Dedications were paid throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic to Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, upon her death.
Politicians and church leaders have offered their condolences to the Royal family.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)
“This is just the saddest news and our hearts are broken.
“The Queen is a wonderful woman and I have had the honor of meeting her many times, including here at Hillsborough Castle.
“People across Northern Ireland will tonight be deeply saddened by the passing of this wonderful, wonderful Queen.
“There is no doubt that the Queen has played a very important role in helping to build reconciliation. Her visit to Dublin is a pivotal moment in the history of Anglo-Irish relations.”
Michelle O’Neill, Vice President of Sinn Féin
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II today.
“The British people will remember the leadership she gave during her 70 years as monarch.
“My sincere condolences and sympathies go out to her children, and her extended family as they go through their grief.
“I want to especially acknowledge the deep sadness of our neighbors from within the union community here, who will feel her profound loss.
“I am personally grateful for Queen Elizabeth’s significant contribution and determined efforts to promote peace and reconciliation between our two islands.”
Michael Martin, Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland
“The Queen’s passing is truly the end of an era. Her state visit to Ireland in 2011 marked an important step in the normalization of relations with its nearest neighbour. our.
“That visit was a great success, largely due to the Queen’s many gracious gestures and warm comments during her time in Ireland.
“Her popularity among the Irish people was also evident and clearly had a very positive impact on the Queen. In particular, I recall the warmth of the welcome she received from the public. in Cork during a stroll at the British Market.
“To her grieving family and people, the government of Ireland joins you to mourn the loss of a special woman, who led by a quiet and dignified example and who touched. many lives during her exceptionally long reign.”
Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland
“I have learned of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II with deep grief and profound personal sadness.
“On behalf of the Irish people, I can express my sincere sympathies to King Charles and the Royal Family for their enormous personal loss.
“My deepest condolences to the British people and members of the Commonwealth for the loss of a single, dedicated and deeply respected Head of State.
“Your Majesty has served the British people with special dignity.
“Her personal commitment to her role and extraordinary sense of responsibility are hallmarks of her period as Queen, which will hold a unique place in the British history.”
Chris Heaton-Harris, Secretary of Northern Ireland
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
“Throughout her reign, the Queen has been the matriarch and pillar of our country and the Commonwealth.
“She always gives wise advice, admirably and selflessly, making a lifelong commitment to public service.
“Your Majesty has devoted herself to the family of our nations – this is no more evident than in Northern Ireland.
“We will always be grateful to her for her efforts to promote reconciliation and promote better community relations, ensuring peace and stability.”
Colum Eastwood, leader of the Labor and Social Democrats
“Queen Elizabeth II is without a doubt one of the most important civic figures of the last century.
“My thoughts and the thoughts of all those in the SDLP are with Queen Elizabeth’s family at an extremely difficult time.
“The blessing of a long life does not make the burden of saying goodbye any lighter.
“I also want to offer my deep condolences to all those people, around the world, but especially in Northern Ireland, where the Queen has held such an honorable place in their lives and hearts.
“Elizabeth’s influence on Ireland, our people and our peace cannot be underestimated.”
Doug Beattie, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party
“The passing of Queen Elizabeth II is one of the saddest days the UK has ever known.
“The Queen is a frequent visitor to Northern Ireland in good times and bad, and even through decades of violence, she is determined to come here to meet her people and in the process, bring to comfort and reassurance.
“Her state visit to the Republic of Ireland in May 2011 went a long way to heal old wounds and normalize relations between the two close neighbours, and very clearly demonstrates the wisdom of the two countries. her good nature and good instincts.
“This world was a much better place for her presence and now a much worse place for her departure.”
Naomi Long, leader of the Alliance
“Queen Elizabeth II is one of the figures that has shaped the 20th century, as well as much of the 21st century, not only due to her longevity but also her commitment and dedication to her country and the Commonwealth.
“Most of us have only known her in a sovereign role and it would be extremely strange not to see her there carrying out her duties.
“Throughout her reign, the Queen has worked tirelessly to serve her country and the Commonwealth, earning praise from everyone for her selfless dedication to the role.
“It’s just one of the aspects of her life that will remain her lasting legacy, and I hope it carries over to her family, and indeed all those grieving, a little consolation at this sad time.”
