Celebrities like Sir Elton John, J.K. Rowling, TV host Piers Morgan, and many more reacted to the heartbreaking news Thursday that Queen Elizabeth II had died at her castle in Balmoral, Scotland, following reports that she was in bad health. She was 96.
The famed singer was just one of many stars who took to their social media accounts to share their thoughts following the monarch’s passing. She was the longest reigning monarch in British history after recently celebrating her 70 years on the throne at the week long celebration of her Platinum Jubilee.
“Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty the Queen’s passing,” John tweeted. “She was an inspiring presence to be around, and led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency, and a genuine caring warmth.
“Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly,” he added.
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) September 8, 2022
“Some may find the outpouring of British shock and grief at this moment quaint or odd, but millions felt affection and respect for the woman who uncomplainingly filled her constitutional role for seventy years,” Rowling tweeted.
“Most British people have never known another monarch, so she’s been a thread winding through all our lives,” she added. “She did her duty by the country right up until her dying hours, and became an enduring, positive symbol of Britain all over the world. She’s earned her rest. #TheQueen.”
Most British people have never known another monarch, so she’s been a thread winding through all our lives. She did her duty by the country right up until her dying hours, and became an enduring, positive symbol of Britain all over the world. She’s earned her rest. #TheQueen
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 8, 2022
Legendary English actress Helen Mirren released a statement following news of the queen’s death, Deadline reported.
“I’m mourning along with the rest of my country, the passing of a great Queen,” Mirren shared in a statement. “I’m proud to call myself of the Elizabethan age. If there was a definition of nobility, Elizabeth Windsor embodied it.”
I mourn with my country the passing of our greatest Queen. With a heavy heart I say it is devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II pic.twitter.com/JZYXGRz2hb
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) September 8, 2022
“When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.” Queen Elizabeth II
Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/iWZMPKqeZc
— Melissa Rivers (@MelRivers) September 8, 2022
BREAKING NEWS:
RIP Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 96. The greatest Monarch in history, and the greatest of Britons. Dignified, humble, wise, stoic, and dedicated to duty & service to the country she loved. Thank you for everything, Ma’am. We will be forever indebted to you. pic.twitter.com/8PVVic4PIx— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 8, 2022
It was a privilege to have the opportunity to sing for Her Majesty #QueenElizabeth on several occasions.
It makes me deeply sorry to hear of her passing. We have lost one of the key figures of contemporary history: an extraordinary woman, a charismatic cornerstone of society. pic.twitter.com/rfY2JrLzwv— Andrea Bocelli (@AndreaBocelli) September 8, 2022
The kind words come after Buckingham Palace announced the news Thursday that the queen had died.
The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” a statement shared by the royal household read. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”