Queen Elizabeth II was paid an emotional tribute by Arsenal star and England captain Leah Williamson.

The UK's longest-serving monarch passed away on Thursday afternoon aged 96.

With the country in mourning, messages have poured in from sporting governing bodies and personalities after the Queen’s death was announced.

Leah Williamson's emotional tribute

Among those to pay tribute was Williamson, who led England to Euro 2022 glory in July.

“A constant presence of grace and decency in a world that continued to change around her,” she wrote on Instagram.

“To comprehend the loss of our Queen is almost impossible, because it seemed, and we hoped, she could reign forever.

“A wonderful monarch but an exceptional person. A light so bright, she gave us hope when there seemed to be none, a warm voice amongst times of despair.

“A Queen who unified her people and whose spirit made her appear as one of us. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II 🕊”.

More tributes for Queen Elizabeth II

Chelsea striker Bethany England was another women’s football star to pay homage, writing: “Thank you for serving our country with such loyalty and grace for many years, ma’am. Rest in Peace, Your Majesty ❤️”.

Also paying tribute was American boxer Claressa Shields, who is currently in London for her blockbuster fight against Savannah Marshall.

“My condolences to the people of the UK 🇬🇧 Rest In Peace Queen Elizabeth ❤️”

A number of sporting events are now in limbo following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, including the start of the Women’s Super League season and Shields’s bout against Marshall.

The US Open continued but paid tribute to the Queen with a minute’s silence before the women's semi-final between Ons Jabeur and Caroline Garcia.

Tennis legend Billie Jean King also paid her respects to the monarch, who reigned for 70 years.

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II,” she wrote.

“For 70 years, her leadership, impact, and influence on the United Kingdom and the entire global community has been immense. I met her in 2010 at Wimbledon, and it was a special moment for me.

“She was the longest reigning British monarch in history, the only woman from the Royal Family to serve in the armed forces, and a respected leader around the world.

“She earned her place in history, and she will be missed.”