The European Olympic Committees (EOC) learnt with great sorrow of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and expresses its deepest sympathies with HRH Princess Anne and The Royal Family, as well as everyone at the British Olympic Association.

Her Majesty led a remarkable life, inspiring people all around the world through her leadership, fortitude, and grace. A constant in the lives of British society and the people of the Commonwealth, her comforting presence will be profoundly missed.

The Queen was a patron of the British Olympic Association, but her impact on the Olympic and wider sports movement extended far beyond this. She is the only Head of State to open two editions of the Olympic Games, and was also present at the Olympic Games London 1948.

On behalf of the EOC, President Spyros Capralos said, “At this immensely sad and difficult time, our thoughts are first and foremost with our friend, BOA President Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. Our sincere condolences are also with everyone in The Royal Family and all those at the BOA. Her Majesty was a role model for everyone in society, and her impact in sport, not least in her role as a patron of the BOA, will live long into the future. However, above all else, we will remember her for the leadership, grace, and humour that she displayed throughout her life, which is something we should all aspire to.”