It’s hard to imagine the United Kingdom without Queen Elizabeth II.

For most of us, she’s the only monarch we’ve known until now. She’s been a constant presence as our Head of State for over seventy years. She’s been played by Helen Mirren in The Queen, and by Verity Russell, Claire Foy, Olivia Colman and (soon) Imelda Staunton in The Crown. She’s jumped out of a helicopter over the London 2012 Olympic Games, and had Paddington Bear to tea for her Platinum Jubilee.

It’s genuinely difficult to imagine this country without her, and many have surprised themselves with the depth of their feelings at her loss.

Thank you, your Majesty, for your lifetime of service to the nation.