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent their condolences, with the king describing her as "a role model for leadership that will be immortalised in history".

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his "deep sorrow". "The death of the queen, who led Britain through turbulent times in the world, is a great loss not only for the British people but also the international community," he told reporters.

António Guterres, the UN's secretary-general, said Queen Elizabeth was "a reassuring presence throughout decades of sweeping change, including the decolonisation of Africa and Asia and the evolution of the Commonwealth".

In a statement, he paid tribute to "her unwavering, lifelong dedication to serving her people. The world will long remember her devotion and leadership".