'Grace, Elegance And A Tireless Work Ethic': Living U.S. Presidents Mourn Queen Elizabeth

America’s living presidents joined the United Kingdom in mourning the death Thursday of Queen Elizabeth II, honoring her life, legacy and stature as a public figure for most of the previous century.

The queen was 96 when she died at her summer home in Scotland, ending 70 years on the throne. She was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and the second-longest reigning monarch in history, according to the Associated Press.

Elizabeth continued to work even in her final days, presiding Tuesday at a ceremony to accept the resignation of Boris Johnson and appoint Liz Truss as his successor for the role of prime minister. The queen's oldest son, Charles, 73, is now king in the wake of her death.

Each living U.S. president shared memories Thursday of her warmth, humor and fortitude:

President Joe Biden

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era.

“… 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.

“… We first met the Queen in 1982, traveling to the UK as part of a Senate delegation. And we were honored that she extended her hospitality to us in June 2021 during our first overseas trip as President and First Lady, where she charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness, and generously shared with us her wisdom. All told, she met 14 American presidents. She helped Americans commemorate both the anniversary of the founding of Jamestown and the bicentennial of our independence. And she stood in solidarity with the United States during our darkest days after 9/11, when she poignantly reminded us that 'Grief is the price we pay for love.'"

Donald Trump

“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 her unwavering devotion to 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!”

Barack Obama

“From the day of her coronation 70 years ago—the first one ever televised—to this very moment, as countless tributes are being posted online in her honor, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has captivated the world. Today, Michelle and I join so many others who are celebrating her life and mourning her passing.

“Her Majesty was just 25 years old when she took on the enormous task of helming one of the world’s great democracies. In the decades that followed, she would go on to make the role of Queen her own—with a reign defined by grace, elegance, and a tireless work ethic, defying the odds and expectations placed on women of her generation.

“During World War II, she became the first-ever female royal to serve on active military duty. And through periods of prosperity and stagnation—from the moon landing, to the fall of the Berlin Wall, to the dawn of the digital age—she served as a beacon of hope and stability for the people of the United Kingdom and the world.”

George W. Bush

"Laura and I were honored to have known Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a woman of great intellect, charm, and wit. Spending time at Buckingham Palace, and having tea with Her Majesty — and her Corgis — is among our fondest memories of the presidency. Queen Elizabeth ably led England through dark moments with her confidence in her people and her vision for a brighter tomorrow. Our world benefitted from her steady resolve, and we are grateful for her decades of service as sovereign. Americans in particular appreciate her strong and steadfast friendship. Laura and I join our fellow citizens in sending our heartfelt condolences to the Royal family and the British people.”

Bill Clinton

“Hillary and I mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth Il, 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.”

Jimmy Carter

“Rosalynn and I extend our condolences to the family of Queen Elizabeth II and the citizens of the United Kingdom. Her dignity, graciousness, and sense of duty have been an inspiration, and we join the millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader.”