Donald Trumpjoined current and former U.S. presidents in celebrating the legacy ofQueen ElizabethThursday, following the announcement that the longtime monarch had died at the age of 96.
“Melania and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Her MajestyQueen ElizabethII,” Trump wrote in a post on his social media site, Truth Social. “Together with our family and fellow Americans, we send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom during this time of great sorrow and grief.”
President Donald Trump and Queen Elizabeth.DOMINIC LIPINSKI/POOL/AFP via Getty
Trump continued: “Queen Elizabeth’s historic and remarkable reign left a tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity for Great Britain. Her leadership and enduring diplomacy secured and advanced alliances with the United States and countries around the world. However, she will always be remembered for her faithfulness to her country and her unwavering devotion to her fellow countrymen and women.”
Trump and First LadyMelania Trumparrived for theirfirst state visit to the U.K.in June 2019, walking over to greet the Queen alongsidePrince CharlesandCamilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
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From left: Melania Trump, Donald Trump, Queen Elizabeth.Chris Jackson/Getty
In his statement released Thursday, Trump wrote that he and his wife would “always cherish our time together with the Queen, and never forget Her Majesty’s generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor.”
“What a grand and beautiful lady she was—there was nobody like her!” Trump wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers will remain with the great people of the United Kingdom as you honor her most meaningful life and exceptional service to the people. May God bless the Queen, may she reign forever in our hearts, and may God hold her andPrince Philipin abiding care.”
Donald Trump, Queen Elizabeth.Chris Jackson/Getty Images
“Going to Buckingham Palace was supposed to be a highlight of his presidency,” Hill wrote in the book, perInsider. “MeetingQueen ElizabethII was particularly important to President Trump. He often referred in conversation to his mother, Mary Anne Mac-Leod, who was originally from Scotland, and her admiration forQueen Elizabeth.”
Queen Elizabeth and President Trump.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Trump, Hill wrote, was “always slightly awestruck when he talked about her—his voice and his face would soften. A meeting with the Queen of England was the ultimate sign that he, Trump, had made it in life.”
In a June 2019 interview with Fox News, Trump said he had “such a great relationship” with the Queen, adding that the two were “laughing and having fun” during their first meeting.
Ahead of their first meeting, the former president called the Queen “incredible,” tellingThe Sun: “I really look forward to meeting her. I think she represents her country so well. If you think of it, for so many years she has represented her country, she has really never made a mistake. You don’t see, like, anything embarrassing. She is just an incredible woman.”
source: people.com
