Prince Harry releases very personal statement grieving his grandmother, plus more celebs' reactions to the death of Queen Elizabeth II

By Wonderwall.com Editors 9:37am PDT, Sep 12, 2022

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Queen Elizabeth II, the beloved head of the British royal family and the U.K.'s head of state for more than 70 years, passed away on Sept. 8, 2022, at her summer home — Balmoral Castle in Scotland. She was 96. Her Majesty's reign, which began in 1952 when she was 25, was the second-longest known for any world sovereign (and the longest for a British monarch). Following her death, many celebrities and dignitaries around the world publicly mourned.

Keep reading to see how the world is reacting to the death of Queen Elizabeth II…

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"In celebrating the life of my grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen — and in mourning her loss — we are all reminded of the guiding compass she was to so many in her commitment to service and duty. She was globally admired and respected. Her unwavering grace and dignity remained true throughout her life and now her everlasting legacy. Let us echo the words she spoke after the passing of her husband, Prince Philip, words which can bring comfort to all of us now: 'Life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings.'

Granny, while this final parting brings us great sadness, I am forever grateful for all of our first meetings — from my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great-grandchildren. I cherish these times shared with you, and the many other special moments in between. You are already sorely missed, not just by us, but by the world over. And as it comes to first meetings, we now honour my father in his new role as King Charles III.

Thank you for your commitment to service.

Thank you for your sound advice.

Thank you for your infectious smile.

We, too, smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now, and both together in peace." —Prince Harry

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"On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute. So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign.

I, however, have lost a grandmother. And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen's wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade.

My wife has had twenty years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives.

She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life.

I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real.

I thank her for the kindness she showed my family and me. And I thank her on behalf of my generation for providing an example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all.

My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love. All of the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen.

I will honour her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can." –Prince William

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"The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family. We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world. During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held." –King Charles III

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"Rest In Peace Your Majesty. It was an honor to serve you." –Pierce Brosnan

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"I had a quiet weep for the Queen, I am sad for my country and what it has lost." –Sting

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"I am proud to be an Elizabethan. We mourn a woman, who, with or without the crown, was the epitome of nobility" –Dame Helen Mirren

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"God bless Queen Elizabeth II May she rest in peace Long live The King" –Sir Paul McCartney

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"I'm incredibly sad to hear of the passing of the Queen. With incredible strength she was someone who loved her country and was able to lead with so much love. I feel very lucky that in my lifetime we have had a Monarch who managed to balance great leadership, tradition and progression. I would like to send my respects to her family during this time." –Simon Cowell

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"For my whole life Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has always been there. In my childhood I can recall watching her wedding highlights on TV. I remember her as a beautiful young lady, to the much beloved grandmother of the nation. My deepest sympathies are with the Royal family." –Mick Jagger

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"She has given her whole life selflessly to the people of the UK & the Commonwealth. To me, she was the most incredible mother-in-law and friend. I will always be grateful to her for the generosity she showed me in remaining close to me even after my divorce [from her son Prince Andrew]." –Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York — more affectionately known as Fergie

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"The original girl boss. One of the most inspirational women. The end of an era. RIP" —Paris Hilton

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"Rest In Peace Queen Elizabeth ll. The embodiment of strength, dignity and unwavering commitment to her vow. May you be at peace beside His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburg. Long Live The King." –Sharon Osbourne

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"It has been a devastating 48 hours. My brother Don passed on Tuesday at 94 and today Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at 96. Like Don, the Queen has been a presence all through my life as a great unifier. A shining star that will never fade in our hearts and souls." –Sir Rod Stewart

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"Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's passing. She was an inspiring presence to be around, and lead 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." –Sir Elton John

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"Melania and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Together with our family and fellow Americans, we send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom during this time of great sorrow and grief. Queen Elizabeth's historic and remarkable reign left a tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity for Great Britain. Her leadership and enduring diplomacy secured and advanced alliances with the United States and countries… around the world. However, she will always be remembered for her faithfulness to her country and unwavering devotion for her fellow countrymen and women. Melania and I will always cherish our time together with the Queen, and never forget Her Majesty's generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor. What a grand and beautiful lady she was –there was nobody like her! Our thoughts and prayers will remain with the great people of the United Kingdom as you honor her most meaningful life and exceptional service to the people. May God bless the Queen, may she reign forever in our hearts, and may God hold her and Prince Philip in abiding care." –Donald Trump

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"I'm truly saddened by the death of Her Majesty, The Queen. What an outpouring of love and respect we saw for the Platinum Jubilee for her life of service. How devastated we all feel today 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. This year she would have known how loved she was. My thoughts and prayers are with our Royal Family…" –David Beckham

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"Today is a very sad day for the entire world. I'm deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Monarch, Her Majesty The Queen. She will be remembered for her steadfast loyalty and service and my thoughts are with the royal family at this time." –Victoria Beckham

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"What an elegant, incredible woman." –Jennifer Garner

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"Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era. In a world of constant change, she was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her. An enduring admiration for Queen Elizabeth II united people across the Commonwealth. The seven decades of her history-making reign bore witness to an age of unprecedented human advancement and the forward march of human dignity. She was the first British monarch to whom people all around the world could feel a personal and immediate connection—whether they heard her on the radio as a young princess speaking to the children of the United Kingdom, or gathered around their televisions for her coronation, or watched her final Christmas speech or her Platinum Jubilee on their phones. And she, in turn, dedicated her whole life to their service… Queen Elizabeth II led always with grace, an unwavering commitment to duty, and the incomparable power of her example… Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special." –Joe Biden

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"I had the honor of not only performing on stage for Her Majesty The Queen at least 4 times, but also had the great privilege of meeting her. I'm deeply saddened by the news. My thoughts are with her family & with everyone around the world during this time. May she rest in peace" –Donny Osmond

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"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," Piers Morgan tweeted. He added, "I can't even imagine Britain without this Queen. Very unsettling day."

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"Her Majesty worked with 15 Prime Ministers and countless foreign heads of state. She listened deeply, thought strategically, and was responsible for considerable diplomatic achievements. And yet, she wore her lofty titles with a light touch—as willing to act in a comic sketch for the London Olympics as she was to record steadying messages for the people of the UK during the COVID-19 lockdowns." –Barack and Michelle Obama

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"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" –Ozzy Osbourne

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"Hillary and I mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and we join with people across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and all around the world, in giving thanks for her extraordinary life. Throughout her remarkable 70-year reign, she led Britain through great transformations with unfailing grace, dignity, and genuine care for the welfare of all its people. In sunshine or storm, she was a source of stability, serenity, and strength." –Bill Clinton

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"Serenity =reality =inner peace and strength. God bless her Majesty" –Ronnie Wood

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"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." –Andrea Bocelli

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"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." –Barbra Streisand

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"Queen Elizabeth was the ultimate example of service and duty… today is a sad day." –Jon Bon Jovi

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"We knew this day was inevitable but such overwhelming sadness at the loss of one of the most inspirational women the world has known. Her reign was exemplary as she saw our nation through so many crises. Not just a monarch but also a matriarch to our country and the commonwealth. Heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family. Our hearts are broken." –Lisa Vanderpump

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"Her Majesty the Queen has presided over the UK for longer than any other British monarch. She dedicated her life to the people and set an extraordinary example to the world throughout her reign. She's seen changes that are beyond what any of us can imagine. She has faced challenges that she has risen to time and again. Her life has been remarkable in so many ways. We will all miss her and are grateful for the incredible service she gave to the people of Great Britain and the countries of the Commonwealth. We send our deepest condolence to the royal family. Her death brings to an end a long and unique chapter in the history of the United Kingdom and the world." –Duran Duran

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"The transition of the Queen of England saddens me as I had the opportunity of meeting and performing for her. She graciously greeted me with knowledge of my recordings naming I Say A Little Prayer as a favorite. Condolences to her family and the citizens of the United Kingdom." –Dionne Warwick

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"What a remarkable woman. It's hard to imagine the UK without her. My heart goes out to the @RoyalFamily" –Lynda Carter

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"One of the blessings of being married to a British person is that Queen Elizabeth became a part of our lives. My thoughts are with the Royal Family and England as we say goodbye. #QueenElizabeth" –Patricia Heaton

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"I want to send my love, my condolences, my light, strength and mana to the royal family during this time in the spirit of the passing of the Queen. I'm so sorry. What a life. What an incredible life. Stay strong." –Dwayne Johnson

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"I feel honored to have met HM Queen Elizabeth, and I am very sad to hear of her passing. My deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the British people." –Bill Gates

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"Very saddened to learn about the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth." –William Shatner

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"Queen Elizabeth is a beacon of strength, stability, honor and grace globally. She has played an enormous role keeping freedom alive and prosperous in the west. She is also a symbol of what modern feminism should be. From an American perspective – absolutely God Save The Queen," Meghan McCain tweeted. She added, "To my British friends and colleagues. God Bless the Queen and the Royal Family. Our hearts are with you and the people of the United Kingdom today."

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"Rest in Peace Queen Elizabeth II" –Reese Witherspoon

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"It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada's longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country's history. As we look back at her life and her reign that spanned so many decades, Canadians will always remember and cherish Her Majesty's wisdom, compassion, and warmth. Our thoughts are with the members of the Royal Family during this most difficult time." –Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada

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"Long Live The Queen." –Taran Killam

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"Her dignity, graciousness, and sense of duty have been an inspiration, and we join the millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader." –Jimmy Carter

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"Rest In Peace, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Graceful, dedicated, elegant, unforgettable. Today and always we will remember her as one of the greatest leaders our world has ever seen. I send my love and condolences to the Royal Family." —Kris Jenner

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"Her Majesty dedicated her life to service, to her country and commonwealth….with grace. And with grace she has started her next journey. RIP Queen Elizabeth II. Condolences to the Royal family." –Viola Davis

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"Few individuals in the history of humanity have led their people with such steadiness and grace as Queen Elizabeth. My condolences to everyone mourning her passing today, and the end of an era." –Hillary Clinton

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"My thoughts and sympathies go to the Royal Family on the loss of their Mother, Grandmother, Aunt. Thank you to Her Majesty for her resolute never-ending service. She is, and always will be the epitome of dignity and elegance." –Geri Halliwell Horner

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"RIP, QUEEN" –Nicky Minaj

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"It is with great sadness that we mourn today the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. On behalf of the Stella McCartney team, I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the Royal Family." –Stella McCartney

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"She's with her husband now. Rest In Peace." –Megyn Kelly

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"Almost everything about me screams small-r republican. Monarchy is mad, in any century. And yet… and yet. For better or worse, much of my identity is tied to it. HM was a constant, part of an intangible sense of stability. After a lifetime of service, may she rest in peace." –Matthew Lewis

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"Queen Elizabeth II, a timeless icon that will live in our hearts forever. RIP Your Majesty!" —Caitlyn Jenner

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"RIP to an incredible, dedicated woman. Prayers for her family and the country she loved and served with such honor." –Lauren Holly

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"No matter what your views are on the Monarchy of the UK or monarchy in general, Queen Elizabeth II was an absolutely incredible human being and I truly believe this planet was a better place with her in it. Being royalty does not make you better or worse than anyone else but this particular Queen was someone who deserved our admiration. I am really sad we've lost her. Humanity does not have many people left to show us what dignity and grace—in the face of all things—really look like." –Sean Lennon

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"RIP to an incredible, dedicated woman. Prayers for her family and the country she loved and served with such honor." –Jeri Ryan

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"We would like to send out deepest sympathy to the Royal family following the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II; a strong and powerful woman whose seventy year reign was served with integrity, dignity, grace and compassion. With love, Yoko and Sean Ono Lennon." –Yoko Ono