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 and played an important role in guiding the modern Commonwealth of Nations.

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 abdicated in 1936. During World War II, she served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service. In 1947, she married Prince Philip, and they had four children who have all grown up to take important roles in public life.

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 big changes, including the end of British rule in many parts of the world and new relationships with other countries like China and Russia. Even though some people sometimes questioned the monarchy, Elizabeth remained very popular throughout her long reign. 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, the first child of Prince Albert, Duke of York (later King George VI), and Elizabeth, Duchess of York. She was named after her mother, with additional names honoring family members. Her nickname among family was "Lilibet."

Elizabeth grew up with one sister, Princess Margaret, born in 1930. They were raised at home with the help of a nanny and a governess. Their lessons focused on history, languages, literature, and music. Elizabeth loved horses and dogs and was known for her responsible and thoughtful nature.

Heir presumptive

Main article: Wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten

During her grandfather's time as king, Elizabeth was third in line for the throne, behind her uncle Edward and her father. When her grandfather died in 1936, her uncle became king but later chose not to continue, so her father became king. Because Elizabeth had no brothers, she became the heir presumptive, meaning she would be the next queen if anything happened to her father.

Elizabeth was taught privately and learned French from governesses. 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 safety 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. Although some people were unsure about Philip because he was from another country and had family ties that were not always well looked upon, they married on November 20, 1947. Due to post-war restrictions, Elizabeth used ration coupons to buy material for her wedding dress. 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. Her private secretary carried a draft accession declaration in case the King passed away while she was away. 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. Some suggested “House of Mountbatten,” while Philip proposed “House of Edinburgh.” 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 with two sons. 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 and later married Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960. They divorced in 1978.

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, though parts like the anointing and communion were not shown. 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, there was a discussion about France joining the Commonwealth, but it didn’t happen, and France signed the Treaty of Rome, creating the European Economic Community. In 1956, Britain and France invaded Egypt to take control of the Suez Canal, but the invasion was unsuccessful. The British prime minister, Anthony Eden, resigned two months later.

The Conservative Party had no formal way to choose a new leader, so 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 criticism for her reaction to the Suez crisis 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. In 1964, there were concerns about her safety during a visit to Quebec due to separatist movements, but no attack happened.

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. Biographer Gyles Brandreth mentioned that Elizabeth experienced a miscarriage during her reign.

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 recommended she remain under medical supervision, and her immediate family rushed to be with her. Her death was announced to the public later that evening.

After her passing, her coffin was carried through Edinburgh and later to London, where it lay in state for several days. Many people came to pay their respects. Her state funeral took place at Westminster Abbey, with a large procession through London and a final service in Windsor.

Public image

Main article: Personality and image of Elizabeth II

Elizabeth rarely gave interviews, keeping her political views private. She showed strong religious faith and a sense of duty, worshipping with the Church of England and supporting inter-faith relations. She was patron of many charities and enjoyed equestrianism and her corgis.

In the 1950s, Elizabeth was seen as a glamorous young queen, bringing hope after World War II. Over time, she adapted to modern practices, such as meeting ordinary people during public events. Her popularity varied over the years, but she remained widely respected. Even during challenging times, her personal approval ratings stayed high. She was portrayed by many artists and photographers throughout her reign.

Titles, styles, honours, and arms

Main article: List of titles and honours of Elizabeth II

Elizabeth II held many titles and honorary military positions throughout the Commonwealth. In each of her realms, she had a distinct title such as Queen of Saint Lucia and of Her other Realms and Territories in Saint Lucia, and she was also styled Defender of the Faith.

From 21 April 1944 until she became queen, Elizabeth's arms featured a lozenge with the royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom and a special label. After her accession, she inherited and modified the arms used by her father, including royal standards and personal flags for use in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, and other places. She approved her modified 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 belonged to 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, and together they had four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward. Her family was part of many important events throughout her long reign as queen.

The family tree shows her place within the British royal lineage, connecting her to earlier kings and queens of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms.