How Utah’s leaders reacted to the death of Queen Elizabeth II

At the age of 96, Queen Elizabeth II died Thursday at her Balmoral estate in Scotland. She was the longest reigning monarch in British history — serving the United Kingdom since her coronation at the age of 25 in 1952.

Several of Utah’s Republican officials released statements in response to the queen’s passing.

Sens. Mike Lee and Mitt Romney expressed their condolences to the Royal Family, the queen’s loved ones and the British people.

Romney said the monarch leaves “an exemplary legacy of devotion to her citizens, commitment to duty, and stability in times of turbulence.”

Lee echoed those sentiments, saying Queen Elizabeth provided “comfort during tumultuous times.”

She lived through World War II and celebrated with the British people on V-E Day in 1945. She also experienced various personal hardships, like the death of Princess Diana, sexual assault allegations against her son Prince Andrew and most recently, the departure of her grandson Prince Harry from the Royal Family.

“She was a shining example of steady leadership and impressed a sense of duty and determinism upon not only the people of the United Kingdom but of the world,” Sen. Lee said in a public statement.

Rep. John Curtis tweeted he was “saddened” to hear the news of the queen’s passing. Although so much in the world has changed since Elizabeth took over, Curtis added, he will never forget her response to the 9/11 attacks.

“The queen broke precedent and played the Star Spangled Banner to millions [in the United Kingdom],” Curtis said, posting a video of the Grenadier Guards playing America’s national anthem.

Rep. Burgess Owens called her a “steadfast public servant and friend of the United States.”

Rep. Chris Stewart said it was a “watershed moment” for the entire world and her legacy will not be forgotten.

He added that his “prayers are with the queen’s family” and he joins everyone around the globe in mourning this “revered leader.”

Rep. Blake Moore offered the Royal Family his “sincerest condolences” in wake of Elizabeth’s death.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the queen “served her people with strength, grace, and unwavering dedication.”

“She will be missed,” the governor continued.

The President of the Utah Senate, Stuart Adams, tweeted that his thoughts are with the Royal Family and the United Kingdom.

“Queen Elizabeth ll dedicated her life to serving her people,” he said.