Queen Elizabeth's visited Canada 22 times

Condolences poured in from around the world Thursday after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, whose rule saw Britain through decades of change.

Elizabeth had been on the throne since 1952, when the nation was still rebuilding from the destruction of World War II, and became a global icon of calmness and fortitude through years of political upheaval and social changes at home and abroad.

She was mourned across the 54-nation Commonwealth, a group built around Britain and its former colonies.

"For most Canadians, we have known no other sovereign," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement. He called her "a constant presence in our lives — and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country's history."

Elizabeth, who is Canada's head of state, visited the country 22 times as monarch. Trudeau first met her as a child when his father, the late Pierre Trudeau, was prime minister.