Opinion: How did Queen Elizabeth II become a cultural icon?

Is Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II to blame for the love? It is difficult to imagine anyone else in our time who would have caused such a show of admiration.

Queen Elizabeth was not interested in attention. She was interested in ideas and politics. She was a living symbol of dignity, someone to whom others could relate and believe that she understood them and their concerns.

She was devoted to serving the common good and enjoyed entertaining guests by placing books on the shelves in the rooms they would occupy when they came to visit her.

When the reputation of the monarchy was in danger, she would discipline family members. At the same time thoughtful and compassionate, she could be firm and determined when needed.

She was free to love her people as she pleased. Her charisma, which I saw up close twice, was genuine and charming.

The first prime minister to meet the queen was born in 1874.

She worked with thousands of leaders and millions of citizens from all over the world. The most momentous in history was ushered in by her. She helped the monarchy adjust and adapt in a way that democracy could flourish while preserving powerful traditions that instill a sense of community.

A commitment to duty

Her ascension to the throne was the result of circumstance rather than choice, as a result of Edward VIII’s abdication and George VI’s death.

She adjusted to the possibility that one day she would ascend to the throne after serving in World War II. She promised on her 25th birthday that she would devote her entire life to her service to the imperial family.

She took her responsibilities seriously and stayed steadfast.

When done over a long period of time, duty is even more impressive. It is not easy to sustain.

Her great love

She developed a great love for those she served after seeing them up close and personal. She realized that despite their flaws, they shared her vision of a society that wanted to improve and was optimistic about the future.

She said in her Christmas address that she draws strength from meeting ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Mother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things but we can do small things with great love.”

A people’s trust she earned

The people she met at home and abroad trusted her because of her privacy. Hers was a leader that didn’t judge.

Trust isn’t commanded. It’s grounded in decision making. Since Harry Truman, she has never mentioned her preferences among the 13 U.S. presidents. Each week she counseled the British prime ministers.

She coulddor in her conversations. She spoke about the special relationship between the U.K. and the U.S. at a state dinner at the White House. “Administrations in your country and governments in mine may come and go, but talk we will, listen we have to, disagree from time to time we may, but united we must always remain.”

Her people trusted her because she didn’t promise anything. Her optimism was based on reality. She did not make a lot of promises. She counseled prudence and realism during a time of change.

Her legacy is worth looking at and emulating.

The assistant to the president for economic and domestic policy was Roger B. Porter.