Internationally renowned actors and musicians paid tribute to the one who was probably more famous than any star, Queen Elizabeth II, died Thursday at the age of 96, after 70 years of reign.
British celebrities led the dance. Actress Helen Mirren, who played the sovereign in the film The Queen (2006), said to be “proud to be an Elizabethan”. “We mourn a woman who, with or without a crown, was the epitome of nobility.”
Elton John paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at her final concert in Toronto on Thursday night, saying she inspired him and was saddened by her passing. “She led the country through some of our greatest and darkest times with grace and decency and genuine caring”said John.
Elton John sings “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” after paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in Toronto pic.twitter.com/FT1oX6lP5E
— Patrick Searle (@patsearle) September 9, 2022
The singer, who owns a sumptuous house a stone’s throw from Windsor Castle, said to himself “deeply saddened” by the death of the queen. “Queen Elizabeth has been a very important part of my life since childhood, and I will miss her dearly.” The singer was knighted by the Queen in 1998, a few months after singing his hit Candle in the wind at Princess Diana’s funeral.
“God bless Elizabeth II. May she rest in peace. Long live the King”soberly declared Paul McCartney, former member of the Beatles also ennobled.
Mick Jagger, leader of their eternal rival, the Rolling Stones, hailed the memory of a queen who had been a constant presence “during his whole life”.
“As a child, I remember watching the highlights of her marriage on television. I remember her as a beautiful young woman, who became the nation’s beloved grandmother.”
Former Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne, nicknamed the “Prince of Darkness”said he regretted the death of “our greatest queen”. “With a heavy heart I say the mere thought of an England without Queen Elizabeth II is devastating.”
Daniel Craig, star of the saga james bondpointed out that the Queen would be “deeply regretted”. The actor had participated in a video clip in which Elizabeth II had agreed to appear, on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the London Olympics in 2012.
Former Spice Girls ‘Posh Spice’ Victoria Beckham claimed on Twitter it was a sad day “for the whole world”. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Queen, Her Majesty The Queen. We will remember her for her unwavering loyalty and devotion.”
The international grandmaster of musicals, Andrew Lloyd Webber, assured that she was “a constant pillar, not only for the United Kingdom but also for its beloved Commonwealth”.
Some may find the outpouring of British shock and grievance at this moment quaint or odd, but millions felt affection and respect for the woman who uncomplainingly filled her constitutional role for seventy years. 1/2
—JK Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 8, 2022
The author of the saga Harry PotterJK Rowling, said Elizabeth II had “earned his rest”. “She carried out her duty to the country until her last hours, and became a constant and positive symbol of Great Britain throughout the world”she tweeted.
American side, Expensivepop icon, remembered her meeting with the sovereign. “I was in a long line of people waiting to meet her, and yet when my turn came she asked me relevant questions, she seemed genuinely interested in the conversation”she tweeted, noting her “great sense of humor”. She was “respected around the world”noted another iconic singer, Barbra Streisand.
Sad to hear about the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. She was a constant for us all. Respected around the world. May she rest in peace. Barbara. pic.twitter.com/LCizXL0u1N
—Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) September 8, 2022
Jet-setter Paris Hilton greeted her “one of the greatest sources of inspiration”. Other reality queens, like the Kardashian family, have praised the sovereign’s qualities. “Having the Queen as a constant presence has always brought me a sense of comfort and peace”said Khloé Kardashian.
“Full of grace, dedicated, elegant, unforgettable. Today, and forever, we remember her as one of the finest leaders our world has ever known”said his mother, Kris Jenner.
Even fictional characters joined in the rain of tributes. The Twitter account of Paddington Bear, an icon of British children’s literature who had shared the screen with Elizabeth II in a video for the 70th anniversary of her reign, published this message: “Madam, thank you for everything”.