Like so many throughout the U.K., Commonwealth and the world, Aequitas Global would like to send our condolences to King Charles III and the Royal Family on the death of Her Majesty the Queen and to pay our respects. The Queen’s legacies are of leadership and service, among many more. We are profoundly grateful for her 70 years of service to the U.K. and the global community and remain inspired and humbled by what her extraordinary work ethic and sense of dedication achieved. While the crown decides on the wearer, the incumbent chooses how to use it and the many opportunities it brings. On her 21st birthday, a young Princess Elizabeth famously declared to serve the country for her whole life, “whether it be long or short”. Just 48 hours before her death at the age of 96 and in clearly deteriorating health, Her Majesty continued to perform her duties at the most senior levels.

From her castle in Scotland, she had accepted the resignation of the outgoing Prime Minister and appointed Liz Truss on the 15th of her reign. It could not have been more fitting to fulfil that promise made so many years ago.  In this era where trust in our other institutions is so low, good intentions have never been shallower, and commitments seem so fleeting, the Queen was still shining high, a beacon to the world illustrating what leadership, dedication, and good old-fashioned grit still look like.

There will never be anyone like the Queen ever again. She became the most recognised individual on earth and met more people from all continents than anyone before her, most likely, of all time. Her long life meant she could offer unprecedented counsel to countless Ministers, Ambassadors, and world leaders. It would be hard not to take advice from the only head of state who has walked among war’s deadliest of ruins, World War Two. Or foreign affairs from someone who oversaw the end of the empire into a voluntary commonwealth of nations, all whilst staying strategically above politics.

The world will miss the Queen more than it perhaps realised. Through rain or shine, she’s been there, leading by example. Her face has been on our money and our stamps. Her Royal society has protected our animals, and many of our charities have benefitted from her patronage. Our army pledged its allegiance to her, and our laws are in her name. She’s brightened us when we’ve been at our darkest, from the loneliness of lockdown, through countless recessions, crises, and conflicts. A tiny miracle of majestic magic, the Queen was always there for us, her cheerful smile alleviating all that stood in her way, and for that, we will forever be grateful. Our thoughts are with King Charles III, the Royal Family and all who knew and loved her.

By Simon Benson