‘Stateswoman of unmatched dignity’: US leaders pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Condolences and prayers for Queen Elizabeth II poured in from across the United States following her death on Thursday.

Joe Biden, the US president, said the Queen was "more than a monarch. She defined an era". In his tribute, posted to the White House website, Biden called her "a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock alliance between the UK and US":

Biden's statement also included personal recollections from meetings he and first lady, Jill Biden, had with the Queen:

"Like so many, Michelle and I are grateful to have witnessed Her Majesty's dedicated leadership, and we are awed by her legacy of tireless, dignified public service. Our thoughts are with her family and the people of the United Kingdom at this difficult time," he added.

Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the US, wrote: "Hillary and I mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and we join with people across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and all around the world, in giving thanks for her extraordinary life."

He added, "In sunshine or storm, she was a source of stability, serenity and strength. We will always be grateful for the kindness she showed us through the years, particularly during our visits to Buckingham Palace in 1995 and 2000, and for all she did to deepen the special relationship."

Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the US, also sent prayers on behalf of himself and his wife: "Rosalynn and I extend our condolences to the family of Queen Elizabeth II and the citizens of the United Kingdom. Her dignity, graciousness, and sense of duty have been an inspiration and we join the millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader."

Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the House of Representatives, said: "Today, Americans join the people of the United Kingdom in mourning the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Over her seven decades on the throne, Her Majesty was a pillar of leadership in the global arena and a devoted friend of freedom. On behalf of the United States Congress, I extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the royal family during this sad time."

She added: "Personally, it was an honor to be on the floor of the House during her historic address to the Congress in 1991 and to welcome her as Speaker on her important visit to the United States in 2007, which deepened the special relationship between our nations."

The Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, wrote: "Today all Americans stand with our great friends across the Atlantic in mourning the monumental loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Elaine and I extend our deepest sympathies to the royal family and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth."

Kevin McCarthy, minority leader of the House of Representatives, echoed the sentiments: "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II represented what it means to lead with conviction, selflessness, and faith in God and in her people. She led her people with grace, showing what servant-leadership means in principle and in practice. I join the world in mourning her loss."

Amanda Gorman, the US's youngest inaugural poet, tweeted: "Long lived the Queen - but much longer lived her legacy."

The American actor George Takei wrote: "Queen Elizabeth II has passed away at age 96. My thoughts are with the royal family and with the people of the United Kingdom and truly around the world who mourn her passing. In her time, the Queen saw a country and indeed a world transformed. There shall be none other like her."