Sir Elton John, J.K. Rowling and Paddington Bear are among the celebrities who pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth of England and her posthumous “inspirational presence”.
During her long reign, the British monarch was described as “a thread that runs through our entire lives” and “a lasting and positive symbol of Britain around the world”.
Tributes to the Queen immediately poured in from around the world after her death was announced Thursday night.
Not only celebrities, but also British arts and entertainment institutions such as the BBC, the National Gallery and the National Theatre, have considered the Queen’s influence on Britain.
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) September 8, 2022
Sir Elton John said in his online obituary that the Queen has been a big part of his life “from childhood to today.”
I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth along with the people of Japan.”
“She was an inspiring presence to be around, guiding the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, grace and genuine compassionate warmth.
“Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life since I was a child and to this day. I will miss her.”
While some may find this moment’s outburst of shock and grief in Britain strange or bizarre, millions of people have expressed their love and affection for the woman who played her constitutional role without complaining for 70 years. I felt respect. 1/2
— JK Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 8, 2022
Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, said the Queen had “gained rest” after “fulfilling her constitutional role for 70 years without complaint.”
“While some may find this moment’s outpouring of shock and grief in Britain old-fashioned and strange, millions of people are convinced that the woman who has played her constitutional role for 70 years without complaint I felt love and respect for you,” she wrote on Twitter.
“Most Brits didn’t know other monarchs, so she was a thread wrapped around our lives.
“She did her duty to the country right up until her death and became an enduring and positive symbol of Britain around the world.
Ma’am, thank you for everything.
— Paddington (@paddingtonbear) September 8, 2022
“She got some rest.”
Paddington Bear’s official account also tweeted a tribute to the Queen.
“Ma’am, thank you for everything,” the account wrote.
The pair recently appeared in a comical sketch together as part of the monarch’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, where they shared tea and marmalade sandwiches at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen was an extraordinary woman and this country was very lucky.I am just old enough to remember the coronation. She has been there all my life and I miss her.
— Philip Pullman (@PhilipPullman) September 8, 2022
British celebrities such as Stephen Fry, Ozzy Osbourne, Sue Perkins and Sir Philip Pullman paid their respects.
The author of his Dark Materials series said the country was “extremely lucky” to have had a monarch.
he said: She was there in my life and I miss her.
The BBC Executive Board has released a statement from Executive Director Tim Davey, reflecting on the Queen’s role as “a uniting figure across generations”.
“On behalf of all concerned at the BBC, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
“Her Majesty was the absolute epitome of public service.
“We are grateful to the BBC for witnessing, documenting and sharing many special moments in her long life and reign.
“She will always be remembered with the greatest affection and admiration.”
The British national anthem was played on BBC One following the announcement, showing a picture of the Queen, followed by the royal coat of arms and the words “Queen Elizabeth II” on a black background.
The National Theater said it was “deeply saddened” by the news of the death of the monarch, the theater’s patron for more than 40 years.
We would like to express our deepest condolences on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, who was the Royal Patron of the National Theatre, for over 40 years. Our thoughts and condolences are with the royal family. pic.twitter.com/eHuBK61ldl
— National Theater (@NationalTheatre) September 8, 2022
“We mourn and express our deepest condolences on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, Royal Patron of the National Theatre, for over 40 years,” the group tweeted.
Elsewhere, the 2022 Mercury Prize awards have been postponed due to news the organization described as “a time of great national grief”.
The award for the best album released in the UK by a British or Irish act was due to take place on Thursday night.
“Tonight’s Mercury Prize event has been postponed at a time of great grief throughout this country. I have read the statement.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the royal family during this very difficult time.”
An announcement on future arrangements will be made as soon as possible, he added.
