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Elizabeth II maintained special ties with Britain’s former colonies and the members of the Commonwealth states in Africa. From the beginning of her reign in Kenya to her memorable meetings with Kwame Nkrumah and Nelson Mandela, the Queen had a long-standing relationship with the African continent.

The monarch got on well with most of her premiers so why did she clash with her longest-serving prime minister, asked the Observer’s political editor in 1988

She was a mentor to a record 15 prime ministers — and never breathed a word about the secrets that they divulged to her.

On her 21st birthday, 21 April 1947, when Britain’s Princess Elizabeth was accompanying her parents and her sister on a tour of South Africa, she spoke “to all the peoples of the British Commonwealth and Empire, wherever they live, whatever race they came from, and whatever language they speak”.

The Queen’s accession seemed to herald a fresh start for Britain. But as politics became more squalid, her bland persona was a good match for the monarchy’s survival instinct, says playwright David Hare

Throughout her 70 years as queen, Elizabeth II sought to maintain strict political neutrality. While Charles has been careful not to tread too publicly, he does have a history of wading into politics.

The Queen held weekly meetings with the prime minister of the time throughout her long reign.

From Winston Churchill to Liz Truss, the Queen held weekly audiences with the nation's political leaders over 70 years to discuss their plans and offer wise counsel on the issues of the day

From Winston Churchill to Liz Truss, Queen Elizabeth ll worked with 15 British prime ministers in her 70-year reign. Here are some key moments that give insight into their relationships with the Queen.