“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era,” wrote President Joe Biden. He last met the Queen when she hosted a private tea for him and the First Lady on the sidelines of the G7 summit last summer. Emotional scenes outside Buckingham Palace – Queen’s latest death “Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unparalleled dignity and stability who deepened the fundamental alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. It helped make our relationship special. “He helped Americans commemorate both the anniversary of the founding of Jamestown and the bicentennial of our independence. “And he stood in solidarity with the United States during our darkest days after 9/11, when he sadly reminded us that ‘sorrow is the price we pay for love.’ And reflecting on a series of meetings with her, President Biden said, “She charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness, and generously shared with us her wisdom.” Image: The Queen and Joe Biden in 2021 The Queen has met thirteen of the last fourteen presidents. From Truman, Eisenhower and Kennedy to Bush, Obama and Trump, he knew them all and charmed them all. Reflecting on her death, President Clinton said: “She led Britain through great transformations with unfailing grace, dignity and a genuine concern for the welfare of all her people. “In sun or storm, she was a source of stability, peace and strength.” Image: President George W. Bush with Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 In his statement, President George W. Bush said, “Our world has benefited from her steadfast resolve, and we are grateful for her decades of service as sovereign. Americans especially value her strong and steadfast friendship.” President Obama said her reign was “defined by grace, elegance and a tireless work ethic, defying the odds and expectations of women of her generation.” And President Trump reflected on her meeting: “Melania and I will always cherish our time with the Queen and never forget Her Majesty’s generous friendship, great wisdom and wonderful sense of humour. Image: The Queen with Barack Obama in 2011 “What a great and beautiful lady she was – there was no one like her.” The so-called “special relationship” was one that strengthened in many presidencies. On a state visit in 1991, he told President George HW Bush: “No wonder I can’t feel like a foreigner here. The British have never felt like America is a foreign country. Here, we feel comfortable and among friends.” Image: Queen Elizabeth II greets Donald Trump in 2019 At the White House and Capitol, the Stars and Stripes were lowered to half-mast. He was on top of the tumultuous geopolitics of the decades he reigned, and yet so often had to navigate it all. Image: Queen Elizabeth II and US President Bill Clinton in 1994 Perhaps her diplomatic skill was best summed up by President Clinton, who once wrote: “Her Majesty struck me as one who, but for the circumstance of her birth, might have been a successful statesman or diplomat. “As it was, it had to be both, without showing at all.”
