PETALING JAYA: As the world watches events unfold at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where it has been reported that doctors are concerned about the health of Queen Elizabeth II, well-wishes have poured in for the 96-year-old monarch from all corners.
Reports from the United Kingdom's Press Association say that a crowd of several hundred has gathered at the gates of Buckingham Palace in London, with some laying flowers at the gates, with the first bouquet place there just after 5pm UK time (midnight in Malaysia).
The White House, in a report, said that United States President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation, and both him and first lady, Jill Biden, are sending their thoughts to Queen Elizabeth II and the British Royal family.
"His and the first lady's thoughts are solidly and squarely with the Queen today and her family," Reuters quoted White House spokesman John Kirby as saying.
Reuters also reported that the UK's freshly-minted Prime Minister Liz Truss had said that her thoughts, and the thoughts of everyone in the UK, were with the Queen.
"The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime. My thoughts - and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom - are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time," she said.
UK Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer, meanwhile, said he was deeply worried by the news from Buckingham Palace.
"Along with the rest of the country, I am deeply worried by the news from Buckingham Palace this afternoon. My thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time, and I join everyone across the United Kingdom in hoping for her recovery," he said.
United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric also said that UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres' "thought are with the Queen, her family and the people of the United Kingdom at this time."
Leaders across the Commonwealth have also shared their well-wishes with the Queen, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saying, "My thoughts, and the thoughts of Canadians across the country, are with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at this time. We’re wishing her well, and sending our best to the Royal Family."
Australia's governor-general David Hurley has also issued a statement on the situation.
"Following news from Buckingham Palace, and on behalf of all Australians, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley’s thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal family at this time," Reuters quoted him as saying.
The Commonwealth secretary-general Patricia Scotland was quoted as saying she was "deeply concerned" over Buckingham Palace's statement.
"Like everyone, I am deeply concerned to hear the statement from Buckingham Palace today. On behalf of every nation and citizen of the Commonwealth family, I send my best wishes to Her Majesty and the Royal Family. She will remain in my prayers," she said.
European Union president Ursula Von Der Leyen said her thoughts and prayers wer with Queen Elizabeth II, saying Queen Elizabeth II represented the whole history of the Europe that was "our common home with our British friends".
"She has always given us stability and confidence, she has shown an immense amount of courage, and is a legend in my eyes," she said.
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