Abbott on passing of Queen Elizabeth II: 'Led her people, and at times the world, with the utmost dignity, grace and valor'

Gov. Greg Abbott expressed his condolences to the British people on Thursday after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96, per a press release issued by the Office of the Texas Governor.

Queen Elizabeth II, who ascended to the throne in 1952, was the longest-reigning British monarch. 

“Queen Elizabeth II led her people, and at times the world, with the utmost dignity, grace and valor,” Abbott, a Republican, said in a tweet.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that the queen perished at Balmoral Castle.

According to the BBC, her family had gathered at Balmoral when it became clear that her health took a turn for the worst.

"We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother,” eldest son King Charles III said, the BBC reported. “I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms and the Commonwealth and by countless people around the world."

Abbott said in the release that the State of Texas is praying for the United Kingdom (UK) and its people 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,” the governor said.

He hailed the late monarch as “a close United States ally” and “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,” Abbott said in the release.

Queen Elizabeth II's passing occurred just two days after Conservative Party leader Liz Truss succeeded Boris Johnson as UK prime minister and more than a year after the death of her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.