The Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is one of many world leaders who have offered their condolences on the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The following statement appeared last Friday on his official webpage.

“With grief and respect the global community bids farewell to Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-lived monarch in the history of the United Kingdom. Such losses are usually accompanied by the observation that with them a whole era has come to an end. In the case of Elizabeth, however, many eras have come to an end.

“Never before has the leader of a state seen so many things change so quickly during their lifetime, in their country and in the world. For when the Queen came to the throne the British Empire still stretched to the ends of the earth. And as she ends her life, the United Kingdom is entering an unprecedented, very different phase of its eventful history.

“During her reign, the British state and its people have known many ups and downs. She herself worked harmoniously with 15 prime ministers, some of them personalities who left a tremendous mark on the international scene. And she always proceeded with moderation and good sense.

“In an age in which the planet has fewer and fewer monarchies, Elizabeth succeeded in giving new life to the institution, weaving together tradition and innovation. In this way she made it more approachable to the people, as the reactions of the British themselves testify. For the Queen served that which her position represented: the unity of her people. And that is her most valuable legacy.

“We respectfully share the grief of the citizens of the United Kingdom. And we offer heartfelt condolences to the royal family.”