?????? Elizabeth II: The end of a historical figure

Regardless of whether you are a monarchist or a republican, what seems to be a broad consensus is that the passing of?Elizabeth II, Queen of the?United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and?14 other Commonwealth States?known as "Commonwealth realms," marks the?end of an era?in modern history. The long-lived queen met?15 different British prime ministers?and witnessed some of the most difficult times in British history.

When Elizabeth II came to the throne in 1952, she did so practically?on the ruins of the British Empire, the last great empire to survive into contemporary times. Thus, when she took the crown in 1952, Elizabeth II was queen and Head of State of?seven independent states, while at her death she was Head of State of 15. And this was precisely one of her main achievements: some of the newly independent countries decided to remain within the British crown, thereby also strengthening their ties with London.

And although the role of the late queen, for the purposes of power, was?very limited, since her role as Head of State of parliamentary monarchies was essentially?symbolic, the fact is that so many historical events took place around her figure that she became an icon, practically?a pop figure.

Why is it important?

With her farewell, the British monarchy runs the risk of?seeing its enormous popularity recede, and perhaps also, it may?lose its status in some of the 14 countries beyond the UK in which it still acts as Head of State.?We will talk about all this very soon on VisualPolitk.

As it stands, just a couple of days after the death of the queen, the Prime Minister of?Antigua and Barbuda?has already announced a referendum to?become a republic. This vote will take place?in three years. Another country with possibilities of launching a process of becoming a republic in the medium term could be?Australia, where the latest opinion poll, from January 2022, shows?38% support for the republic,?30% for the monarchy?and?32% undecided. Other recent opinion polls have shown up to?52% in favor of the republic. It remains to be seen whether in this and other countries the polls on republic or monarchy change after the passing of Elizabeth II.