Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, better known as Queen Elizabeth II, died peacefully at her Scottish residence Balmoral. Her passing marks the end of an era not just for Britain and the Commonwealth but the whole world, which changed so much during her reign. Between when Elizabeth took the throne aged just 25 and her death at 96 she saw the premierships of 14 American Presidents, 15 British Prime Ministers as well countless other heads of state. She was described as bringing a sense of consistency and stability to the world as she reigned over politics ostensibly without partiality or favour. Her reign of 70 years makes her the longest serving monarch in British history and the only royal that most Britons have ever known on the throne. Appearing on everything from currency to stamps, she is quite literally the face of Britain and a fundamental part of British identity.
