Sir Elton John, JK Rowling and Paddington Bear are amongst the famous faces paying tribute to Britain's Queen Elizabeth and her “inspiring presence” following her death.
The British monarch was described as a “thread running through all our lives” during her lengthy reign and an “enduring, positive symbol of Britain all over the world”.
Tributes to the queen flooded in immediately from all over the world after her death was announced on Thursday evening.
As well as celebrities, British arts and entertainment institutions including the BBC, the National Gallery and the National Theatre, all reflected on the impact the queen had had on the UK.
Advertisement— Elton John (@eltonofficial) September 8, 2022
Sir Elton John said the queen had been a huge part of his life “from childhood to this day” in his own online tribute.
“Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing,” he wrote.
“She was an inspiring presence to be around, and led the country through some of our greatest, and darkest, moments with grace, decency and a genuine caring warmth.
“Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly.”
Some may find the outpouring of British shock and grief at this moment quaint or odd, but millions felt affection and respect for the woman who uncomplainingly filled her constitutional role for seventy years. 1/2
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 8, 2022
Harry Potter author Rowling said the queen had “earned her rest” after having “uncomplainingly filled her constitutional role for seventy years”.
“Some may find the outpouring of British shock and grief at this moment quaint or odd, but millions felt affection and respect for the woman who uncomplainingly filled her constitutional role for seventy years,” she wrote on Twitter.
“Most British people have never known another monarch, so she’s been a thread winding through all our lives.
“She did her duty by the country right up until her dying hours, and became an enduring, positive symbol of Britain all over the world.
Thank you Ma’am, for everything.
— Paddington (@paddingtonbear) September 8, 2022
“She’s earned her rest.”
The official account of Paddington Bear also tweeted its respects to the queen.
“Thank you Ma’am, for everything,” the account wrote.
The pair recently appeared in a comical sketch together as part of celebrations for the monarch’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, in which they shared tea and marmalade sandwiches at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen was an extraordinary woman, and this nation has been very lucky. I'm just old enough to remember the Coronation; she's been there all my life, and I shall miss her.
— Philip Pullman (@PhilipPullman) September 8, 2022
Other British celebrities paying respects included Stephen Fry, Ozzy Osbourne, Sue Perkins and Sir Philip Pullman.
The author of theHis Dark Materials series said the nation had been “very lucky” to have had the monarch.
He said: “I’m just old enough to remember the coronation; she’s been there all my life, and I shall miss her.”
The BBC Board issued a statement from director-general Tim Davie in which he reflected on the Queen’s role as a “unifying figure across generations”.
“On behalf of everyone at the BBC we offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty The Queen,” the statement read.
“Her Majesty was the absolute embodiment of public service. She was a unifying figure across generations, communities and borders, who represented the very best of our nation.
“We are grateful at the BBC to have witnessed, recorded and shared so many of the special moments in her long life and reign.
“She will always be remembered with the greatest affection and admiration.”
The British national anthem was played on BBC One following the announcement, showing a photograph of the queen, followed by a royal crest on a black background and the words 'Queen Elizabeth II'.
The National Theatre said it was “deeply saddened” by the news of the death of monarch, who had been a patron of the institution for more than 40 years.
We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen, Royal Patron of the National Theatre for more than four decades. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family. pic.twitter.com/eHuBK61ldl
— National Theatre (@NationalTheatre) September 8, 2022
“We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen, Royal Patron of the National Theatre for more than four decades,” the organisation tweeted.
Elsewhere, the 2022 Mercury Prize award was postponed due to the news, which the organisation described as a “time of great national sorrow”.
The prize, which is awarded for the best album released in the UK by a British or Irish act, was due to take place on Thursday evening.
“Tonight’s Mercury Prize event has been postponed at this time of great national sorrow. We know everyone involved in the Mercury Prize will understand,” a statement from the organisation read.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with The Royal Family at this very difficult time.”
It added that an announcement regarding future arrangements would be made as soon as possible.
