'Deeply saddened': Celebrities, actors, public figures mourn death of Queen Elizabeth II

By Busra Nur Cakmak

ANKARA (AA) - Celebrities, actors, and prominent public figures around the world are mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch who died at the age of 96 in Aberdeen, Scotland on Thursday.

“Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's passing,” British musician Elton John said in a statement.

“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,” he added.

The Beatles member Paul McCartney on his social media accounts wished God’s blessing to the queen and said “Long live The King.”

British actress Helen Mirren, who portrayed Elizabeth in the 2006 movie The Queen, said “I am proud to be an Elizabethan.”

“We mourn a woman, who, with or without the crown, was the epitome of nobility,” she added.

In a statement to the PA news agency, British actor Daniel Craig, who played secret agent James Bond, said: “I, like so many, was deeply saddened by the news today and my thoughts are with the royal family, those she loved and all those who loved her.”

“She leaves an incomparable legacy and will be profoundly missed,” he added.

British musician Ozzy Osbourne said he is mourning with his country for the passing of “our greatest Queen.”

“With a heavy heart I say it is devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II,” he tweeted.