Elizabeth II

Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022. Her reign of over 70 years made her the longest-serving British monarch in history. She was queen of 32 different countries during her lifetime.

Elizabeth was born in Mayfair, London, in 1926. As a young girl, she became next in line to the throne when her uncle Edward VIII stepped down in 1936. During World War II, she served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service. In 1947, she married Prince Philip, and they had four children.

When her father, King George VI, died in 1952, Elizabeth became queen at just 25 years old. She led the United Kingdom and other nations through many changes. Even though some people sometimes questioned the monarchy, Elizabeth remained very popular. She celebrated many big milestones, including her Silver, Golden, Diamond, and Platinum jubilees, before passing away in 2022 at the age of 96.

Early life

Elizabeth was born on 21 April 1926 in London. She was the first child of Prince Albert, Duke of York (who later became King George VI) and Elizabeth, Duchess of York. She was named after her mother and also had other names to honor family members. Her family called her "Lilibet."

Elizabeth grew up with one sister, Princess Margaret, who was born in 1930. They lived at home with the help of a nanny and a governess. They learned about history, languages, books, and music. Elizabeth loved horses and dogs and was known for being careful and kind.

Heir presumptive

Main article: Wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten

Elizabeth was third in line to become queen after her grandfather, the king. Her uncle Edward was next, but he decided not to be king, so her father became king instead. Because Elizabeth did not have any brothers, she became the heir presumptive, meaning she would be the next queen if anything happened to her father.

Elizabeth was taught at home and learned French from teachers. She also joined a Girl Guides company to spend time with girls her age. In 1939, when Britain entered the Second World War, Elizabeth and her sister Margaret stayed in England. They lived in different royal homes, including Windsor Castle, where they entertained by putting on shows at Christmas. In 1940, at age 14, Elizabeth made her first radio broadcast, speaking to children who had been moved away from cities to stay safe during the war.

Elizabeth's first public appearance was in 1943 when she visited the Grenadier Guards. As she grew older, she took on more responsibilities. After the war, she made a promise on her 21st birthday to serve the people and the royal family.

Elizabeth met Prince Philip in 1934, and they became engaged in 1947. Despite some people being unsure about Philip because he was from another country, they married on November 20, 1947. They had two children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne.

Reign

Main article: Coronation of Elizabeth II

As Queen Elizabeth II’s health declined in 1951, she often stood in for King George VI at public events. In October 1951, she visited Canada and met with Harry S. Truman in Washington, DC. In early 1952, Elizabeth and her husband Philip set out on a tour of Australia and New Zealand, stopping first in Kenya. On February 6, they returned to their home in Kenya to find out that her father had passed away. Philip told her the news, and she chose to keep her regnal name as Elizabeth. She was proclaimed queen and quickly returned to the United Kingdom with Philip. They moved into Buckingham Palace.

When Elizabeth became queen, there was some discussion about whether the royal house would take her husband’s name. However, the British prime minister and Elizabeth’s grandmother preferred to keep the name “House of Windsor.” Elizabeth declared in April 1952 that the royal house would remain Windsor. Later, in 1960, the surname “Mountbatten-Windsor” was adopted for descendants who didn’t hold royal titles.

During preparations for her coronation, her sister Princess Margaret wanted to marry Peter Townsend, a divorced man. Elizabeth asked them to wait a year, hoping the relationship would fade. Senior politicians and the Church of England opposed the match because of his divorce. Margaret eventually decided not to marry Townsend.

Despite the passing of Queen Mary in March 1953, Elizabeth’s coronation went ahead as planned on June 2. It was televised for the first time. Elizabeth’s coronation gown featured the floral emblems of Commonwealth countries.

From the time of her birth, the British Empire was changing into the Commonwealth of Nations. By 1952, when Elizabeth became queen, her role as head of multiple independent states was already established. In 1953, she and Philip toured the world for seven months, visiting 13 countries. She was the first reigning monarch to visit Australia and New Zealand. Her tours made her the most traveled head of state.

In 1956, Britain and France invaded Egypt, but the invasion was unsuccessful. The British prime minister, Anthony Eden, resigned two months later. Elizabeth had to decide who would form a government after Eden resigned. She consulted with advisors and appointed Harold Macmillan as the new prime minister.

Elizabeth faced some criticism for her reactions to events and for appointing prime ministers based on advice from a few people. In 1957, she made a state visit to the United States, addressing the United Nations General Assembly and opening the 23rd Canadian Parliament. In 1961, she toured several countries, including Nepal and Iran.

Elizabeth gave birth to her third child, Andrew, in 1960, the first birth to a reigning British monarch since 1857. Her fourth child, Prince Edward, was born in 1964.

Death

Main article: Death and state funeral of Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully on 8 September 2022 at the age of 96 while staying at Balmoral. Her doctors had asked her to stay in medical care, and her immediate family came to be with her. Her death was told to the public that evening.

After she passed away, her coffin was carried through Edinburgh and then to London. It lay in state for several days. Many people came to show their respect. Her state funeral was held at Westminster Abbey, with a big procession through London and a final service in Windsor.

Public image

Main article: Personality and image of Elizabeth II

Elizabeth did not give many interviews and kept her political views private. She had strong religious faith and a sense of duty. She worshipped with the Church of England and supported inter-faith relations. She was patron of many charities. She loved horses and had many corgis.

In the 1950s, Elizabeth was a young queen who brought hope after World War II. Over time, she changed to fit modern ways, like meeting ordinary people at public events. Her popularity changed over the years, but she was still widely respected. She was shown in art and photographs throughout her reign.

Titles, styles, honours, and arms

Main article: List of titles and honours of Elizabeth II

Elizabeth II had many titles and important roles in the Commonwealth. In each country where she was queen, she had a special title. For example, she was called Queen of Saint Lucia and of Her other Realms and Territories in Saint Lucia. She was also known as Defender of the Faith.

Before she became queen, Elizabeth's symbol, called her arms, showed a lozenge with the royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom and a special label. After she became queen, she used the arms her father had, but she changed them. She approved her new British arms on 26 May 1954.

Royal cypher of Elizabeth II, surmounted by St Edward's Crown

Personal flag of Elizabeth II

See also: Flags of Elizabeth II

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Coat of arms as Duchess of Edinburgh (1947–1952)

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Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom

Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom for use in Scotland

Royal coat of arms of Canada

Family tree

Elizabeth II was part of the Windsor royal family. Her full name was Elizabeth Alexandra Mary. She had a sister named Princess Margaret. Elizabeth married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. They had four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward. Her family took part in many important events during her time as queen.

The family tree shows her place in the British royal line. It connects her to earlier kings and queens of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms.