Queen's Death: Elton John, JK Rowling And Paddington Bear Among Celebrities Paying Tribute

Celebrities including Elton John, Daniel Craig and JK Rowling are among those who have shared tributes following the Queen's death.

Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger described her as "the much beloved grandmother of the nation".

He tweeted: "For my whole life Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has always been there. In my childhood I can recall watching her wedding highlights on TV.

"I remember her as a beautiful young lady, to the much beloved grandmother of the nation. My deepest sympathies are with the Royal Family."

Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney tweeted: "God bless Queen Elizabeth II. May she rest in peace. Long live The King."

Sir Elton John tweeted he was "deeply saddened".

"She was an inspiring presence to be around and led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency and a genuine caring warmth," the singer said.

"Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly."

Daniel Craig, who appeared with the Queen in a skit for the London Olympics, said she had left "an incomparable legacy and will be profoundly missed".

"I, like so many, was deeply saddened by the news today and my thoughts are with the Royal Family, those she loved and all those who loved her," said the Bond actor.

Actress Dame Helen Mirren, who played the Queen on screen and stage, said on Instagram: "I am proud to be an Elizabethan. We mourn a woman, who, with or without the crown, was the epitome of nobility."

Sir David Attenborough, who was a friend of the Queen for over half a century, praised her "extraordinary ability to put you at your ease".

Speaking to PA about his experience of working and broadcasting with the monarch he said: "If there was a technical hitch, she wanted to know what it was, and if it had a funny side, she was quick to see the joke.

"Yet not for one second could you forget that you were in the presence of someone who had willingly accepted enormous responsibility and dedicated her life to serving the nation - that you were, in short, in the presence of royalty. The whole nation is bereaved."

Sir David was first knighted by the Queen in 1985, before being given a second honour in 2020 for services to television broadcasting and to conservation.

The much-loved naturalist and the Queen celebrated their 90th birthdays just weeks apart in 2016.

David Beckham said her majesty had served with "dignity and grace" until her last days and had comforted the country when "times were tough".

He added: "How devastated we all feel today shows what she has meant to people in this country and around the world. How much she inspired us with her leadership."

Harry Potter author JK Rowling said the Queen had done her duty "right up to her dying hours".

"Some may find the outpouring of British shock and grief at this moment quaint or odd, but millions felt affection and respect for the woman who uncomplainingly filled her constitutional role for seventy years," she tweeted.

"Most British people have never known another monarch, so she's been a thread winding through all our lives.

"She did her duty by the country right up until her dying hours, and became an enduring, positive symbol of Britain all over the world. She's earned her rest."

Theatre impresario Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber said the Queen had been "the constant anchor of not just Britain and her beloved Commonwealth, but an inspiration to the world for her lifetime of service".

"Her legacy will be remembered as a selfless beacon for love, understanding and the celebration of fellow human beings all over the world, no matter their race or creed," he added.

Singer Sir Tom Jones said the Queen had been an "inspiration throughout my life".

"She was a reassuring force in difficult times, her dedication was faultless and her commitment to duty unrivalled," he tweeted, adding "long live the King".

Rocker Ozzy Osbourne tweeted a portrait of the young Queen, with the message: "I mourn with my country the passing of our greatest Queen.

"With a heavy heart I say it is devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II."

Ex-Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher tweeted simply: "Gutted".

Ant and Dec posted a joint statement: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"It is hard to believe she will no longer be with us. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with King Charles and the entire Royal Family.

"Rest In Peace Your Majesty. And thank you."

Fellow TV host Holly Willoughby said on Instagram: "Thank you for your lifetime of service and humble commitment to duty."

Sports stars such as Sir Mo Farah also paid tribute: "My condolences to the Royal Family at this very sad time," said the Olympic gold medallist.

"The Queen was loved all over the world and meant so much to so many.

"Meeting her was one of the greatest honours of my life. We will remember her for her warmth and dedication to the British people throughout her reign."

Dame Darcey Bussell shared a photograph on her Instagram page of her curtseying before a beaming Queen and the tribute: "A extraordinary & inspiring Woman. Thank you for a lifetime of service & all you did for the Arts."

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill published a picture of the Queen on her Instagram story with the words "a sad day" next to a broken heart emoji.

Former England footballer Gary Lineker tweeted: "Such a terribly sad day. Her Majesty The Queen has died. A truly remarkable woman who served her country with dignity, loyalty and grace.

"A comforting ever present in the lives of most of us. Rest in Peace, Your Majesty."

Paddington Bear, who did a light-hearted sketch with Her Majesty for her Jubilee celebrations this year, tweeted: "Thank you Ma'am for everything".

Former Police frontman Sting revealed how he had a "quiet weep" for the Queen, adding: "I am sad for my country and what it has lost.

Music mogul Simon Cowell paid tribute to Her Majesty's ability to "balance great leadership, tradition and progression".

Former Spice Girl Melanie Brown described the Queen as "an incredible lady who all of us grew up with and had so much respect for", sharing a picture of the monarch awarding her with an MBE.

Reality star Khloe Kardashian posted on Instagram how "all of us should admire the Queen's exemplary sense of duty and her commitment to her people.

"Such an incredible woman and an inspiration to us all, she will always be remembered as someone who led with dignity, grace and nobility over her 70 years as Queen."

https://news.sky.com/story/queens-death-mick-jagger-jk-rowling-and-paddington-bear-among-celebrities-paying-tribute-12693188