Elizabeth the Great

Of course, time will tell whether the monarchy remains a popular, or even tolerated institution. If does not, it will not be because Britain has not seen the best it has to offer.

There have been times when this nation - and others for whom the Queen was head of state - has had reason to complain about "the royals". But with the possible exception of events immediately following the death of Princess Diana, as far as we know the Queen was not a party to the causes for complaint. Instead, she played the peacemaker role while still fiercely protective of the monarchy.

The affection people feel is a response to personal qualities as much as professional attributes. For me, the most important was meekness. I know, it's not a quality much talked about these days. It wasn't even popular when the Queen started out - partly because the word meekness is often misunderstood.

It does not refer to weakness, either of character or ability. Just the opposite: it speaks of controlled strength. It's about the ability to recognise that even our greatest strengths must be surrendered to something greater than ourselves. Her Majesty, it seems to me, understood that even as Queen she needed to surrender the authority this gave her, both to God and to public service.

Unlike many of her predecessors, the Queen saw people not as her subjects but as citizens and fellow human beings to whom she owed a debt of service. She saw her role as one of stewardship, not just of an institution but of the best interests of her fellow travellers through life.

"The meek shall inherit the earth," said Christ. The Queen is proof of that, for she has won hearts across the globe. Even Russia's President Putin, who is certainly not on friendly terms with the British right now, paid tribute to her. The Queen has done this, though, without allowing herself to become "anybody's doormat". She has shown humility and selflessness alongside strength. That is meekness.

That the Queen has been for so long the object of public affection is a testament to her personal resilience and resolve, plus her sense of public duty, sustained by her faith. She always saw her role as a vocation rather than a profession. She will be remembered not just for the position she held, but for the person she was. Elizabeth the Great.