Queen Elizabeth II biography, children, young, husband, family, age of death

Biography of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II was one of the most influential women in the world, leading the Windsor dynasty and serving as Queen of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland for over 70 years. A skilled politician who knew how to stand her ground, she symbolized her nation and enjoyed immense popularity and love from her people.

Childhood and Family

Queen Elizabeth II was the eldest daughter of Prince Albert, born on April 21, 1926, in a Mayfair mansion on Bruton Street during the reign of her grandfather, King George V. Her full name is Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, named after her mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon.

In 1936, after 20 years on the throne, King George V, who was very fond of his granddaughter, passed away. The throne went to Edward VIII. In a shocking move for love, he abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee. The love story of Edward and Wallis Simpson became one of the greatest royal romances of the 20th century, paving the way for Elizabeth's father to become King George VI in May 1937.

Next in line for the throne was George VI's brother Henry, but he declined, clearing the path for Princess Elizabeth, who was just 11 years old at the time.

As expected for a princess, Elizabeth studied both humanities and sciences but focused particularly on law, including international law, receiving a solid education without leaving the palace. She was especially proud of her excellent command of French, which she mastered on her own.

During WWII, the Future Queen Drove and Repaired Cars

In 1940, Princess Elizabeth made her first radio address. The 13-year-old princess from Buckingham Palace comforted children suffering from Nazi bombings. Her heartfelt words brought hope to the British people and earned her respect, even among the crown's harshest critics.

In 1943, the princess officially took on an advisory role. Contrary to popular belief, Elizabeth never served in the military but joined a women's defense unit. She learned to drive and repair ambulances, setting an example for British women.

In 1947, on her birthday, Elizabeth again addressed the nation, pledging her life to Britain. That same year, she married Prince Philip of Denmark.

Her father's declining health and grim medical prognosis demanded her constant presence at official receptions, meetings, and negotiations. By early 1951, it was clear that time was short, and Elizabeth unofficially began performing the duties of the monarch.

Queen Elizabeth with Her Husband in Her Youth

Coronation

News of King George VI's death reached the princess in Kenya, where she and her husband were staying at the Tree Tops hotel, built high among the branches of a massive ancient tree. Legend has it that the hotel's guest register entry for February 7, 1952, read that for the first time in history, a princess climbed up a tree but came down as a queen.

The young queen's coronation took place on June 2, 1953, in the ancient Westminster Abbey. The ceremony was broadcast live on British television, instantly boosting the new monarch's popularity. Millions of Britons sat glued to their TV screens, mesmerized by every detail of one of the most spectacular events in British history.

BBC TV Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II: Westminster Abbey 1953

Despite Britain's economy just beginning its slow recovery from the war, the treasury allocated significant funds for elaborate street decorations. The coronation gown, made of pure white satin, was crafted by royal tailor Norman Hartnell. It was embroidered with national emblems of Britain and the Commonwealth — English roses, Canadian maple leaves, and Irish shamrocks, among other symbolic flowers.

In a golden open carriage pulled by eight grey horses, the queen and her husband made their way to Westminster Abbey for the solemn coronation service.

Reign

Following the traditions of parliamentary monarchy, the queen performs ceremonial duties but has no right to influence how the country is governed. After her coronation, Elizabeth II set off on a six-month tour of British colonies, Commonwealth nations, and countries around the world.

During her reign, the Queen met with politicians, business leaders, scientists, and cultural figures. Celebrity guests at Buckingham Palace over the years included Elizabeth Taylor, Yuri Gagarin, and The Beatles, along with presidents from around the world.

Queen Elizabeth II: her reign in numbers

Worried that rumors about her son Prince Charles's troubled marriage to Lady Diana Spencer might damage the royal family's reputation—and wanting her son to be happy—the Queen pushed for a divorce, which began in 1996. While some in British society criticized the Queen's decision at the time, many later admitted she'd been right.

Elizabeth II has often been called the "queen of hearts" in the media. Her warmth and compassion, true to the vow she made in 1953, remain central to her lasting popularity.

Personal Life of Elizabeth II

In his youth, Prince Philip, grandson of the King of Greece, was a tall, strikingly handsome blonde. At a 1937 tea party in Dartmouth, the young prince didn't immediately notice the girl who couldn't take her eyes off him. After the reception, Princess Elizabeth locked herself in her room and wrote a letter to the handsome prince.

The Wedding of Elizabeth II and Prince Philip

What started as a correspondence turned into love. King George disapproved of his daughter's choice, troubled by the known friendship between Prince Philip's father, Prince Andrew of Greece, and Adolf Hitler. The prince was also poor, and aside from his title, blue blood, and tender love for Elizabeth, he had little else to offer.

Prince Charles and Princess Anne with their parents

In early 1940, Elizabeth and Philip secretly got engaged, forcing the king to relent and allow what would become one of the happiest and longest-lasting marriages in modern history. The relationship between Queen Elizabeth and Duke Philip is considered exemplary, though few consider the sacrifices Philip made for his queen—renouncing his royal title and converting from Orthodox Christianity to Anglicanism.

In 1948, Elizabeth gave birth to her first child, Prince Charles. Their second child, Princess Anne, was born two years later. The royal couple's third child, Prince Andrew, was born in 1960, followed by their fourth, Prince Edward, in 1964.

Elizabeth II with her husband Philip and children

Since her youth, the queen's main hobbies have been horseback riding and dog breeding. She has a particular fondness for corgis, which are considered the royal dog breed throughout Europe.

Last Years of Life and Death

In 2021, Queen Elizabeth II turned 95, having reigned for 68 of those years. For several years, headlines about her declining health had been appearing frequently in the media. For instance, in 2017 she missed the Christmas service for the first time, citing a cold.

As head of the Windsor dynasty, the Queen remained mindful of past family troubles, like Prince Charles marrying a woman he didn't love. According to her, she felt personally responsible for the well-being of her family members. That's why she took so long to approve Prince Harry's marriage to Meghan Markle. Meghan was, first, an actress — a profession not traditionally seen as suitable for a princess — and second, had been previously married.

Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

After Harry and Meghan's scandalous Oprah interview, where they accused the royal family of racism and constant insults toward Meghan, the Queen acknowledged she was deeply saddened to learn how difficult recent years had been for her grandson and his wife.

News of the royal family's first-ever same-sex marriage between Ivar Mountbatten, a cousin of Duke Philip, and his partner James Coyle caused quite a stir. The wedding ceremony took place in Devon in 2018, but neither the Queen nor her husband were in attendance.

Despite her age, Elizabeth continued carrying out her duties and representing British interests worldwide. In 2017, she openly criticized the inappropriate behavior of Donald Trump, as well as the aggressive policies of Kim Jong-un. In 2018, she expressed hope for a time when someone other than Vladimir Putin, someone "in touch with reality," would govern Russia.

Constitutional monarchy traditions dictate that the Queen shouldn't interfere in politics. However, Elizabeth II's authority and long reign allowed her to subtly influence events. Queen Elizabeth II was the world's most powerful woman but, as many researchers note, never used her influence for personal gain.

In January 2021, the Queen and her husband received their Covid-19 vaccinations. In February, Prince Philip was hospitalized, but Buckingham Palace emphasized it wasn't due to coronavirus. The Prince began recovering, but age and health issues took their toll. On April 9, 2021, Queen Elizabeth became a widow. The Duke of Edinburgh fell just two months short of his 100th birthday.

On September 8, 2022, British media sounded the alarm when the Queen's doctors announced they were concerned about her health. Specifically, a BBC correspondent stated that "one should prepare for the worst." Crowds began to gather at Buckingham Palace. All family members urgently booked tickets to London—even Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, despite their strained relations with the royal family.

Queen Elizabeth II has died Buckingham Palace announces

That same day, Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully from natural causes. She was 96 years old and had reigned for more than 70 years since ascending the throne on February 6, 1952. Her son, Prince Charles, became the new king, now known as King Charles III.

Queen Elizabeth II Funeral: royal family say final goodbye

Elizabeth II's casket toured the country, giving every Briton the chance to say their final goodbyes to the Queen. After that, her body returned to London, where the final farewell ceremony took place at Westminster Abbey on September 19.

Elizabeth II: latest news and articles

In the UK, the collection of coins with the image of Charles III was presented

30 Sep 2022

Ruth Hicks

The one who broke the record for being on the throne and for the age of her predecessors

2021-05-18 08:40:26
Jessica Harris

Tradition is good, but we are living in the 21st century. What is this monarchy for? Elizabeth is already tired, it is high time to retire.

2021-05-11 10:40:35
Daniel Brown

I have only great respect and deep bow to Elizabeth II. A very smart woman, a good ruler.

2021-04-07 22:32:41
Kenneth Thompson

As far as I know, the people of Great Britain adore her and celebrate her birthday as their own. It`s cute :)

2021-03-29 12:17:04
Barry Shelton

The strict, domineering queen of England, who is not known how long has been sitting on the throne!

2021-01-07 08:01:44

Photos: Elizabeth II