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Queen Elizabeth II: Celebrities pay tribute to Her Majesty

09 Sep 2022 | Updated on: 27 Sep 2022 |By Ellie Goodman

From Dame Helen Mirren to Sir Mo Farah, Britain’s stars share their memories and condolences

As the world continues to react to the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, there has been an outpouring of condolences, tributes and well wishes from Britain’s prominent public figures. From actors who have portrayed Her Majesty, to those who were fortunate enough to meet her, many celebrities have shared heartfelt messages across social media, recounting fond memories and expressing their sympathies for King Charles III and the Royal Family.

Dame Helen Mirren

Dame Helen Mirren, who portrayed Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film The Queen, shared a tribute on her website and Instagram account, saying, “I’m proud to call myself an Elizabethan. We mourn a woman, who, with or without the crown, was the epitome of nobility.”

Claire Foy

Claire Foy, who played Her Majesty in the first two seasons of Netflix’s The Crown posted a string of portraits to her Instagram account, with the simple message: “the end of the Second Elizabethan age.”

Sir Elton John

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A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn)

Sir Elton John also shared his own tribute to Instagram, calling Queen Elizabeth II “an inspiring presence to be around [who] led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency and a genuine caring warmth.”

Dame Kelly Holmes

“I am proud to have served under Our Majesty the Queen for my Country and in Sport,” said Dame Kelly Holmes in a tribute posted on Instagram. “I have been one of the lucky ones to have met the Queen on numerous occasions at horse racing and Buckingham Palace, and to receive my Dame Commander of the British Empire from Her Majesty will be something I will hold special in my heart for ever [sic].”

David and Victoria Beckham

David and Victoria Beckham each shared their own tributes on their respective Instagram accounts shortly after news broke of Her Majesty’s death on 8 September. “How devastated we all feel today shows what she has meant to people in this country and around the world,” said David Beckham. “Until her last days she served her country with dignity and grace.”

“Today is a very sad day not just for our country but for the entire world,” wrote fashion designer Victoria Beckham. “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.”

Dame Anna Wintour

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In a statement issued via Vogue magazine’s Instagram account, Dame Anna Wintour shared her own emotional tribute to Her Majesty, writing, “For 70 years, Her Majesty was a beacon of continuity and a perfect example of someone who lived by a clearly defined set of values.” She continued, “who she was as a woman always shone through; her smile and her keen interest in others never failed her. I experienced that first hand when I sat with her at designer Richard Quinn’s show, just before she presented him with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design.

“She was so delighted to be there, telling me how she had appeared in a fashion show long before she became queen. She said it with joy and humour that bounded around the room, lighting it up: An everyday occurrence for Her Majesty, an unforgettable one for the rest of us.”

Sir Mick Jagger

“For my whole life Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has always been there,” said Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger, as he shared fond memories of watching highlights of the Queen’s wedding on television as a child. “I remember her as a beautiful young lady, to the much beloved grandmother of the nation.”

Sir Paul McCartney

Sir Paul McCartney shared a brief tribute via Twitter, simply saying: “God bless Queen Elizabeth II. May she rest in peace. Long live The King.” McCartney was knighted by Her Majesty on 11 March 1997 for his services to music.

Sir Mo Farah

Team GB Olympic gold medalist Sir Mo Farah shared his tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in a statement on Twitter, noting that “meeting her was one of the greatest honours of my life.” Farah expressed his condolences, remembering her for her warmth and dedication to the British people.

Barbra Streisand

“Sad to hear about the passing of Queen Elizabeth II,” said actor and singer Barbra Streisand, who shared an image of herself meeting the Queen on Twitter. “She was a constant for us all. Respected around the world. May she rest in peace.”

Whoopi Goldberg

American actor Whoopi Goldberg shared a fond memory of meeting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the 2009 Royal Variety Performance. “As she approached me, all I could think was WTH?? I’m an American kid from the projects and I’m in the company of the Queen of England. I was in awe.”

Jack Whitehall

https://twitter.com/jackwhitehall/status/1567935649923174400

“Rest in peace your majesty. She meant so much to so many people. What an incredible life,” wrote comedian Jack Whitehall in his brief, but heartfelt, tribute on Twitter.

Sir Rod Stewart

Sir Rod Stewart gave his own tribute a personal touch, with the death of Her Majesty coming just a day after that of his brother, Don. “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,” Stewart said. “What a privilege it was to perform for her,” he added.

Nirmal Purja MBE

Author and mountaineer Nirmal Purja MBE tweeted his tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. “To our Queen, it was with great honour I was able to serve in your reign,” he said. “Your remarkable legacy has touched us all and will forever live on. Rest peacefully, your Majesty.”

Celine Dion

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a graceful, elegant, and kind woman,” wrote Canadian singer Celine Dion on Twitter. “She dedicated he life to public service, tirelessly helping others in need. Her loss will be deeply felt throughout the world.”

Noel Fielding

Comedian and artist Noel Fielding shared a unique tribute via Instagram, posting his own portrait painting of Her Majesty, with the simple caption: “Rest in Peace x.”

Gary Lineker

Ex-footballer and pundit Gary Lineker shared his tribute via Twitter on Thursday night, saying, “Such a terribly sad day.” Lineker called the Queen “a truly remarkable woman who served her country with dignity, loyalty and grace. A comforting ever present in the lives of most of us.”

Edward Enninful OBE

In a post shared to his own Instagram account, and that of British Vogue, editor-in-chief Edward Enninful shared his condolences. “From Ghana to the UK, the Queen has been a constant figure through the decades. Her extraordinary work ethic and peerless sense of duty have been an inspiration to so many, myself included.”

Naomi Campbell

“End of an era: Her Majesty the Queen,” said supermodel Naomi Campbell via Instagram. “You gave us a life long service, unparalleled in everyway [sic].”

Kate Moss

Model Kate Moss shared an image of herself meeting the Queen on Instagram, with the caption: “What an honour to have met you, our wonderful Queen Elizabeth, may you Rest In Peace.”

Read more: World leaders react to the death of Queen Elizabeth II

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