Alexandra Penler

This piece originally appeared in Chatham House magazine’s The World Today on September 29, 2022.

With the recent death of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain lost not only a pillar of stability but its most effective diplomat. Over her long reign, the Queen forged a role for herself in modern diplomacy, using her gender, connections, allure and her unique role as head of the Commonwealth, the United Kingdom and 14 other nations to influence events.

She particularly used public diplomacy to accomplish the UK’s goals, becoming a conduit of soft power and guiding Britain through a new, globalized, post-colonial world. Her death leaves a gap that awaits to be filled by King Charles III and the next generation of royals.

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