On Sept. 8, 2022, the United Kingdom’s long-standing monarch Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96. She died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where she would spend her summers. Her family gathered to visit her after she was put on medical watch mere days before her death.

Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne on Feb. 6, 1952 after the death of King George VI. She was 25 years old and would eventually become the UK’s longest serving monarch; she reigned for 70 years.

On Sept. 19, the queen was laid to rest in Windsor Castle. Over 2,000 people were in attendance at her funeral, including more than 100 world leaders. Thousands more mourners gathered in places like Hyde Park to watch the funeral.

Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered by her people as a beacon of hope. At the time of her coronation, there were very few female leaders in the world. Her reign has shown that the possibility of a worthwhile female leader is not as aberrated as we think. She serves as a symbol of all that is possible and all that has already been accomplished.

Her son, Charles III, will succeed his mother’s throne and become the new monarch. On the day of her funeral, he followed behind her casket and left a note for her, “In loving and devoted memory, Charles R.”

While her death may be the end of a symbolic and important time in history, Queen Elizabeth II’s life is one that will be remembered and celebrated by those who choose to honor her for years to come.