9 September 2022 - Check against delivery
Message of the President Emmanuel Macron.
Dear citizens of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth,
Aujourd’hui, nous sommes tellement tristes.
It is with great sorrow that the French people have learned of the death of
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Her wisdom and empathy have helped us all to steer a path through the historic ups and downs of the last seven decades. With her passing, we all feel an emptiness.
Millions of people around the world discovered the images of her coronation, and were immediately captivated by the young leader who already exhibited such strength and courage.
The courage of a life marked by the war, and soon the courage to uphold, from one century to the next, the values of freedom and tenacity.
Her rare and powerful words, her unwavering dignity made her the constant symbol of the United Kingdom.
We are grateful for her deep affection for France:
Elizabeth II mastered our language, loved our culture and touched our hearts.
From her coronation on, she knew and spoke with all of our presidents.
No other country had the privilege of welcoming her as many times as we did.
In her, I have known a great head of State, a unique example of devotion to her people, and a very close ally.
With her, France and the United Kingdom shared not just an "entente cordiale", but a warm, sincere and loyal partnership.
To you,
she was your Queen.
To us,
she was THE Queen.
To us all,
she would be with us forever.
We will remember and perpetuate the values she never ceased to embody and promote: the moral fortitude of democracy and freedom.
At this sad moment, we send our heartfelt condolences to His Majesty the King, the Royal Family, the British people, and all those who loved the Queen and will miss her so deeply.
Nous sommes avec vous.
