A few moments after the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Thursday, September 8, the reactions of the actors of the sports world were not long in coming. A minute of silence was observed during the European Cup football matches played on Thursday evening, and many athletes from around the world paid tribute to the late sovereign.
Among the actors of football, many English clubs have put on the black of rigor on their social networks, splitting all of a tweet of tribute to the queen. The Aston Villa club, Prince William’s favorite team, for example, shared a press release in which it “joins the nation and the Commonwealth in mourning the passing of Her Majesty The Queen and wishes to express its deepest condolences to the Royal Family”.
With the arrival of Charles III on the throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the English anthem will now be called “God Save the King”.
The last “God Save the Queen” sung at West Ham was therefore necessarily emotionally charged. #RMCEuropa pic.twitter.com/VxBs3yvhJF
– RMC Sport (@RMCsport) September 8, 2022
UEFA also reacted, asking for a minute’s silence to be observed during each European cup match on Thursday. “UEFA and European football are truly saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, one of the world’s most respected personalities.”said the president of the body, Aleksander Ceferin, in a press release sent to franceinfo. “Our hearts go out to his family and to the chairman of the English Football Association, Prince William, and to the citizens of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms.”he added.
Several footballers also spoke on Twitter, like Michael Owen, Ballon d’Or 2001: “Thank you Madam for your lifetime of service and dedication.”. Former striker Gary Lineker in turn shares his sadness: “Her Majesty the Queen has passed away. A truly remarkable woman who served her country with dignity, loyalty and kindness. An ever-present comfort in the lives of most of us. Rest in Peace, Your Majesty.”
RIP to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Thank you Ma’am for your lifetime of service and dedication. pic.twitter.com/pUFLnUaiSl
—Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) September 8, 2022
Knight of the Order of the British Empire, former footballer David Beckam shares the same sadness: “What an outpouring of love and respect we saw during the platinum jubilee for his life of service. We are devastated to a point that shows what she has meant to people in this country and around the world. How much she inspired us with her leadership. How she comforted us when times were tough. Until her last days, she served her country with dignity and grace.”
Among the players still active, Chelsea striker Raheem Sterling offered his deepest condolences to the Royal Family, as did his team-mate Mason Mount, who thanked Her Majesty for “his service”.
Thank you for your service. Rest in peace Your Majesty. https://t.co/DDosj50TAh
— Mason Mount (@masonmount_10) September 8, 2022
On the Formula 1 side, if all the teams join in the mourning of the royal family, the Briton George Russell quickly expressed himself on Twitter: “I am so sad to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. His devotion to our country and his caring leadership have been an inspiration to many generations in the UK and around the world.”.
—George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) September 8, 2022
The athlete Mo Farah, quadruple Olympic champion ennobled by the Queen, also expressed his gratitude to the Sovereign: “Meeting her has been one of the greatest honors of my life. We will remember her for her warmth and devotion to the British people throughout her reign.”.
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 honors of my life. We will remember her for her warmth and dedication to the British people throughout her reign. pic.twitter.com/TybbYku1Vl
—Sir Mo Farah (@Mo_Farah) September 8, 2022