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.”
I offer my condolences to our friends of the Commonwealth and the loved ones of Queen Elizabeth II, including the Royal Family. She leaves an exemplary legacy of devotion to her citizens, commitment to duty, and stability in times of turbulence. America will miss our good friend. https://t.co/YLH0GTwl9h
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) September 8, 2022
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.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 8, 2022
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.
Saddened to hear of the passing of Queen Elizabeth. During her time in power, so much of the world has changed and if anything, I will remember this moment two days after 9/11 when the Queen broke precedent and played the Star Spangled Banner to millions. pic.twitter.com/kTUO8nNNGp
— Rep. John Curtis (@RepJohnCurtis) September 8, 2022
Rep. Burgess Owens called her a “steadfast public servant and friend of the United States.”
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, a steadfast public servant and friend of the United States. God bless her loved ones and our allies in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth. https://t.co/5yLMseG8dj
— Rep. Burgess Owens (@RepBurgessOwens) September 8, 2022
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.”
God bless Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/DdVXUNYNvQ
— Rep. Chris Stewart (@RepChrisStewart) September 8, 2022
Rep. Blake Moore offered the Royal Family his “sincerest condolences” in wake of Elizabeth’s death.
My sincerest condolences to the Royal Family and the United Kingdom on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. #utpol
— Congressman Blake Moore (@RepBlakeMoore) September 8, 2022
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the queen “served her people with strength, grace, and unwavering dedication.”
For more than 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II served her people with strength, grace, and unwavering dedication. She will be missed.
— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) September 8, 2022
Our prayers go out to the Royal Family and to the people of the Commonwealth. https://t.co/de8K5RuZD9
“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.
I am saddened to learn of the Queen's passing. Queen Elizabeth ll dedicated her life to serving her people. My thoughts are with the Royal Family and the United Kingdom at this time. https://t.co/x0Gr4aivbD
— President J. Stuart Adams (@JStuartAdams) September 8, 2022