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Mourning for Queen Elizabeth II

Germany’s Federal President Steinmeier: Here in Germany, she was admired and revered

09.09.2022
Mourning in front of the British Embassy in Berlin
Mourning in front of the British Embassy in Berlin © dpa

Berlin (dpa) – Germany is mourning the death of the British Queen Elizabeth II. The German head of state, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, has sent condolences to the British Royal Family on the death of Queen Elizabeth II. “Queen Elizabeth is a woman who has shaped a century, in the United Kingdom and worldwide. She experienced contemporary history and wrote it herself,” the president wrote. “Her Majesty was held in the highest esteem and respect throughout the world. Here in Germany, she was admired and revered.”

He also wrote that the Queen’s death was “an incisive turning point, the end of an era. As Russia’s terrible war of aggression against Ukraine has made brutally clear to us, peace and freedom in Europe cannot be taken for granted. However, Queen Elizabeth II also experienced that war can be overcome in Europe. And she herself helped to heal the wounds of war,” Steinmeier stressed, adding that the Queen's state visit to Germany in 1965 had been one of the most important symbols of the British-German friendship that had evolved after the war.

Chancellor Scholz: Queen was a role model for millions

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote that Queen Elizabeth II had been “a role model and inspiration for millions, also here in Germany”. He paid special tribute to her commitment “to German-British reconciliation after the horrors of the Second World War”, saying that this would not be forgotten. “She will be missed, not least for her wonderful sense of humour,” Scholz wrote.

Foreign Minister Baerbock: Germany remains eternally grateful

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wrote on Twitter: “We mourn with our British friends the loss of #QueenElizabeth II. She was a source of strength and confidence for her country for almost 100 years.” She added: “Germany remains eternally grateful to her for reaching out to us in reconciliation after the horrors of World War II.”

Former Chancellor Merkel: An era comes to an end

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) said: “Her death marks the end of an era. There are no words that can even come close to honouring the outstanding importance of this Queen, her sense of duty, her moral integrity, her devotion and her dignity over seven decades for the United Kingdom, for Europe and for the world.” Merkel made it clear that she looked back on her encounters with the Queen with “the greatest gratitude”. “My thoughts at this hour are particularly with the Royal Family and His Majesty King Charles III,” Merkel said.

The Queen died on Thursday at the age of 96 at her Scottish country residence Balmoral Castle.

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