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The former Prime Minister and EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has joined Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn, and the Grand-Ducal couple in sharing their condolences following the passing of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Speaking to our colleagues from RTL Radio, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn declared that Queen Elizabeth II was "undoubtedly a strong political authority even if she had no formal power".
Asselborn said he is "moved by the death of a great lady whose life was dedicated to the unity of her country, more so than all the Prime Ministers she saw throughout her reign".
The former PM and one-time EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker had the opportunity to meet the Queen on several occasions throughout his career. On Friday, he said Great Britain would miss having such an important figure as their head of state. "The Queen almost belonged to our every day, as she had been around for so long. She was on the throne longer than I am old, and I am getting ever older. [She represented] an insight not only into the history of the English islands and of large parts of the Commonwealth, but also a figure we will not see the like of again, but who exercised a moral authority and possessed a great dignity that remains in my memory. I remember from the conversations I had with her that she had a great sense of humour."
The former minister is confident that the Queen's successor will fill this void: "There is no longer a moment of solid stability. Whether King Charles can assume the same authority remains to be seen. I am optimistic, however. The Queen was a big part of England and an important part of England and England is no longer the same without the Queen."
In countries where the monarchy has historically played a role, it is important to have a head of state with symbolic powers who does not interfere in everyday politics, but with whom everyone can talk, concluded Juncker.
Messages of condolence came from all over the world, including one from Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel who expressed his deepest sympathy to the Royal Family and the British people.
Prime Minister Xavier Bettel reacts
Message by the Prime Minister, Minister of State, Xavier Bettel after the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (09.09.2022)
After the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Prime Minister, Minister of State, Xavier Bettel wishes to express, on behalf of the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, his sincere condolences to the Royal Family and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
Her Majesty's reign has been marked as much by historic challenges as it has been marked by Her natural ability to navigate and manage those challenges with steadfast leadership and unique grace.
For more than seventy years she shaped the course of history in the United Kingdom and around the world through her unwavering commitment to stability and peace and a boundless devotion to her people.
While her passing saddens and moves the world, her legacy will continue to serve as a beacon for future generations.
Bettel
Other reactions
Minister for Family Affairs and Integration Corinne Cahen also expressed her sincere condolences, stressing that the Queen "was and remains for many generations a reference and for many of us, especially women, a role model".
Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa stated that they have been "deeply moved and saddened" at the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, "a faithful friend of the Grand Ducal Family".
