Our greatest ASSET

As head of state, the Queen is Britain's most important diplomat and has been charming world leaders for 70 years

- MICHELLE HATHER

Royal protocol dictates monarchs must not meddle in politics. But that rule doesn’t mean the Queen shouldn’t take a keen interest in government – in fact, she’s done that with great skill in Britain and across the globe.

President Bill Clinton wrote in his memoir, ‘Her Majesty impressed me as someone who but for the circumstance of her birth, might have become a successful politician or diplomat. As it was, she had to be both, without quite seeming to be either.’

During her reign, the Queen has visited over 100 countries and hosted countless state visits. Always knowledgeable, funny and quick to ask questions, she has been our most valuable figurehead. So much so, that in 2020 the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, which looks after British interests overseas, commissioned a new portrait of her in recognition of the contribution she’s made to UK diplomacy throughout her reign. Here we look at some of her most memorable encounters.

Nelson Mandela

The Queen enjoyed a warm friendship with the late South African president. ‘Oh Elizabeth!’ he would greet her, and she’d say, ‘Hello, Nelson!’

They met for the first time in 1991, just after his release from a 27-year prison sentence, and continued to stay in touch until his death in 2013. In 1996, watched by an amused Prince Philip, the Queen joined Mandela for a jig in the Royal Box during a concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall.