Queen Elizabeth II was a constant in all of our lives. No matter the state of the world, she was always present. She stood on her throne peacefully and powerfully – from world wars to global pandemics – until the years caught up with her and we lost the steady reassurance that her reign brought. We may not be residents or citizens of England, but we can certainly reflect on the impact that Elizabeth had on our lives and on the world.  

A leader from a young age, Elizabeth was crowned Queen of England and the Commonwealth after her father King George VI passed away from lung cancer in 1952 (The Queen’s Life and Reign). She and Philip, who also happened to be her third cousin, had already been married five years prior to Elizabeth’s coronation. Together they had four children: Charles (now King Charles III), Anne (Princess Royal), Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. She raised her children while simultaneously fulfilling her duties as Queen. 

Elizabeth earned respect from her family, country, and other dignitaries. Officially, Elizabeth’s job as queen was to make bills into Acts of Parliament. But she also found it crucial to immerse herself in her community and support hundreds of charities and philanthropic organizations such as Cancer Research UK, the British Red Cross, Dogs Trust, and more. She headed the Royal Navy and oversaw the Armed Forces, as she was appointed Colonel in Chief of the Balaklava Company of the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 1947. She even prioritized visiting every realm and region in the Commonwealth and UK (The Queen’s Life and Reign). 

While the world leaned on her, she leaned on her family and faith. She found comfort in keeping her family and relationships mostly private, and upheld her Christian faith that was instilled in her from a young age. She often confided in her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, especially during her tours abroad. 

Although we don’t know the specific cause of Elizabeth’s death, Buckingham Palace released a statement after her death on September 8, 2022 that “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.” This news was a shock to many. The Queen was loved and looked up to by many, and it was hard to imagine the world without her. Her exceptional reign and kind heart are what made her an icon around the world. As King Charles III succeeds the throne, we can only hope and pray in support as England acclimates to its new sovereign. We remember Queen Elizabeth as King Charles III honors her at the Platinum Jubilee Party: