The world is still mourning the death of former president George H.W. Bush just two days after he passed. Reactions and tributes have been pouring in for the 41st president, including reactions from Jenna Bush Hager and his other grandkids. Even way out in the UK they are feeling George’s passing as Queen Elizabeth herself released a statement.

“It was with sadness that I learned of the death of President George H W Bush last night,” the 92-year-old said in the statement. “President Bush was a great friend and ally of the United Kingdom. He was also a patriot, serving his country with honor and distinction in Office and during the Second World War,” the Queen continued. “Prince Philip and I remember our days in Texas in 1991 with great fondness. My thoughts and prayers are with President Bush’s family and the American people.”

the Queen and George
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The Queen and George had many encounters, including the Queen coming down to the White House in 1991 to give George and his wife Barbara a horseshoe set and the book America Is Lost. The Queen also met up with George at an Orioles game in Baltimore, and George was knighted by the Queen in 1993 at Buckingham Palace. So it is clear that these two shared quite the bond.

A couple of weeks ago the Queen also shared a statement to support Meghan Markle‘s home state of California during the tragic wildfires. “Prince Philip and I offer our deepest sympathies to the people of California, who continue to suffer from the devastating fires across the state,” the Queen said, adding, “our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victims, and to all those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. I pay tribute to the courage and dedication of the US emergency services and the volunteers that have provided support.”

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