Women helmed the three most exuberantly prosperous and enlightened eras of my nation.

[sibelian]

Elizabeth I
Victoria
Elizabeth II

The UK prefers a a queen over a king any day. I don't know why. We just to seem to feel at our proudest and best when there is an impressive lady representing us.

I'm not sure if the same thing would apply in a democracy, however...?

[Laelth]

1. George V was strong and imperial.

And George VI (despite a speech impediment) was also quite impressive (not to mention courageous).

That said, it is only right that our mother country should celebrate its glorious queens. They are quite worthy of celebration.

-Laelth

[Sanity Claws]

2. Elizabeth II is not a leader; she's a figurehead. She does not set policy.

Elizabeth I was truly remarkable.

Victoria led an era of imperialism and repression that I would not consider enlightened.

[sibelian]

3. ...

The title of your response is redundant.

As for your take on the Victorian era being unenlightened you only have to look at what what life in the UK was like just BEFORE the Victorian era. The characterisation of her reign as "repressive" is a relativist, modern conception.