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UEFA pays tribute after passing of Queen Elizabeth II

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The Queen’s 70-year reign is marked with a number of historic football moments.

Buckingham Palace announced Queen Elizabeth II’s death on Friday.

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow,” an official statement reads.

The Queen celebrated her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year, marking 70 years on the throne. UEFA was among the first football organizations to react to the news of Queen’s death.

“UEFA and European football are truly saddened by the passing away of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, one of the world’s most-respected figures,” UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

“Our thoughts are with her family and the President of the English Football Association, Prince William, as well as with the citizens of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms.”

The Queen famously presented Bobby Moore with the Jules Rimet trophy after England’s only World Cup triumph in 1966.

Unlike other members of the royal family, the Queen never revealed her favourite team. However, the Mirror claimed in 2009 that she was a fan of West Ham.

According to the English outlet, she revealed her love for the Hammers when a member of her household said he was a Millwall supporter.

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Almost 60 years after England’s World Cup victory over Germany, the Lioness won the Women’s European Championshiop at Wembley earlier this summer.

The Queen reacted to the news by publishing a heartwarming tribute to the national team.

 “My warmest congratulations. And those of my family, go to you all on winning the European Women’s Football Championships,” she wrote.

“It is a significant achievement for the entire team, including your support staff. 

“The Championships and your performance in them have rightly won praise.

“However, your success goes far beyond the trophy you have so deservedly earned. You have all set an example that will be an inspiration for girls and women today, and for future generations.

“It is my hope that you will be as proud of the impact you have had on your sport as you are of the result today.”

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