UK22-1 FDC Castle of Balmoral - DEATH OF HM QUEEN ELIZABETH II - 8 Sept. 2022

European tribute to Queen Elizabeth II (1926 - 2022)

The duty of reserve imposed on Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had forced her not to take a position on Brexit. But she was fiercely attached to this Europe that she had seen tearing itself apart.

An unwavering attachment hailed by the leaders of the European institutions in their respective tributes. “His reign covered almost the entire arc of post-war European integration. We will always remember his contribution to reconciliation between our nations after World War II and the Cold War. She lived through the ravages of the Second World War and knows the importance of trust and cooperation between our countries,” underlined the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.

“She has witnessed war and reconciliation in Europe and beyond, and profound transformations of our planet and our societies. She has been a beacon of continuity throughout these changes, never ceasing to show a calm and dedication that has given strength to many", reacted the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. , for whom the late monarch is “a legend”.

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Europe's longest reigning monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the Council of Europe, I send my sincere condolences to the Royal Family and people of the United Kingdom, one of our founding Member States. The Queen was an inspiration to us all. We will remember her with affection and with the greatest respect,” said Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić.

On Thursday evening, the EU flags flying in front of the European Parliament were lowered to half mast. “The European Parliament joins the world in mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She will be remembered as one of the great leaders of history,” said Roberta Metsola, the institution's president.

A set of philatelic envelopes, designed by Historiaphil© (Philately Kiosk of the European Parliament, Strasbourg, France) pays tribute to this figure in the History of Europe and the World. It was produced as a continuation of the collection of philatelic envelopes bearing witness since 1949 to the history of Europe and its institutions. Its edition is limited to only 60 numbered copies.