The Queen poses with President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 2011 in London. (Chris Jackson/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II has met 13 US presidents in her seventy-year reign, and living former presidents offer their condolences on her death.
Former President Barack Obama, in a joint statement with First Lady Michelle Obama, said they “admire her legacy of tireless and meritorious public service.”
“Michelle and I were fortunate to meet Her Majesty and she meant so much to us,” the Obamas wrote.
“When we first started life as president and first lady, she welcomed us to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity. Again and again we were amazed by her warmth,” they added.
Former President Donald Trump also issued a statement on the Queen’s death, writing in part that “her leadership and unwavering diplomacy have secured and strengthened alliances with the United States and countries around the world. However, she will always be remembered for her loyalty to her country and unwavering devotion to her compatriots and compatriots.”
“Melania and I will always cherish our time with the Queen and will never forget Her Majesty’s generous friendship, great wisdom and great sense of humour. What a noble and beautiful lady she was – there was no one like her! Trump also said.
Meanwhile, the 43rd President George W. Bush wrote that “spending time at Buckingham Palace and drinking tea with Her Majesty and her corgis is one of our most vivid memories of the presidency.”
“Laura and I had the honor of knowing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a woman of great intelligence, charm and wit,” he wrote.
“Queen Elizabeth skillfully guided England through dark moments with her confidence in her people and her vision of a brighter future. Our world has benefited from her unwavering determination, and we are grateful for her decades of service as a sovereign,” Bush added.
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton commemorated Queen Elizabeth’s passing, remembering her as a person of “unfailing grace, dignity, and sincere concern for the well-being of all the people.”
“On a sunny day or in a storm, she was a source of stability, calmness and strength,” a Clinton spokesperson said in a statement provided to CNN.
