Queen Elizabeth has sent condolences to the family of Billy Graham.
The 91-year-old monarch was a good friend of the US evangelist, who has passed away aged 99, and presented him with an honorary knighthood in 2001.
According to the Daily Express newspaper, Buckingham Palace has confirmed the queen has sent a private message of condolence to his family, including his son, evangelist Franklin Graham.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, praised Billy as man who had "few equals", and admitted the global church owes him an "immeasurable" debt.
He said: "Dr Billy Graham stood as an exemplar to generation upon generation of modern Christians.
"When it comes to a living and lasting influence upon the worldwide church he can have few equals: for he introduced person after person to Jesus Christ.
"There are countless numbers who began their journey of faith because of Dr Graham.
"The debt owed by the global church to him is immeasurable and inexpressible.
"Personally, I am profoundly grateful to God for the life and ministry of this good and faithful servant of the gospel; by his example he challenged all Christians to imitate how he lived and what he did."
Justin also commended Billy for meeting people "face to face".
He added: "He was one who met presidents and preachers, monarchs and musicians, the poor and the rich, the young and the old, face to face."
Billy and Elizabeth’s friendship was recently played out in Netflix royal drama ‘The Crown’.
He went on to preach at her private chapel after meeting the monarch while he was in the UK doing missionary work.
Queen Elizabeth sends Billy Graham tribute
