OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Former President Donald Trump penned a moving and beautiful tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II a day after her passing.
He penned the piece in an exclusive op ed for The Daily Mail.
“The whole of civilization is in mourning. The passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the enlightened monarch who reigned over the United Kingdom for 70 years, is a loss felt by billions around the world,” he said.
“This week, and in the weeks ahead, we especially grieve for the royal family — we can only imagine their sorrow.
“And we express our solidarity with all the people of the United Kingdom and every realm of the Commonwealth she so loved,” the former president said.
He said that “spending time with Her Majesty was one of the most extraordinary honors of my life,” and that she was revered in his house as a kid, “especially by my mother, who came from Scotland.”
The times we spent with the Queen at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle are memories Melania and I will cherish for the rest of our lives.
Her Majesty had a sharp mind, missed nothing, and always knew exactly what to say.
At our unforgettable State Dinner three years ago, we got along wonderfully, talking the whole evening.
That same week, the 75th anniversary of D-Day, we sat side-by-side to honor the sacrifice of the British and American warriors who fought and bled together in the Second World War.
I will forever be grateful for the privilege of getting to know this unparalleled leader.
He said she was “the United Kingdom’s greatest emissary,” and “nowhere was this truer than in the United States.”
“The treasured friendship and precious bond between America and the United Kingdom, which we call the Special Relationship, meant that Her Majesty the Queen was truly special to us as well,” the former president said.
“She was respected and beloved by the American People like few other figures in modern times.
“Above all, the Queen was great because Britain is great,” he said.
He said that even as the world mourns her death “we are comforted that King Charles III will be a great and outstanding successor to his cherished mother. “
And he ended the piece by saying “God bless the Queen. God bless her family. God bless the United Kingdom.”
On the day of the Queen’s death, he issued his condolences on behalf of himself and his wife, former first lady Melania Trump.
“Melania and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 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,” the former president said in an email to supporters.
“Queen Elizabeth’s historic and remarkable reign left a tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity for Great Britain. Her leadership and enduring diplomacy secured and advanced alliances with the United States and countries around the world. However, she will always be remembered for her faithfulness to her country and her unwavering devotion to her fellow countrymen and women.
“Melania and I will always cherish our time together with the Queen, and never forget Her Majesty’s generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor. What a grand and beautiful lady she was—there was nobody like her!” he said.
“Our thoughts and prayers will remain with the great people of the United Kingdom as you honor her most meaningful life and exceptional service to the people.
“May God bless the Queen, may she reign forever in our hearts, and may God hold her and Prince Philip in abiding care,” he said.
