The death in Paris in 1997 of her former daughter-in-law, Princess Diana, prompted Elizabeth to endure some of the darkest days of her 70s on the throne, when the palace seemed out of touch with the outpouring of public grief.
At the Flame of Liberty monument, located above the underpass where Diana was killed, some passersby paused to remember a national figurehead and Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
“She was the person who defined Britain,” said optician Salima Gersa.
Another woman, Valerie, a museum worker, said Elizabeth’s death marked “the end of an era”: “She was an extraordinary woman who saw the world around her crumble”.
While remaining a symbol of stability and continuity for Britons at a time of relative national economic decline, Elizabeth also attempted to adapt the ancient institution of monarchy to the demands of the modern age.
“(Her death marks) a tragic moment, but she had a great life and has a great legacy,” said American tourist Greg Shanon.