Queen Elizabeth II: a world icon we're unlikely to ever see again

Unless you're pushing more than eight decades in age, for most of us, there wasn't a time when Queen Elizabeth II> wasn't the queen of England.

Being the reigning British monarchal leader for 70 years is almost inconceivable, especially when you consider how much living was done during that time. It was certainly a legacy that endured many tragedies and criticisms, but above all is one that will be celebrated by many around the world for many years to come.

Whatever your politics are, or your opinion of the Royal Family in general, Queen Elizabeth II was no doubt a fascinating figure and icon. This is especially interesting considering our country's relationship with the UK over the centuries, from bitter enemies at war with each other to becoming world allies.

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Growing up, I knew very little about the Queen's life, from her coronation in 1952 to her service as part of the Auxiliary Territorial Service women's branch of the British Army, working on military vehicles during World War II, as well as living through the infamous Blitz of 1940.

As a kid, the idea of the Royal Family seemed like something out of a fairy tale, which is probably due to being raised on Disney movies and The Brothers Grimm.

It wasn't until 2012 that I got a first-hand education on the British hierarchy, having been given the opportunity to spend the summer studying abroad in London. At the time, the Queen was celebrating her Diam Jubilee, marking 60 years on the throne. London would also say host to the Olympics that year.

Not to mention, Queen was playing a run of shows at the Hammersmith to debut Adam Lambert as the band's new singer. Needless to say, it was a pretty exciting time to be in London.

It was in London that I learned that, while the Queen is the head of the Royal Family, the government itself operates much differently than what we might imagine it did hundreds of years ago. I also learned just how much the Queen paid respect to her duties, from showing up to government meetings to paying her own taxes.

As I said before, whatever your politics are regarding the Royal Family is your own business. Frankly, as an American, it really shouldn't matter much at all to those of us on this side of the Atlantic.

However, Queen Elizabeth II remains a fascinating person, one who lived a life none of us could possibly imagine. It's the kind of history you could spend years studying, especially tracing the Windsor family lineage among the other historical Royal Families who have reigned throughout the centuries.

After hearing news of the Queen's death this week, there have been several articles detailing her accomplishments throughout the 20th century. While you can't argue all the great things she did throughout her life, my favorite part has been sifting through old photographs, and pictures capturing the times she'd be caught smiling and enjoying herself just like any other human being.

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My favorite is probably the photograph where the Queen is being introduced to The Beatles back in the 1960s, fully adorned in her crown and fancy dress, but her face gleaming with excitement like that of an overly-excited teenage fangirl.

It's moments like that I've always loved seeing when it comes to the Queen and her royal glory, this person who's had countless movies, shows, books and other documents detailing her and her family's life. Yet, at the end of the day, she can be just like you and me.

That's how I'd like to remember Queen Elizabeth II, while the Royal Family's history has had its share of controversy throughout the ages, she had a real impact on the world as we know it, and there will likely never be another one like her.

God save the Queen, as they say.

Jay Powell is a reporter for The Daily Herald. Contact him at jpowell@c-dh.net or follow him on Twitter @JayPowellCDH.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: a world icon we're unlikely to ever see again: Queen Elizabeth II