Queen Elizabeth updates: State funeral ends 11 days of ceremonies

Former presidents of the United States have released statements in reaction to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch.

President Bill Clinton said in a statement that he and former first lady Hillary Clinton are mourning the passing of Her Majesty with the royal family and the rest of the world, describing her life as "extraordinary."

"Throughout her remarkable 70-year reign, she led Britain through great transformations with unfailing grace, dignity, and genuine care for the welfare of all its people," Bill Clinton said. "In sunshine or storm, she was a source of stability, serenity and strength."

Bill Clinton added that he and Hillary Clinton "will always be grateful" to the kindness the queen showed them during visits to Buckingham Palace in 1995 and 2000.

President George W. Bush said in a statement that he and former first lady Laura Bush were "honored" to know the queen, describing her as a "woman of great intellect, charm and wit."

"Spending time at Buckingham Palace, and having tea with Her Majesty — and her Corgis — is among our fondest memories of the presidency," George W. Bush said.

The queen was able to lead the U.K. through dark moments with "her confidence in her people and her vision for a brighter tomorrow," George W. Bush said.

"Our world benefitted from her steady resolve, and we are grateful for her decades of service as sovereign," George W. Bush said. "Americans in particular appreciate her strong and steadfast friendship."

President Barack Obama said in a statement that he and former first lady Michelle Obama were "lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty," adding that the queen "meant a great deal to" to them.

"Back when we were just beginning to navigate life as President and First Lady, she welcomed us to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity," Barack Obama said. "Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance."

Barack Obama continued, "Like so many, Michelle and I are grateful to have witnessed Her Majesty’s dedicated leadership, and we are awed by her legacy of tireless, dignified public service. Our thoughts are with her family and the people of the United Kingdom at this difficult time."

President Donald Trump also released a statement following the news of the queen’s death, saying that he and former first lady Melania Trump will always cherish their time together with the queen and will "never forget Her Majesty’s generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor."

"Melania and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," Donald Trump said on Truth Social, his social media platform. "Together with our family and fellow Americans, we send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom during this time of great sorrow and grief. Queen Elizabeth's historic and remarkable reign left a tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity for Great Britain."

The newly appointed prime minister of the United Kingdom, Liz Truss, emphasized the importance of Queen Elizabeth II’s rule while addressing the death of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch on Thursday.

"Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built," Truss said outside of 10 Downing Street on Thursday. "Our country has grown and flourished under her reign. Britain is the great country it is today because of her."

Among the accomplishments Truss highlighted were Elizabeth’s accomplishment of growing the Commonwealth from a small group of seven countries to a "family of 56 nations" as well as visiting more than 100 countries as sovereign.

The queen, who met with Truss on Tuesday at Balmoral, invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party, to form a new government as prime minister, an act emblematic of the queen’s devotion to duty, Truss said.

"Earlier this week, at 96, she remained determined to carry out her duties as she appointed me as her 15th prime minister," Truss said, describing her as the "the very spirit of Great Britain."

Truss also extended condolences to the now-King Charles III, calling for the country to support him in the passing of the crown.

"We offer him our loyalty, and devotion, just as his mother devoted so much to so many for so long," Truss said.

3:37

UK Prime Minister Liz Truss remarks on the death of Queen Elizabeth IILiz Truss was appointed prime minister by Queen Elizabeth II just two days before her death.

ABCNews.com

The queen's eldest son and new king of England -- who will be known as King Charles III -- released a statement following his mother's passing.

"The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family," Charles said.

"I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world," the statement continued.

The U.K. ordered all flags to fly at half-mast in the wake of the queen's death Thursday.

In a bit of fortuitous timing, the rain clouds eased up following the announcement and rainbows appeared over Buckingham Palace.

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also ordered the flags to fly at half-mast over the Capitol in tribute to the monarch, according to her deputy chief of staff.