Danish royal family lead foreign royals tributes to Queen

Danish royal family lead the tributes to Queen: Princess Mary’s mother-in-law sends ‘warmest thoughts’ to King Charles as Spanish, Dutch and Swedish monarchs also pay respects

Full coverage: Click here to see all our coverage of the Queen’s passing

Queen Margrethe of Denmark has lead the foreign royals paying tributes to Queen Elizabeth II, who died aged 96 on Thursday.

The monarch, who is the mother-in-law to Princess Mary, wished the new King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla her ‘deepest thoughts and prayers’ after Her Majesty passed away peacefully at Balmoral.

Speaking on behalf of the Danish family, 82-year-old Margrethe, a close friend of the Queen said she was ‘deeply moved’ by the sad news of her ‘beloved mother’s death’.

Queen Margrethe of Denmark has lead the foreign royals paying tributes to Queen Elizabeth II, who died aged 96 on Thursday.

The Danish royal family, including Hobart-born Mary, shared a close connection with Elizabeth. Pictured in 2016

Mary has also previously attended Royal Ascot horse race with The Queen and Prince Edward

In February, Margrethe and Mary, met with Kate Middleton, who and officially welcomed her to Copenhagen

Royal diplomacy: The Queen and Prince Philip welcome Margrethe II in 1974

She was a towering figure among the European monarchs and a great inspiration to us all. We shall miss her terribly’ she wrote

‘I send you and Camilla my warmest thoughts and prayers.

‘She was a towering figure among the European monarchs and a great inspiration to us all. We shall miss her terribly.

‘Her 70 years of reign and service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth are an unprecedented and remarkable achievement.

‘We shall always remember her important contributions to their development and prosperity’.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima paid tribute to the Queen in a statement on the Dutch Royal Family’s official Instagram account (pictured: The Queen, centre, Queen Máxima, left, King Willem-Alexander, second from left, the new King Charles III, second from right, Queen Consort Camilla, right at Buckingham Palace in October 2018)

The Queen walks through the halls of Buckingham Palace to attend a State Banquet as she hosts the Dutch Royals in 2018

Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Máxima of The Netherlands pictured sharing a joke during the two-day visit of the Dutch royals to the UK in 2018

Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Máxima of The Netherlands attend a Ceremonial Welcome at the Horse Guards Parade in 2018

The Danish royal family, including Hobart-born Mary, shared a close connection with Elizabeth.

In February, Margrethe and Mary, met with Kate Middleton, who and officially welcomed her to Copenhagen.

Mary has also previously attended Royal Ascot horse race with The Queen and Prince Edward.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of The Netherlands also paid tributes to the British monarch.

Queen Margrethe of Denmark, Queen Maxima of The Netherlands, King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands, Princess Beatrix The Netherlands and Prince Albert of Monaco left Westminster Abbey together during Prince Philip’s memorial service in March. They are expected to attend the Queen’s funeral

King and Queen of The Netherlands and their daughter Princess Beatrix posted a statement on Instagram praising the wisdom of the Monarch.

Following her death, the King and Queen of The Netherlands and Willem’s mother Beatrix posted a statement on Instagram praising the wisdom of the Monarch.

The statement read: ‘We remember Queen Elizabeth II with deep respect and great affection.

‘Steadfast and wise, she dedicated her long life to serving the British people. We feel a strong bond with the United Kingdom and its royal family, and we share their sorrow at this time.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain left the service arm-in-arm after joining foreign royals at Westminster Abbey during Prince Philip’s memorial. They today paid tribute to the Queen

‘We are very grateful for our countries’ close friendship, to which Queen Elizabeth made such an unforgettable contribution.’

The official account for the Dutch Royal Family posted photos of the Queen, the new King Charles III and the new Queen Consort Camilla hosting Willem-Alexander and Máxima at Buckingham Palace on a state visit in October 2018.

The Swedish Royal Family also paid tribute to the Queen after news of her death was announced.

In a statement also posted on the Royal Family’s official Instagram page, King Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus said: ‘My family and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of my dear relative Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen Mathilde of Belgium donned head-to-toe black for a sophisticated appearance as she left with husband King Philippe. They will be expected to return to London for the funeral Her Majesty

‘The Queen served her countries and the Commonwealth with outstanding dedication and duty.

‘She has been a constant presence, not only in British society but also internationally.

‘She has always been dear to my family and a precious link in our shared family history.

‘We offer our heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty’s family and her peoples.’

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium also offered a statement, calling the Queen and ‘extraordinary personality’.

Queen Margrethe teamed a black coat with a striped coat (pictured left), while Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands donned a green dress with a black cape at Philip’s funeral. They have both paid tribute to the Queen

Personal sorrow: King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands paid tribute to The Queen’s ‘lively personality’ in a heartfelt tribute. Above, with the Queen and Prince Philip in 2015

‘It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was an extraordinary personality.

‘We will always keep fond memories of this great Lady who, throughout her reign, showed dignity, courage and devotion.

‘Each of our encounters will remain etched in our memories forever. The United Kingdom has lost an exceptional monarch who left a deep mark on history.

‘We extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the British people. Rest in peace, Your Majesty, with your beloved husband,’ they wrote.

Elsewhere, King Harald of Norway, who is a cousin of Elizabeth II, said: ‘Our thoughts are with His Majesty The King and the members of the Royal Family on the loss of Queen Elizabeth.

‘For nearly a century, Her Majesty devoted her life to the service of the Commonwealth, following the British people through good days and bad, in times of happiness and sorrow. We also send our condolences to the British people.’

Family ties: King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Sonja of Sweden paid tribute. The Swedish king’s lineage traces back to Victoria on both his mother and father’s sides

Shared experiences: Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden (left, alongside Queen Elizabeth, Queen Silvia, and Prince Philip in 1983) also paid tribute

The 85-year-old ordered flags at the Royal Palace in Oslo be flown at half mast.

Condolences were also offered from King Felipe of Spain, who said The Queen had ‘shaped history’.

‘Your Majesty, dearest Charles, Deeply saddened by the sorrowful news of the passing away of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, your beloved Mother, I would like to offer Your Majesty and the British people, on my behalf and on behalf of the Spanish Government and people, our most heartfelt condolences,’ he said.

‘Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has undoubtedly witnessed, written and shaped many of the most relevant chapters in the history of our world during the last seven decades.

Personal connection: Prince Charles’s godson Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece paid a tribute

‘Her sense of duty, commitment and a whole life devoted to serving the people of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland set an example for all of us and will remain as a solid and valuable legacy for future generations

‘Queen Letizia and I send Your Majesty and the whole Family our love and prayers. You are all in our hearts and thoughts.

‘We will miss Her dearly. With all my friendship and affection, Felipe.’

The Grand Ducal Court of Luxembourg shared their thoughts on Twitter.

‘Their Royal Highnesses are deeply moved and saddened by the news of the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, a monarch deeply attached to the friendship between our two countries. HRH the Grand Duke will send a message of condolence on behalf of the people of Luxembourg to the British Royal Family.’

Treasured memories: The Queen, second left, travelled to Copenhagen with the late Duke of Edinburgh, right, in 1979, where they stayed with Queen Margrethe and Prince Consort Henrik

Close ties: Queen Margrethe travelled to the UK on March 29 to attend Prince Philip’s Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey

Former Princess Tessy also shared her thoughts.

‘Your Majesty. You were one of the world’s most inspiring Leaders! A woman of conviction, a woman with a heart of gold and a will of steel, a leader, a guide, a mother, a grandmother, a mentor, a woman’ she said.

Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece thanked The Queen ‘for the kindness HM gave to my parents and family in times of need.’

Crown Princess Marie Chantal also said: ‘A sad day today on hearing that Her Majesty the Queen passed. May she Rest In Peace and I am sure the heavens have a special place for her. She taught us duty, honor, love and above all else courage. She ruled immaculately and was so loved. Thank you for your service and for showing my in-laws such kindness and love during their darkest days.’

Pavlos’s younger brother, Prince Nikolaos, also posted a tribute to ‘Aunt Lilibet’ on Instagram.

Monarch from Albania, Jordan and the UAE also shared their condolences.

Foreign royals pay tribute to the Queen: Monarchs across the world’s statements in full as Elizabeth II passes away aged 96

Denmark

In a message to King Charles, Queen Margrethe II wrote: ‘Deeply moved by the sad news of your beloved mother’s death, I send you and Camilla my warmest thoughts and prayers,’ the Danish royal wrote.

‘Your mother was very important to me and my family.

‘I send you and Camilla my warmest thoughts and prayers.

‘She was a towering figure among the European monarchs and a great inspiration to us all. We shall miss her terribly.

‘Her 70 years of reign and service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth are an unprecedented and remarkable achievement.

‘We shall always remember her important contributions to their development and prosperity’.

Spain

King Felipe to King Charles III said: ‘Your Majesty, dearest Charles, Deeply saddened by the sorrowful news of the passing away of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, your beloved Mother, I would like to offer Your Majesty and the British people, on my behalf and on behalf of the Spanish Government and people, our most heartfelt condolences.

‘Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has undoubtedly witnessed, written and shaped many of the most relevant chapters in the history of our world during the last seven decades.

‘Queen Letizia and I send Your Majesty and the whole Family our love and prayers. You are all in our hearts and thoughts.

‘We will miss Her dearly. With all my friendship and affection, Felipe.’

Norway

King Harald of Norway, a close cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, said: ‘Our thoughts are with His Majesty The King and the members of the Royal Family on the loss of Queen Elizabeth. For nearly a century, Her Majesty devoted her life to the service of the Commonwealth, following the British people through good days and bad, in times of happiness and sorrow. We also send our condolences to the British people.’

Sweden

King Carl XVI Gustaf said: ‘With sadness, my family and I have today received the news that my dear relative, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, has passed away.

‘The Queen served Her countries and the Commonwealth with an outstanding devotion and sense of duty. She has been a constant presence, not only in British society but internationally. In addition, she has always been a good friend to my family and a link to our shared family history.’

Belgium

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde wrote: ‘It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was an extraordinary personality.

‘We will always keep fond memories of this great Lady who, throughout her reign, showed dignity, courage and devotion.

‘Each of our encounters will remain etched in our memories forever. The United Kingdom has lost an exceptional monarch who left a deep mark on history.

‘We extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the British people. Rest in peace, Your Majesty, with your beloved husband.’

Luxembourg

The Grand Ducal Court of Luxembourg said on Twitter: ‘Their Royal Highnesses are deeply moved and saddened by the news of the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, a monarch deeply attached to the friendship between our two countries. HRH the Grand Duke will send a message of condolence on behalf of the people of Luxembourg to the British Royal Family.’

Former Princess Tessy also posted her own statement on Instagram.

Greece

Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece thanked The Queen ‘for the kindness HM gave to my parents and family in times of need.’

Pavlos’s younger brother, Prince Nikolaos, also posted a tribute to ‘Aunt Lilibet’ on Instagram.

Jordan

King Abdullah of Jordan said: ‘Jordan mourns the passing of an iconic leader. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a beacon of wisdom and principled leadership for seven decades. She was a partner for Jordan and a dear family friend. We stand with the people and leadership of the UK at this difficult time’

Queen Rania said: ‘With a heavy heart we bid farewell to an icon of selfless dedication and unwavering commitment, a queen who embodied the traits of a faithful and devoted sovereign. The reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will forever be remembered. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Crown Prince Hussein said: ‘Today we lost an exceptional and extraordinary leader. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a great friend of Jordan throughout her reign. Our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and to the people of the United Kingdom.’

Prince Ali said: ‘Heartfelt condolences to our friends in Britain and the Royal family, may she rest in peace. Not only was she an outstanding head of state, but Queen Elizabeth II symbolised what a monarchy is about, leading a life of service and humility.’

Bhutan

The King and Queen of Bhutan said: ‘In an incredible reign of 70 years, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has inspired generations of people across the world. Through her tireless and selfless service to her people, Her Majesty will always be remembered for the wisdom, grace, dignity and strength she personified.

‘The passing of Queen Elizabeth II marks the end of an era, and we send our condolences to His Majesty The King, The Queen Consort, members of The Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.’

Serbia

Alexander, the Crown Prince of Serbia and godson of The Queen, said:

‘It is with great sadness and grief that I have received the news about the death of my dear godmother, HM Queen Elizabeth II. I send my prayers, my wife and those of my family to Almighty God to give her everlasting peace in his Kingdom, and my deepest condolences to my dear cousins, His Majesty King Charles, and all other members of the Royal family of the United Kingdom. I share their grief in this difficult moment.

I will always fondly remember her great spirit, wisdom, and courage. It is well known how important godmothers and godfathers are for us Serbs, that is a special, sacred bond, and that is why this is so difficult and hard for me. Her dedication to serving her country and the people was a bright example of the role of a monarch in today’s world. She will be deeply missed by her people and all the persons in the world who had the pleasure of knowing this amazing woman, a role model, and an inspiration.’

United Arab Emirates

The Ruler of Dubai said: ‘We join the world in mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, a global icon who represented the finest qualities of her nation and people. Her incredible lifetime of service and duty to the United Kingdom is unparalleled in our modern world.’

The Ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the UAE said: ‘I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Queen Elizabeth II and the people of the UK. Her Majesty was a close friend of the UAE and a beloved and respected leader whose long reign was characterised by dignity, compassion and a tireless commitment to serving her country.’

Romania

Margareta, the Custodian of the Romanian Crown said: ‘Her Majesty Margareta of Romania and HRH The Prince Consort learned with immense sorrow of the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

‘The British sovereign passed away this afternoon at Balmoral Castle. Queen Elizabeth II and King Michael I, both descendants of Queen Victoria, were linked throughout their lives by affection, admiration and warm friendship.

‘Throughout her life, for Margareta Custodian of the Crown, Queen Elizabeth II was an unparalleled support, a model of royal leadership and courage, and a beacon.

‘Queen Elizabeth was always present in the life of the Romanian Royal Family and kept an uninterrupted family connection. After the passing of King Michael and the Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth II remained the fundamental point of reference, a moral, intellectual, emotional and institutional support.

Albania

Prince Leka of Albania posted a tribute to The Queen on Instagram: ‘Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, rests in peace today after more than 70 years of exclusive service to the state, the British people and 14 Commonwealth nations around the globe that knew her for their sovereignty.

‘A living testimony of the embodiment of national sovereignty in its most common sense, Elizabeth II represents the timeless message of state continuity, the Crown, which stands unshakable with devotion and consciousness in the face of challenge and uncertainty rive rive rive has arrived. Related by blood, albeit from afar, to Queen Geraldine, she will remain a mentor to anyone aspiring to serve the national interest, wherever she is, and to the greatness of the state that is the refuge and shield of society. I like to accompany this tribute with the photograph of the intimate moment when the Queen decorated the great Albanian Mother Teresa with the Order of Merit, in 1983. May God accept him in His mercy and welcome His British Majesty King Charles III.’

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