Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig and Elton John have led British celebrity tributes to the Queen and her “incomparable legacy” following her death.
The monarch was described as “an inspiration to the world for her lifetime of service” as tributes flooded in from around the world after her death was announced on Thursday evening.
As well as celebrities, British arts and entertainment institutions including the BBC and the National Theatre reflected on the impact the monarch has had on the country.
Mirren, who portrayed the Queen on the silver screen and on the stage, described the monarch as the “epitome of nobility”.
In a post on Instagram, the Oscar-winning British actress said: “I am proud to be an Elizabethan. We mourn a woman, who, with or without the crown, was the epitome of nobility.”
James Bond star Craig, who starred in a sketch with the monarch for the London Olympics opening ceremony, said the Queen left “an incomparable legacy and will be profoundly missed”.
John said the Queen had been a huge part of his life “from childhood to this day” and he would miss her dearly.
“She was an inspiring presence to be around, and led the country through some of our greatest, and darkest, moments with grace, decency and a genuine caring warmth,” John wrote.
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger shared a photo of the monarch on his Instagram and wrote: “For my whole life Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has always been there.
“In my childhood I can recall watching her wedding highlights on TV. I remember her as a beautiful young lady, to the much-beloved grandmother of the nation. My deepest sympathies are with the royal family.”
Former Beatle Paul McCartney paid tribute to the Queen with a short but sweet message on his Instagram account.
Alongside an image of the Queen in her youth signed by McCartney, the 80-year-old music icon wrote: “God bless Queen Elizabeth II.
“May she rest in peace.
“Long live The King.”
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber described the Queen as “an inspiration to the world for her lifetime of service”.
Lloyd-Webber wrote on Twitter: “Her legacy will be remembered as a selfless beacon for love, understanding and the celebration of fellow human beings all over the world, no matter their race or creed.”
Harry Potter author JK Rowling said the monarch had “earned her rest”.
“Some may find the outpouring of British shock and grief at this moment quaint or odd, but millions felt affection and respect for the woman who uncomplainingly filled her constitutional role for seventy years,” she wrote on Twitter.
“Most British people have never known another monarch, so she’s been a thread winding through all our lives.
“She did her duty by the country right up until her dying hours, and became an enduring, positive symbol of Britain all over the world. She’s earned her rest.”
The official account of Paddington Bear also tweeted its respects to the Queen, saying: “Thank you Ma’am, for everything.”
The pair recently appeared in a comical sketch together as part of celebrations for the monarch’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, in which they shared tea and marmalade sandwiches at Buckingham Palace.
Other British celebrities paying respects included Stephen Fry, Ozzy Osbourne, Sue Perkins, Victoria Beckham and Sir Philip Pullman.
BBC director-general Tim Davie reflected on the Queen’s role as a “unifying figure across generations”.
“Her Majesty was the absolute embodiment of public service … We are grateful at the BBC to have witnessed, recorded and shared so many of the special moments in her long life and reign,” Davie said.
The National Theatre said it was “deeply saddened” by the news of the death of monarch, who had been a patron of the institution for more than 40 years.
By Naomi Clarke and Mike Bedigan in London
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