The death of Queen Elizabeth II has prompted public displays of grief around the world — from public gatherings at Buckingham Palace in London and condolences from world leaders to individuals reflecting on social media about what she meant to them.

Of course, the vast majority of people grieving or acknowledging the queen’s passing will have never met her in person.

So is this outpouring of grief of someone we don’t know any different to mourning someone we were close to?

There are some similarities and some stark differences. There is also a tussle emerging over how the queen is remembered, which can potentially complicate the grieving process.