Just within the last month, a great historical and public figure has passed away. On September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II, died at the age of 96. She was laid to rest in one of her private properties and homes, Balmoral Castle. Leaving millions of British citizens in grief, her funeral and burial took place at King George VI Memorial Chapel. To commemorate the Queen, a series of processions took place. Thousands of people gathered to pay tribute to Britain’s famed Queen of England. Among these thousands of people were more than 100 major world leaders. Some of these leaders included Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia, French President Emmanuel Macron, Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, and several other leaders and members of royal families across the world.

Queen Elizabeth II was mother to Prince Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. Her eldest, Charles, Prince of Wales, immediately succeeded her at her death inheriting the throne becoming king. Elizabeth also had a great many grandchildren and great-grandchildren within the royal family with whom she was close.

Holding the title of queen, Elizabeth held a great many responsibilities. As the monarch of Great Britain, she reigned over 32 sovereign states in her lifetime and was regnant over 15 at the untimely hour of her death. Her duties and obligations consisted of opening each new session of Parliament, granting Royal Assent to legislation, and approving Orders and Proclamations through the Privy council. She also had the power to speak in meetings with the Prime Minister regularly. Despite her involvement in all the matters presented, the monarch was prohibited from being partial in political issues and rather was obliged to keep neutrality.

As Queen Elizabeth II lived a long life, she lived to witness many paramount political and historical events. During her rule, the first commercial jet flew from London to Johannesburg. She ruled while the first polio vaccine was developed in 1955. She also ruled whilst space technology and investigation debuted with the first satellite and first man on the moon. Queen Elizabeth also was alive amid many wars and international conflicts. Some of these include the Vietnam War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Brexit, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Queen Elizabeth also personally served in World War II in the Women’s Auxiliary Territory Service. Queen Elizabeth was dedicated and hardworking, claiming it was her duty to aid the war cause. Furthermore, after World War II she brought great stability to Britain during an unstable and chaotic time.

Though her 70-year rule has now ended, Queen Elizabeth will be remembered for her experiences and lifetime of accomplishments. As many continue to mourn the loss of the Queen, nearly a century of history is remembered with the end of her life.