International leaders remember Queen Elizabeth II

Pictured above: Queen Elizabeth II addresses the guests at the Commonwealth Day Reception 11 March 2013 Copyright: Commonwealth Secretariat On 8 September 2022 Buckingham Palace announced the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who celebrated her 70^th year as the United Kingdom’s monarch in February of the same year. During her reign, Queen Elizabeth was also the monarch of 14 other countries known as the Commonwealth realms. The 14 nations in which the British monarch is head of state include Canada, New Zealand, and various countries across the Asia-Pacific and Caribbean. In total, Queen Elizabeth had around 150 million subjects at the time of her death. In her capacity as head of the Commonwealth of Nations, a collection of 56 countries formerly part of the British Empire, it was the Queen’s responsibility to support member nations. To this end, she visited every country in the association, attended Heads of Government Meetings, and launched events such as the four-yearly Commonwealth Games. Through events such as the Games, the Commonwealth Conference (CHOGM), and meetings held between the nations, it is clear to see that the events industry is greatly impacted by the Commonwealth. International meetings and conferences held by Commonwealth nations encourage collaboration between the countries, demonstrating how the growth of the association drives growth and development within economies.

Former UK prime minister Theresa May (pictured left) commented on Queen Elizabeth’s influence at events, citing CHOGM 2018 (held in Windsor), as an example: “[at the event] there was a reception on before the lunch. The minute she walked into the room; everybody turned their heads. Everyone wanted to speak to her.” As a monarch and national symbol, it was also the Queen’s responsibility to attend and host meetings and conferences with countries outside of the Commonwealth.   The condolences given by global leaders shows how far-reaching Queen Elizabeth II’s influence was – and how the MICE industry was integral to so much that she did. We have included some of the many public condolences from world leaders below.

Condolences from leaders

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres “As the United Kingdom’s longest-lived and longest-reigning Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II was widely admired for her grace, dignity, and dedication around the world.” “She was a reassuring presence throughout decades of sweeping change, including the decolonisation of Africa and Asia and the evolution of the Commonwealth.” US president Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden “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… Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world.” French president Emmanuel Macron “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years. I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.” UAE president Mohamed bin Zayed “Her Majesty was a close friend of the UAE and a beloved and respected leader whose long reign was characterised by dignity, compassion and a tireless commitment to serving her country.” Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida “Queen Elizabeth … played an extremely important role in the peace and prosperity of the world. In 1975, she visited Japan and contributed greatly to the strengthening of Japan-Britain relations.” “(Her death) is a great loss not only to the British people but also to the international community.” Commonwealth secretary-general Patricia Scotland “Her Majesty loved the Commonwealth, and the Commonwealth loved her. During her reign she travelled more than any monarch in history, visiting every part of our family of nations. “The growth and vibrancy of our modern Commonwealth is a credit to her and testament to her dedication, wisdom and leadership.” Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness “We join our brothers and sisters in the Commonwealth in mourning her passing, and pray for the comfort of the members of her family, and the people of the United Kingdom, as they grieve the loss of their beloved Queen and matriarch.” New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern “To us she was a much admired and respected monarch, to them she was a mother and grandmother. The Queen was a much loved and admired monarch, whose record reign of 70 years is an absolute testament to her, and her commitment to us all. She was extraordinary.” Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong “She performed her duties with devotion, grace, and humility. Her contributions to the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and indeed to the world will be recorded in history, and she will always be remembered fondly as a great world leader.” Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau 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.” “She was one of my favourite people in the world and I will miss her so.”