Tributes Paid After Death Of Queen Elizabeth II

Tributes have been paid following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully on Thursday, aged 96.

First Minister Designate Michelle O'Neill MLA said: "It is with deep regret that I have learned of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II today.

"The British people will miss the leadership she gave throughout her 70 years as monarch.

"I would like to offer my sincere sympathies and condolences to her children, and her extended family circle as they come to terms with their grief.

"I wish to especially acknowledge the profound sorrow of our neighbours from within the unionist community here who will feel her loss deeply. 

"Personally, I am grateful for Queen Elizabeth’s significant contribution and determined efforts to advancing peace and reconciliation between our two islands.

"Throughout the peace process she led by example in building relationships with those of us who are Irish, and who share a different political allegiance and aspirations to herself and her Government.

"Having met Queen Elizabeth on a number of occasions alongside my colleague, the late Martin McGuinness, I appreciated both her warmth and courtesy."

DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP said: "Her Majesty The Queen has been a steadfast and unshakeable Head of State for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

"Her gracious approach has been a constant throughout our lives.

"In 1952 during her first Christmas broadcast Queen Elizabeth II asked the nation to pray “that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.”

"We mourn Her Majesty’s death, but we do so with tremendous honour for one who served God and her people faithfully.

"I remember with fondness her speech in 2011 where she again referred to her Christian convictions and reminded us that forgiveness lies at the heart of her faith and that “it can reconcile divided communities.”

"Her Majesty led by example in Northern Ireland and reached out the hand of friendship to help with the reconciliation process. We are duty bound to build on that foundation.

"The Royal visit to the Republic of Ireland was ground-breaking and the warmth with which Her Majesty was received demonstrated that she was revered and respected far beyond the United Kingdom.

"Her visits to my constituency in Royal Hillsborough invoke precious memories for the residents and for all of us and I know her death will be felt acutely in that village.

"We pray for the Royal Family as they mourn the passing of a mother, grand-mother and great-grand-mother."

Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA said: "In the first instance, my thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Royal Family at this sad time. They are mourning a much-loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

"But while they have lost a matriarch, the entire country and indeed Commonwealth has lost a person who has been a figure-head and leader for 70 years. Her loss will be keenly felt by many.

"Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is one of the figures who came to define the 20th Century, as well as a large part of the 21st due not only to her longevity but her commitment and dedication to the country and Commonwealth. The majority of us have only ever known her in the role of sovereign and it will be incredibly strange to not see her there carrying out her duties.

"Throughout her reign, the Queen worked tirelessly in service to the country and Commonwealth, receiving praise from all quarters for her selfless dedication to the role. That is only one of the aspects of her life which will remain as her lasting legacy, and I hope it brings her family, and indeed all those grieving, some comfort at this sad time."