By Busra Nur Cakmak
ANKARA (AA) – European royal families on Thursday extended condolences over the death of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II.
Britain's longest-serving monarch died at the age of 96, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday.
"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," said the palace, adding that her successor King Charles III and Camilla, the queen consort, “will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
In a statement, Spanish King Felipe and Queen Letizia told Charles III that they are “deeply saddened by the sorrowful news of the passing away of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, your beloved Mother.”
They extended condolences to the new king and to the people of Britain, adding: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has undoubtedly witnessed, written and shaped many of the most relevant chapters in the history of our world during the last seven decades.”
Felipe said that the queen’s devotion to duty and her people “set an example for all of us and will remain as a solid and valuable legacy for future generations.”
Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf said: “My family and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of my dear relative Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
Gustav is Elizabeth’s third cousin, and both are descendants of Queen Victoria.
“She has been a constant presence, not only in British society but also internationally,” said Gustav, adding his condolences to the queen’s family and to the British people.
King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, and Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands also paid tribute to the late queen in a joint message.
“We remember Queen Elizabeth II with deep respect and great affection. Steadfast and wise, she dedicated her long life to serving the British people,” they said.
“We feel a strong bond with the United Kingdom and its royal family, and we share their sorrow at this time. We are very grateful for our countries' close friendship, to which Queen Elizabeth made such an unforgettable contribution."
Norway’s King Herald said in a statement: “Our thoughts go out to His Majesty the King and the immediate family at Queen Elizabeth's passing.”
“For a century, the Queen devoted herself devotedly to her work and accompanied the British people through joys and sorrows, in good times and bad times. Our condolences also go to the British people,” he added.
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark also sent a message of condolences to Charles III, extending to him and Queen Consort Camilla “warmest thoughts and prayers.”
“Your mother was very important to me and my family. She was a towering figure among the European monarchs and a great inspiration to us all. We shall miss her terribly,” said the queen.
Margrethe II said the world changed dramatically during Elizabeth’s reign but that “she has played a crucial role as a unifying figure highly respected and deeply loved.”
“Denmark and I are grateful for her continuous efforts to further strengthening the close and warm relations that have always existed between our two nations,” she added.