In a statement, Justin Welby said he was “deeply saddened” by the news. Captain Sir Tom Moore captured the nation’s hearts after raising over £32million for the NHS by walking in his garden.
The Archbishop said: “I pray for his family and friends, and I join millions across the country in mourning with them.
“Captain Tom was the very best of us.
“His courage, compassion, resilience, hope and generosity have been an inspiration to millions – and an example to us all. Where he walked a nation followed.
“I give thanks to God for such a long life, so well lived. May Captain Tom rest in peace.”
The Queen also sent her condolences to the WWII veteran’s family.
Her Majesty knighted the Captain in an open-air ceremony at Windsor Castle last summer.
The 100-year-old veteran gained the accolade for his fundraising efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.
Buckingham Palace tweeted: “Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Cpt Sir Tom and his family at Windsor last year.
READ MORE: Captain Tom’s heartbreaking final words to world before passing away
“It is quite astonishing that at the age of 100 he raised more than £32 million for the NHS, and so gave countless others their own chance to thank the extraordinary men and women who have protected us through the pandemic.
“He became not just a national inspiration but a beacon of hope for the world. Our thoughts are with his daughter Hannah and all his family.”
Captain Sir Tom was admitted to Bedford hospital on Sunday and died on Tuesday with coronavirus.
His daughters said they “shared laughter and tears” with their father in the final few hours together.
Hannah Ingram-Moore and Lucy Teixeira added how the last year of their father’s life had been “nothing short of remarkable”.
Captain Sir Tom walked 100 laps of his garden in Bedfordshire last year during the first lockdown to raise funds for NHS Charities Together.
The White House also paid tribute to the British national hero.
They tweeted: “We join the United Kingdom and the world in [honouring] the memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore, who inspired millions through his life and his actions.”
