Motor racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart has described the Queen as an “exceptional person” and the “ultimate monarch”.
Sir Jackie, who struck up a close bond with Her Majesty, said that she was a “wonderful lady” and that there will never be another like her.
The former Scottish motor racing champion spoke of the pain he feels at her loss on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
“She was a wonderful lady, she was certainly the most extraordinary lady that I’ve ever known,” he said.
“She had the command of every element of her life so completely and carried our country in such a dignified fashion and in such an amazing way.
“When one sees what’s going on in other countries of the world today, including the United States, for leadership, it looks very poor.
“And that’s where our monarchy comes in and Her Majesty created that monarchy in a manner that I think will last forever.
“And it’s handing it down now to our monarch, who by the way, I thought did a wonderful speech in that first introduction of him becoming the monarch and I think Her Majesty obviously has had an enormous impression on all of the family.”
He added: “We’re losing someone that will never be the same again, we’ll never see anyone I believe – I’d love to think there will be – but she really was an exceptional person.”
Sir Jackie explained that he got to know the Queen after Princess Anne was named as Sports Personality of the Year in 1971.
He said: “It started with the Princess Royal because when she won the Sportswoman of the Year, when she did so well in her equestrian world, I won the Sportsman of the Year.
“And we shared a lot of events together. The very first time I think was in London and she came down and sat beside me.”
The three-time F1 legend said that the Queen was a “wonderful driver”.
He added that her passing was the “saddest thing”.
“She was a very good driver – and Her Majesty was a wonderful driver. Her discipline was fantastic,” he said.
“She came to our home quite often and was a remarkable lady. A wonderful companion and it’s just the saddest thing.
“I’ve felt more pain this last few days than I have in any other circumstances because there will never be the another.
“She has been the ultimate monarch.”
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
