WORLD leaders have paid tribute to HRH Queen Elizabeth I following her death on Thursday.

The UK’s longest reigning monarch died at her Aberdeenshire residence, where she had been staying since the start of the summer. 

French president Emmanuel Macron said she was “kind-hearted” and “a friend of France”.

He tweeted: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years.

“I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.”

The National: Emmanuel Macron. Credit: PAEmmanuel Macron. Credit: PA (Image: Emmanuel Macron. Credit: PA)

US President Joe Biden said the Queen "defined an era" and was a "steadying presence".

He said: "HM 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.”

Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin conveyed his deepest sympathy following the monarch’s death.

Martin said: “Her dedication to duty and public service were self-evident and her wisdom and experience truly unique.

“The Queen’s passing is indeed the end of an era.

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“Her state visit to Ireland in 2011 marked a crucial step in the normalisation of relations with our nearest neighbour. That visit was a great success.

“Her popularity with the Irish people was also very evident and clearly made a very positive impact on the Queen.

“Our world is a poorer place for her passing but a far richer and better place as a result of her long life and enduring contribution.”

The National: Michael Martin, left. Photograph: PAMichael Martin, left. Photograph: PA (Image: Michael Martin, left. Photograph: PA)

The President of the Irish Republic, Michael D Higgins, issued a statement voicing his “profound regret and a deep personal sadness”.

He said: “On behalf of the people of Ireland, may I express my heartfelt sympathy to His Majesty King Charles and to the Royal Family on their very great personal loss. May I offer my deepest condolences to the British people and to the members of the Commonwealth on the loss of a unique, committed and deeply respected Head of State.

“Her Majesty served the British people with exceptional dignity. Her personal commitment to her role and extraordinary sense of duty were the hallmarks of her period as Queen, which will hold a unique place in British history.”

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also tweeted: “It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.

“As we look back at her life and her reign that spanned so many decades, Canadians will always remember and cherish Her Majesty’s wisdom, compassion, and warmth. Our thoughts are with the members of the Royal Family.”

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The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, tweeted: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered as a stalwart of our times.

She provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people. She personified dignity and decency in public life. Pained by her demise.

“My thoughts are with her family and people of UK in this sad hour.”

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted: “It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“On behalf of the people, we extend sincere condolences to the @RoyalFamily, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”