The Queen’s brother, Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and his 91-year-old ruler expressed deep sympathy for the lost country. In a message shared at Buckingham Palace on social media, British King Sheikh Sabah expressed his condolences to the brother of Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

He said: “I am saddened to hear of the death of His Majesty Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah.

“Your distinguished brother devoted his life to the relationship with the state of Kuwait and especially its allies and friends.

“He will long be remembered for regional stability, understanding between nations and between values, and for those who work for humanitarian needs.

“I am deeply moved by his friendship with the UK, and his memorable state visit in November.

The Queen’s message was welcomed by royal fans, in a post on Twitter: “The Queen always speaks from the heart …”

Another said: “Thank you for your sympathy for our recent grief.”

And the third added: “Oh, I like this sincere message.”

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The Kuwaiti king died at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he has been staying since July after surgery.

His body has been taken to his country for burial.

Sheikh Sabah ascended the Kuwaiti throne in 2006 but oversaw the country’s foreign policy for more than five decades.

The emir was named “Dean of Arab Diplomacy” in 1990 after relations with countries that supported Iraq’s decision to invade Kuwait were restored.

Sheikh Sabah acted as a mediator in Middle East disputes, including the ongoing diplomatic standoff between Saudi Arabia, its ally and Qatar.

His death was announced when the governor’s office issued a statement yesterday.

It read: “Amiri Diwan with extreme grief and sorrow for the people of Kuwait, the Islamic and Arab worlds and the people of friendly nations. [the royal palace] The Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah has expressed his condolences on his death “

Amir’s brother, who is 83 years old, will be sworn in as his successor today.

Several world leaders and members of the royal family around the world remembered Sheikh after his death.

Jordan’s second king, Abdullah Abdullah II, wrote on Twitter: “Today we have lost a big brother and a wise and loving leader … who has spared no effort for Arab unity.”

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan wrote on social media: “Sheikh Sabah portrayed wisdom, tolerance and peace and he was a great pioneer of Gulf cooperation.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the emir was “an extraordinary symbol of wisdom and generosity, an ambassador of peace, a builder of bridges”.