'It feels as though we lost a friend': Julie Andrews pays emotional tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
ABERDEENSHIRE, SCOTLAND: Julie Andrews has paid homage to Queen Elizabeth II after she passed away “peacefully” at Balmoral in Scotland on September 8. According to E! News, 'The Princess Diaries' star, who played the fictional queen in the movie, issued a heartfelt statement where she mourned the demise of her “beloved Queen”. “A page in history has turned today. Along with millions of others, I mourn the passing of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II,” it read.
Queen Elizabeth II died ‘peacefully’ at Balmoral on September 8 afternoon, sending shockwaves across the nation and the rest of the world. The 'Sound of Music' actress commented that she felt like she lost a “friend” in her statement. “It feels as though we lost a friend: a dedicated Monarch who inspired all of us with her love, wisdom and grace,” she stated. Julie concluded, “May we honour her by holding to the standards she set for herself and her nation.”
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Julie Andrews was made a dame by the Queen in the year 2000 for services to the performing arts after a lifetime of iconic roles. Earlier, the actress paid her respects to the late Queen during the platinum jubilee celebrations in June this year, which reportedly marked the British monarch’s 70 years on the throne. "Your majesty, I well remember the beautiful radio speech you gave on your 21st birthday. You pledged yourself in service to the people of Britain and the Commonwealth. And I feel that in all the years since, you have never betrayed that promise." she said in a statement in June. Julie Andrews is one of the many names from the show business and performing arts industries to share touching and affectionate tributes to the Queen. Sir Elton John, Stephen Fry, Sir Paul McCartney and dozens of other huge names from music, film, TV, performing arts and sports have taken to social media to pay their respects.
According to Metro, Sir Elton said, "Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing." Meanwhile, Fry took to Twitter shortly after her death was confirmed to say "Oh dear. Oh my. Oh heavens. Bless my soul. Oh lord. Heck. I don’t know why I’m sobbing. Silly really. Oh dear." Dame Helen Mirren, who portrayed Elizabeth II in the 2006 historical drama 'The Queen', called her the ‘epitome of nobility’.
Back in 1948, four years before the Queen’s ascension, Dame Julie sang the British National Anthem for Elizabeth and King George IV.