The US president, Joe Biden, and first lady, Jill Biden, has said the deceased Queen of Egland, Elizabeth II “was more than a monarch. She defined an era.”

While paying tribute to the late Queen who passed on on Thursday at the age of 96 said, “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.”

President Biden also offered this anecdote:

“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.”