An ‘unrivaled’ reign: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, officials mourn Queen Elizabeth II’s death
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott mourned the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who died peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday, according to the royal family.
In a statement, the governor said he and First Lady Cecilia Abbott were “truly saddened” to hear of the queen’s passing and offered prayers to her family and the United Kingdom.
“In her unrivaled, impressive reign as Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories, Queen Elizabeth II led her people, and at times the world, through historic events with the utmost dignity, grace, and valor,” Abbott said.
He noted that the queen was not only an ally to the United States and a leader of one of the greatest monarchies in history, but also a “grandmother, and a wife who showed a deep devotion to her family and to her nation.
“The entire world is better to have had a strong, steady leader like Queen Elizabeth II, and we are forever honored to have had her as an ally to the United States and to Texas,” Abbott said.
Queen Elizabeth the II served on the throne for 70 years. She died at the age of 96. She is succeeded by her son Prince Charles, who according to the BBC becomes king immediately.
Other Texas officials also commented on the queen’s death.
“Queen Elizabeth dedicated her life to her country & served as queen with honor, dignity, & grace,” U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Lewisville, said in a tweet. “Her death is not only a loss for the United Kingdom, but for the entire world. Her leadership is an inspiration to many. May future generations know her legacy & seek to further it.”
U.S. Rep. Jake Ellzey, R-Waxahachie, sent thoughts and prayers in a Twitter post.
“The world lost a woman that dedicated her entire life in service to her people,” Ellzey said. “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II saw her country through many hardships, trials, and conflicts.”
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson offered condolences on behalf of the city.
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a consequential and remarkable world leader — and a friend to our city, where she made an official visit in 1991,” he said in a statement. “We mourn her passing.”
Read Abbott’s full statement:
“The First Lady and I are truly saddened to hear of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, and our hearts and prayers go out to her family and the entire United Kingdom as they grieve the loss of one of the greatest leaders in history. In her unrivaled, impressive reign as Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories, Queen Elizabeth II led her people, and at times the world, through historic events with the utmost dignity, grace, and valor. Queen Elizabeth II was also more than a leader of one of the greatest monarchies in history and a close United States ally; she was a mother, a grandmother, and a wife who showed a deep devotion to her family and to her nation. The entire world is better to have had a strong, steady leader like Queen Elizabeth II, and we are forever honored to have had her as an ally to the United States and to Texas.” — Gov. Greg Abbott
This story was originally published September 8, 2022 at 2:02 PM.
