Growing Up During World War II
When World War II broke out in 1939, many wealthy British families sent their children to safety in Canada or the countryside. Elizabeth and her younger sister Princess Margaret stayed in England, which boosted the spirits of ordinary British families going through hard times. The young princess made her first radio broadcast at age 14, speaking to children who had been evacuated from their homes. When she turned 18, Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she trained as a military truck driver and mechanic. She was the first female member of the royal family to serve in the armed forces.
Becoming Queen
Elizabeth became queen on February 6, 1952, when her father King George VI died in his sleep at age 56. She was just 25 years old and was traveling in Kenya, Africa, when she received the news. Her official coronation ceremony took place on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey in London. It was the first coronation ever shown on television, and about 27 million people in Britain watched it on their TV sets. Millions more around the world listened on the radio.
The Longest-Reigning Monarch
Queen Elizabeth II served as queen for 70 years and 214 days, making her the longest-reigning British monarch in history. She broke the previous record held by her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, who had reigned for 63 years. In 2022, the country celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne with parades, concerts, and street parties. No other British king or queen has ever reached such a milestone. Her long reign meant she saw enormous changes in the world, from the end of World War II to the rise of the internet.
A Constitutional Monarch
As a constitutional monarch, Queen Elizabeth did not make laws or run the government the way a president does. Instead, she served as a symbol of national unity and stability for the United Kingdom. One of her important duties was meeting weekly with the Prime Minister to discuss government matters. During her reign, she worked with 15 different British Prime Ministers, starting with Winston Churchill in 1952. She also met with 13 of the 14 U.S. presidents who served during her reign — the only one she never met was Lyndon B. Johnson.
Personal Life and Interests
Elizabeth married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1947, and they were together for 73 years until his death in 2021. Together they had four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward. The queen was famous for her love of corgis, a breed of small Welsh herding dogs, and she owned more than 30 corgis during her lifetime. She was also passionate about horse racing and breeding, and she attended the Royal Ascot races nearly every year. Her colorful matching outfits and hats became one of her most recognizable trademarks.
Connecting with the World
Every year on Christmas Day, Queen Elizabeth delivered a televised broadcast to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth nations. These Christmas messages became a beloved tradition that she continued for seven decades. She was also one of the most traveled monarchs in history, making over 260 official overseas visits to more than 100 countries. The queen adapted to modern times by sending her first email in 1976 and eventually joining social media. She used these tools to stay connected with people around the world, especially younger generations.
Legacy and Passing
Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at the age of 96. Her funeral at Westminster Abbey was watched by an estimated 4 billion people worldwide, making it one of the most-watched events in television history. She was succeeded by her eldest son, who became King Charles III. During her 70 years as queen, she provided a sense of continuity and calm through periods of great change. She is remembered as a dedicated leader who devoted her entire life to public service.
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