The European royal houses express their condolences for the death of Elizabeth II

MADRID, 8 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The royal houses of Europe have unanimously expressed their condolences for the death of Queen Elizabeth II of England, who with her longevity on the throne -- more than 70 years -- is second only to Louis XIV in historical terms.

King Philippe and Matilda of Belgium have described Elizabeth II as an "extraordinary personality". "We will always have good memories of this great woman, who during her reign showed her dignity, courage and devotion," they stressed in a statement.

For its part, the royal family of the Netherlands have remembered "with deep respect and great affection" the late British queen, "firm and wise" during her seven decades of reign. Likewise, she has been thanked for her "unforgettable contribution" to relations between the two countries.

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, a distant relative of Elizabeth II, has praised the "devotion" and "sense of duty" shown by the monarch, who "was a constant presence, not only for British society but also internationally."

King Felipe VI has added his condolences, who has stressed that the monarch was "an example for all of us" and that "her sense of duty, her commitment and a lifetime dedicated to the service" of the British will remain "as a solid and valuable legacy for future generations".