Delaware and the nation mourned the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, whose reign in the United Kingdom spanned 70 years and included the end of the British Empire and, most recently, the severing of ties with the European Union (BREXIT)
Delaware Gov. John Carney in keeping with President Joe Biden’s order, ordered all U.S. and Delaware flags on state property to be flown at half-staff at State buildings and facilities until sunset on the day of interment.
The queen never visited Delaware but traveled to nearby Philadelphia in 1976 to commemorate U.S independence from Great Britain.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden issued the following statement on the passing of the monarch at 96.
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era.
In a world of constant change, she was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her. An enduring admiration for Queen Elizabeth II united people across the Commonwealth. The seven decades of her history-making reign bore witness to an age of unprecedented human advancement and the forward march of human dignity.
She was the first British monarch to whom people all around the world could feel a personal and immediate connection—whether they heard her on the radio as a young princess speaking to the children of the United Kingdom, or gathered around their televisions for her coronation, or watched her final Christmas speech or her Platinum Jubilee on their phones. And she, in turn, dedicated her whole life to their service.
Supported by her beloved Prince Philip for 73 years, Queen Elizabeth II led always with grace, an unwavering commitment to duty, and the incomparable power of her example. She endured the dangers and deprivations of a world war alongside the British people and rallied them during the devastation of a global pandemic to look to better days ahead.
Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special.
We first met the Queen in 1982, traveling to the UK as part of a Senate delegation. And we were honored that she extended her hospitality to us in June 2021 during our first overseas trip as President and First Lady, where she charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness, and generously shared with us her wisdom. All told, she met 14 American presidents. She helped Americans commemorate both the anniversary of the founding of Jamestown and the bicentennial of our independence. And she stood in solidarity with the United States during our darkest days after 9/11, when she poignantly reminded us that “Grief is the price we pay for love.”
In the years ahead, we look forward to continuing a close friendship with The King and The Queen Consort. Today, the thoughts and prayers of people all across the United States are with the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in their grief. We send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who are not only mourning their Queen, but their dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world.”
U.S. Sen Chris Coons
“Queen Elizabeth II was a symbol of resilience, fortitude, and the indomitable British spirit. Her reign as monarch – the longest ever in British history – oversaw profound changes in British society and around the world. She has strengthened the special relationship between our two nations based on our shared history and values throughout her 70 years on the throne.
“I extend my sympathies to the members of the Royal Family and all of the British people on the passing of their sovereign.”
