Emmanuel Macron hails Queen as a "friend of France" in moving tribute

Tributes are pouring in from across the world stage to share in the loss of Queen Elizabeth II who peacefully died at Balmoral on Thursday afternoon at the age of 96.

Many world leaders have already begun to release statements discussing the presence the longest-ever British reigning monarch had in their respective nations. Among these is the President of Britain's closest neighbour, France.

Emmanuel Macron shared a brief yet personal and heartfelt statement on Twitter shortly following the news of the Queen's passing. In the statement, he reflects on the Queen's close relation to France in which her 70-year reign saw two French republics and roughly 30 to 40 visits to the nation throughout her life.

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In a tweet honouring the Queen's memory, Macron said: "I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left her mark on her country and her century forever."

A longer statement from the Elysée Palace added that the Queen "held a special status in France and a special place in the hearts of the French people". The presidency added: "She who stood with the giants of the twentieth century on the path of history has now left to join them.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy gave his own tribute, stating that the Queen "was the symbol of the unfailing friendship between our two countries and of the values on which it is based". He added: "I cherish the memory of a brilliant and free spirit, faithful to the heavy burden of her duties; of a humble and generous personality, who inspired entire generations."

The Queen's first official visit to France came in 1948 when, as Princess Elizabeth, she met President Vincent