True to her word, Elizabeth II remained devoted to “the service of our great imperial family”

Queen Elizabeth II was the undisputed chief executive of “The Firm,” as the British monarchy is often characterized, for a record-breaking 70 years. (Queen Victoria, her great-great grandmother, reigned for 64. Only Louis XIV of France reigned longer, for 72 years).

Her continuity of service and cumulative experience sustained the monarchy through many ups and downs, both political and familial. She was the rock that held together an often-dysfunctional royal family through a thicket of scandals and divorces, an achievement that earned her respect in so many British households dealing with similar problems.

Ordinary Brits looked past the upper-crust accent to respect her work ethic and reliable good judgment, her consistent and low-key style, her absence of ostentation, her love of horses and corgis, and a selfless dedication to upholding the institution of monarchy.

During a speech delivered via radio broadcast from South Africa on her 21st birthday in 1947, the then-Princess Elizabeth said: “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.” Her sustained sense of duty, attending patiently to weekly conversations with 14 successive prime ministers, over seven decades, all the while under the glare of the British tabloid press, is simply a unique achievement in the arc of human history.

During her reign, she hosted or met with numerous world leaders, including five Catholic popes, and traveled the world visiting countries of the Commonwealth. She and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, had four children — Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward. Elizabeth II famously called Philip “my strength and stay,” as he supported her through 73 years of marriage.

I was honored to meet Queen Elizabeth on three occasions — at royal garden parties at Buckingham Palace, the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., and at the palace to receive my award as Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Although I was one of many whom the queen met at each event, I was impressed by her attentiveness and curiosity. As the consummate quiet leader, she spoke few words, but left you feeling special and appreciated.

Born in Mayfair, London on April 21, 1926, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) following the abdication of his older brother, Edward VIII, later the Duke of Windsor. Elizabeth was the heir apparent and took her place as queen — at age 25 — when her father died in February 1952.

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