Why do the New York Times and much of the American left have such a beef with Britain, and what does this say about the culture wars within the US, where Britain and its legacy tie into the narrative of colonialism and racism which has gripped American politics? The death of HM Elizabeth II has dominated headlines worldwide, nowhere more so than in the United States. There, the Queen’s death has been covered more like a presidential one. Following longstanding interest in the British monarchy – whose international recognition exceeds that of other monarchies – the UK’s star often shines brightest when it comes to old institutions like the monarchy and Oxbridge.