Arizona political leaders react to death of Queen Elizabeth II

PHOENIX – Arizona political leaders from both sides of the aisle expressed their condolences after the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

Britain’s longest-reigning monarch died at Balmoral Castle, her summer residence in Scotland, after 70 years on the throne. She was 96.

Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego offered his condolences on Twitter.

“The Queen was a source of hope and stability for the world throughout her 70-year reign. She will be missed,” Gallego said.

Republican Rep. Paul Gosar said he was saddened to learn of the queen’s death.

A link to the almost-vanished generation that fought World War II, she was the only monarch most Britons have ever known.

“She led a great life, and left a great legacy,” Gosar said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family during this difficult time.”

Rep. David Schweikert, also a Republican, remembered a gesture from Elizabeth II after the United States was attacked on Sept. 11, almost 21 years ago.

On September 13, 2001, Queen Elizabeth II broke a 600-year-old royal tradition and ordered the Bands of the Household to play the United States National Anthem in light of the tragic attacks on our homeland.

A truly ally of our nation. And a true leader for England. pic.twitter.com/ypyw6z6JmN

— Rep. David Schweikert (@RepDavid) September 8, 2022

More state politicians offered their thoughts and prayers.

Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton:

My thoughts are with the people of the United Kingdom, and all who mourn the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen was an extraordinary person, a true friend to the United States throughout her historic reign, and her steadfast, dutiful leadership will be missed.

— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) September 8, 2022

Republican Rep. Debbie Lesko:

Queen Elizabeth II was a stalwart, respected leader, and a great ally to our nation. I am praying for her loved ones and all those in Britain who are mourning her loss. https://t.co/zjCg0t2msk

— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (@RepDLesko) September 8, 2022

Democratic Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick:

May Queen Elizabeth rest in power. Her memory will live on forever.

— Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (@RepKirkpatrick) September 8, 2022

Phoenix also lowered flags at city buildings to half-staff to honor Elizabeth.

Elizabeth’s 73-year-old son Prince Charles automatically became king and will be known as King Charles III, his office said. Charles’ second wife, Camilla, will be known as the Queen Consort.

The impact of her loss will be huge and unpredictable, both for the nation and for the monarchy, an institution she helped stabilize and modernize across decades of enormous social change and family scandals, but whose relevance in the 21st century has often been called into question.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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