The world’s better for her: Biden
LONDON: United States President Joe Biden paid emotional tribute to the Queen on the eve of her state funeral yesterday, saying Britain and the world had been lucky to have such a dignified and dedicated servant on the throne for 70 years.
Biden, among scores of dignitaries and royals from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas in London for last night’s funeral, said the Queen’s death had left a giant hole on the global stage.
‘‘To all the people of England, all the people in United Kingdom, our hearts go out to you,’’ Biden said after he signed a book of condolence and visited her lying in state in Westminster.
‘‘You were fortunate to have had her for 70 years, we all were. The world’s better for her.’’
He said he had consoled the Queen’s heir, King Charles III, that the Queen would be ‘‘with him every step of the way, every minute, every moment and that’s a reassuring notion’’.
Biden followed other world leaders in appearing on a balcony overlooking the coffin in Westminster Hall, making a sign of the cross and placing his hand on his heart in reverence. French President Emmanuel Macron also appeared on the balcony.
The US president later joined Charles and other leaders for an evening reception ahead of the state funeral.
Biden was one of 14 US presidents in office during the Queen’s reign, of which Elizabeth met all except Lyndon Johnson, starting with Harry Truman in 1951 when still a princess.
He was among presidents, prime ministers, kings, queens and sultans representing nearly 200 countries and territories at the funeral.
Liz Truss, who the Queen appointed as Britain’s prime minister two days before her death, took the opportunity to meet with leaders from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada and Poland over the weekend.
Meanwhile, the Queen Consort has shared a personal memory of the Queen, who saw the funny side of a shoe mishap on Camilla’s wedding day.
Speaking in a televised tribute, Camilla also described the Queen’s ‘‘wonderful blue eyes’’ but also how her gaze could be a little withering if you ‘‘dare question’’ her equestrian knowledge.
The Queen Consort, who had