Queen Elizabeth II (21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022), full name Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, was the longest-reigning monarch in British and Commonwealth history. She ascended the throne on 6 February 1952 and reigned for 70 years, witnessing Britain's transformation from post-war recovery to a modern, diverse society. As head of state and symbol of the Commonwealth, she was known for her stability, diligence, and sense of duty, earning widespread affection globally. Her reign, known as the Elizabethan era, encompassed the Cold War, decolonization, and technological revolution. She was not only the British monarch but also queen of 15 Commonwealth realms, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and the symbolic head of the Commonwealth.
