In these days of rampant inflation, soaring gas prices, and looming nationwide shortages affecting everyone around the world, we need a shining example of strength and solidarity more than ever.

Over the past several years, Britain and America have seen an alarming divide in their nation’s political landscape and its cohesive social abilities. Even those who were once valued as inspirational and/or celebrity idols have fallen from grace in one way or another.

Today, it is the social media influencer that is the new role model — people who use influence as a tool to purposely set themselves apart from the average hard-working individual.

These influencers have one common denominator: the advancement of self. It is the self-important and entitlement culture that has come to be and has displaced simple values, such as respect and tolerance, like a predatory infection leaving those who truly stand for something more than their own existence an anomaly.

Despite Britain experiencing the ramifications of inflation and prolonged pandemic-related supply chain issues, one institution, one person in particular, is not just setting an example, but has been a constant national symbol of selfless duty and national dignity her entire career, which has spanned seven decades. She does not belong to the political classes or to the Hollywood jet-setters.

Celebrating 70 years as monarch, Queen Elizabeth II is the world’s original influencer. With never a self-consumed opinion complimented by an attention-grabbing selfie, she is the epitome of selflessness. She has not only promoted but created unity in the building of the Commonwealth of Nations, and is the only person in the world who can visit the United Nations and rightfully stand in front of 15 different national flags as head of State. Guided by an oath she made at age 21, The Queen sets an example by showing respect for herself and her people.

While she is the most recognised and photographed woman in the world, her celebrity is more than we know from an American perspective, with underlying British meaning and symbolism. She is not advancing herself through agents, publicists, and/or charities to continue to be relevant on a screen or in music. From the Kardashians to the Clintons, we see a loyalty to self rather than selfless duty to a nation. The Queen is quite the opposite. She does not need social media, reality shows, or published memoirs to stay relevant. As queen of 15 countries and head of the Commonwealth of 54 independent nations, what sets The Queen apart is her history, her continuity, and most of all, her character.

The Queen is the embodiment of 1,000 years of Britain’s life story. By virtue, she is history. She has stood the test of time, displaying a sense of duty from an early age. Taking leadership of the Grenadier Guards at 16; to volunteering to serve in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, the women’s branch of the British Army, during WWII at 18; to making an oath at 21 that her whole life, “whether it be long or short shall be dedicated to your service”.

Her legacy is measured in part by a past in which a job for life was thrust upon her as she was named queen at 25 and crowned at 26. Her present and future has seen her bound to an oath from which abdication is not an option.

The Queen has spent 70 years supporting her people around the world, building nations, and witnessing change on a level that no one else can compare. Her history is more than a singular take on the world; it is an historical narrative that has quite literally shaped the world in which we live.

Elizabeth II’s track record as head of State, head of the Church, and head of her family is supported and proven through her steadfast continuity, which is anchored by her profound sense of duty. She is more than a signature on a Bill being enacted into law and does more than unveil plaques. A constitutional role, teamed with a duty to her Government signifies powers most do not realise she possesses.

She was given a job for life. She is steward of the nation, its history, and its traditions, whilst working over the years to change the face of social standing and expectation as she ascended the throne during a time of a staunchly sexist and classist male-dominated world.

Transcending the colour/race divide by dancing with Ghana’s President Kwame Nkrumah in 1961 when America was still dealing with segregation; inviting two female prime ministers during her reign to form governments in her name; and, as head of the Anglican Faith, inviting the Pope to Britain to help improve the relationship between Anglicans and Catholics, The Queen has not just watched history, she has created it. To be born royal, where duty, sacrifice, and service is a perpetual way of life, she is celebrity only as a by-product of being royal.

With a character rooted in her life experiences, moulded by the teachings of kings and queens who have come before, she has remained calm and dignified in the face of adversity and national tragedy. From the Welsh mining disaster of 1966 to the London bombings of 2007, to the multiple disasters which have affected millions of her people around the world, The Queen has always been there to guide, support, give encouragement and strength whilst making private donations to associated appeals. It is her moral leadership and deeply held values which have culminated in her resilience and ability to project her personal strength upon each public and/or private situation placed before her.

Queen Elizabeth II is the only living head of State to serve in WWII. She can change tires and corral a room of ruthless politicians just as easily as making a cup of tea. She speaks and 2.6 billion people within the Commonwealth listen. Such is the power of her influence. Her impact is seen far and wide on individuals, families, nations, and at times, the world.

Indeed, it takes someone extraordinary to give up his or her life as she has to be consciously burdened with the well-being and promotion of billions of people. The Queen is a woman whose life is not her own, and she has lived to serve.

In a world of flaccid political promises coupled with the meagre meanderings of millennial musings, most go low and few go high. However, The Queen effortlessly floats above it all. Where politicians, celebrities, and idols vie to stay relevant no matter the cost, be it moral or not, she remains a respectful example of dignity, class, and selflessness to the world.

Events to celebrate and mark the Platinum Jubilee have been held around the world, with American royal watchers travelling to London as well as hosting their own parties and celebratory teas an ocean away. Americans have taken The Queen into their hearts for the care, concern, and respect she has always shown toward our nation.

Meeting every American president over the past 70 years, except for Lyndon Johnson, she has stood in solidarity with America countless times as school shootings, natural disasters, and terrorist attacks have rocked the country.

We give thanks for a life that has shaped and touched so many. Despite America’s republican roots, we can all say what an honour it has been to live in this modern Elizabethan era.

Thomas Mace-Archer-Mills is founder and director of the British Monarchists Society; editor-in-chief and director, Crown & Country Magazine; and director and presenter, Crown & Country Radio.