Irish Examiner view: Queen's 70-year rule shows constancy in decades of change

Whatever we feel about the monarchy, our neighbours or the class system, impressive record of public service has to be recognised

Queen Elizabeth.

There have been 14 different taoisigh, 14 US presidents, 14 British prime ministers, 12 French presidents, 11 leaders of Soviet Russia and Russia, five paramount leaders of China, 17 Indian prime ministers, and seven popes since 1952.

And one Queen Elizabeth II, who acceded to the British throne following the death of her father, George VI. She had been heir presumptive following the abdication of her uncle, Edward VIII, so he could marry a US divorcee in 1936.