EU chief in tribute to Queen who ‘spoke to the soul of the world’
Ursula von der Leyen said the Queen ‘found the right words for every moment in time’.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Queen was a “legend” with the power to speak “to the soul of the whole world”, European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said.
The European Commission president said the Queen “found the right words for every moment in time” – from her comments during the Second World War to her message during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a major speech in Strasbourg, Ms von der Leyen said: “As we look around at the state of the world today, it can often feel like there is a fading away of what once seemed so permanent.
“In some ways the passing of Queen Elizabeth II last week reminded us all of that.
“She is a legend. She was a constant throughout turbulent and transforming events in the last 70 years, stoic and steadfast in her service.
“But, more than everything, she always found the right words for every moment in time.
“From the calls she made to war evacuees in 1940 to her historic address during the pandemic.
“She spoke not only to the heart of her nation but to the soul of the world.
“And when I think of the situation we are in today, her words at the height of the pandemic still resonate with me.
“She said: ‘We will succeed – and that success will belong to every one of us’.
“She always reminded us that our future is built on new ideas and founded in our oldest values.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.