RIP the Queen

History will record that Queen Elizabeth’s self-discipline and devotion to duty most likely saved the monarchy. Tidal forces of the 20th century — the world wars, the spread of democracy, the end of colonialism, the decline of institutions and the rise of individualism — conspired against the anachronism of inherited authority. She neither resisted those forces nor gave them an opening against her.

Instead, she maintained a relationship with Britain’s former colonies and realms as head of the Commonwealth. This attractive enterprise of more than 50 nations grew out of the imperial past, but instead of power and exploitation it stands for shared prosperity and mutual ideals. Nations have joined the Commonwealth that had no colonial ties to Great Britain at all.

As queen, Elizabeth symbolized something in short supply throughout the West: unity. She was not of any party or faction. She was not of the left or of the right. She was not of the North or of the South. Though she was once the wealthiest woman in Britain, she liked loyal dogs and muddy boots.

Her very existence — so diligently and dutifully fulfilled — was an appeal to the idea that such a thing exists as a British people, bound together not just by geography, and certainly not by belief, but by a past and a living culture. When the voters elected a Conservative government and later elected a Labour government, and switched again, and again, and again, across decade after decade, every prime minister’s first act was to see the queen. Her ceremonial invitation to form a government embodied the principle that dueling parties serve the same nation.

It scarcely needs saying that this principle is endangered today, not just in Britain but in every nation where people are free to express their differences. We begin to fear that differences alone will destroy us, should we lose the remaining threads that bind us. Elizabeth II was strong thread."

What a serene but powerful presence and force throughout her reign.