On Sept. 8, Queen Elizabeth passed away at the Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland at the age of 96. During her lifetime, she ruled over 20 sovereign states. Her reign of 70 years and 214 days marked the longest rule for a British monarch in history. 

“She was a queen that guided the UK into the world we know today,” Taejoo Lee, AP World history student, said. “She’ll be remembered as a stalwart of our times, someone who led her country through warmth and affection.” 

She reigned against the backdrop of vast cultural and political transformations, which was the end of Britain’s age of deference. Elizabeth also oversaw the monarchy’s evolution into a champion of a diminished United Kingdom at home and abroad, and she worked tirelessly to keep the crown relevant in a changing world. 

“The queen was more than just a figurehead.” Sean Lee, History Honor Society member, said. “She played an essential role in establishing a constitutional monarchy in the U.K. She gives over a maternal feeling, which is something that’s difficult for a leader. Nobody’s been able to convey what she did.” 

Though her death leaves many at a loss of grief and disparity, her impact on Britain and the world will undoubtedly live on.