Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most influential women in the world, leading the Windsor dynasty and serving as the Queen of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland for over 65 years. A skillful politician who knows how to stand her ground, she symbolizes her nation and enjoys immense popularity and love from her people.
Queen Elizabeth II
Childhood and Family
Queen Elizabeth II is 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.
Queen Elizabeth II as a Child
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 move for love, he abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee. The love story of Edward and Miss Simpson is considered one of the greatest love stories of the 20th century, paving the way for Elizabeth's father to become King George VI in May 1937.
Elizabeth with Her Parents
Next in line for the throne was George VI's brother Henry, but he declined, making way for Princess Elizabeth, who was just 11 years old at the time.
As expected for a princess, Elizabeth studied both humanities and sciences but paid special attention to law, including international law, receiving a solid education without leaving the palace. She was particularly proud of her excellent command of the French language, which she learned 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 girl from Buckingham Palace comforted children suffering from Nazi bombings. Her heartfelt words gave hope to the British people and won her respect, even among those most critical of the crown.
In 1943, the princess officially took on an advisory role. Contrary to popular belief, Elizabeth never served in the military but was part of a women's defense unit. She learned to drive an ambulance, 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.
Elizabeth II in Her Youth
Her father's deteriorating health and grim medical forecasts required 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 had spent a few days at the Tree Tops hotel, perched among the branches of a massive ancient tree. According to some accounts, the hotel's guest register entry for February 7, 1952, stated that for the first time in the history of civilization, a princess ascended a tree but descended as a queen.
Coronation of Elizabeth II
The young queen's coronation took place on June 2, 1953, in the ancient Westminster Abbey. The ceremony was broadcast on national British television, boosting the new monarch's popularity. Millions of Britons were glued to their TV screens, captivated by every detail of one of the most spectacular and beautiful events in British history.
BBC TV Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II: Westminster Abbey 1953
Despite the economy only beginning its long recovery period after the war, a significant amount of money was allocated from the treasury for festive 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.
Elizabeth II with her husband Philip
In a golden open carriage, pulled by eight grey horses, the queen and her husband proceeded to Westminster Abbey, where the solemn coronation service took place.
Reign
In strict accordance with the traditions of a parliamentary monarchy, the queen carries out ceremonial duties and does not have the right to influence the governance of the country. After her coronation, Elizabeth II embarked on a six-month tour of British colonies, Commonwealth nations, and other countries worldwide.
Elizabeth II - Queen of Britain
During her reign, the Queen met with politicians, business leaders, scientists, and cultural figures. Among the celebrities honored to visit Buckingham Palace over the years were Elizabeth Taylor, Yuri Gagarin, and The Beatles, as well as presidents from various countries.
Queen Elizabeth II: her reign in numbers
Concerned that the reputation of the British royal family might suffer due to rumors surrounding the troubled marriage of her son Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, and wishing for her son's happiness, the Queen insisted on a divorce, which was initiated in 1996. Although some segments of British society disapproved of the Queen's actions, they later had to acknowledge she was right.
Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II
Elizabeth II has often been called the "queen of hearts" in the media. Her humanity and kindness, consistent with the vow she took back in 1953, remain key to her enduring popularity.
Personal Life of Elizabeth II
In his youth, Prince Philip, the grandson of the King of Greece, was a tall, handsome blonde who was strikingly handsome. At a tea party in Dartmouth in 1937, the young man didn't immediately notice the girl who couldn't take her eyes off him. After the reception, that girl, 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 did not approve of his daughter's choice; he was known to disapprove of the friendship between Prince Philip's father, Prince Andrew of Greece, and Adolf Hitler. Moreover, the prince was poor, and aside from his title, blue blood, and tender love for Elizabeth, he had nothing else.
Prince Charles and Princess Anne with their parents
In early 1940, Elizabeth and Philip secretly got engaged, and the king had to relent and allow a marriage that was destined to become one of the happiest and longest-lasting in modern history. The relationship between Queen Elizabeth and Duke Philip is considered exemplary, but few consider the sacrifices Philip made for his queen, such as renouncing his royal title and converting from the Orthodox faith in which he was baptized to Anglicanism.
Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
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.
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Since her youth, the queen's main hobbies have been horseback riding and dog breeding. She has a particular fondness for the corgi breed, which is considered the royal dog 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 now, headlines about her declining health have been frequently appearing in the media. For instance, in 2017 she missed the Christmas service for the first time, citing a cold.
Queen Elizabeth II
As the head of the Windsor dynasty, the Queen was mindful of past family troubles, such as Prince Charles marrying a woman he didn't love. According to her, she felt personally responsible for the well-being of her family members. This is why she took so long to approve Prince Harry's marriage to Meghan Markle. Meghan, firstly, is an actress — a profession not traditionally seen as suitable for a princess — and secondly, had been previously married.
Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
After the scandalous interview Harry and Meghan gave to Oprah, accusing the royal family of racism and constant insults toward Meghan, the Queen acknowledged that she was deeply saddened to learn how difficult the past years had been for her grandson and his wife.
The news of the first-ever same-sex marriage in the royal family 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.
Ivar Mountbatten and James Coyle
Despite her age, Elizabeth continued to carry out her duties and represent 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 to see a time when someone other than Vladimir Putin, someone "in touch with reality," would govern Russia.
As traditions of constitutional monarchy dictate, the Queen should not interfere in politics. However, the authority and longevity of Elizabeth II's reign allowed her to subtly influence events. Queen Elizabeth II was the most powerful woman in the world but, as many researchers note, she 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 that it was not due to the coronavirus. The Prince began to recover, 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 raised alarms: 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, even Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who had strained relations with the royal family, urgently booked tickets to London.
Queen Elizabeth II has died Buckingham Palace announces
On the same day, Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully due to 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, allowing every Briton 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.
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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!
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Ruth Hicks
2021-05-18 08:40:26
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Jessica Harris
2021-05-11 10:40:35
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Daniel Brown
2021-04-07 22:32:41
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Kenneth Thompson
2021-03-29 12:17:04
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Barry Shelton
2021-01-07 08:01:44
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