The Queen: Here's everything you need to know about the British Monarch

In February 2022, the Queen celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, making her the only British monarch ever to reach 70 years on the throne, and the second longest-serving monarch in the world’s history. As a much-loved figure of the Royal Family, the Queen’s life has always been a matter of interest to the global public. Here is a closer look at the British Monarch, including her early life and how she took the British throne.

Early life

Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, in London, to Prince Albert (King George VI), and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. During her childhood, Lilibet - Elizabeth’s nickname, was entitled to all the enviable privileges of being a royal member. Instead of going to school like other kids, Elizabeth and her sister, Margaret, received private tutoring at their private property.

According to Biography, Elizabeth soon expressed her dedication to public duties. After the outbreak of World War 2 in 1939, she made a series of wartime broadcasts, reassuring children of the Commonwealth who were living away from home due to war. The 14-year-old princess said on one of her radio broadcasts:

In the end, all will be well; for God will care for us and give us victory and peace.

In 1945, Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she was trained to be an expert driver. The few-month volunteer stint in the military gave her a very different, non-royal look at life and unforgettable experiences outside the royal palace.

Ascension to the throne

After the death of King George V, Elizabeth’s grandfather, in 1936, the throne was succeeded by his eldest son, King Edward VIII. However, he chose to abdicate the throne after roughly one year to marry the American divorcee, Wallis Simpson. As a result, Elizabeth’s father was crowned King George V, making Elizabeth the heir apparent to the title of a monarchy.

Coronation

Elizabeth became Queen in February 1952, at the age of 25, after her father died. The event marked the first televised coronation ceremony ever. Millions of royal watchers in Britain and across the globe were able to see the extravagant of the event via BBC broadcast.

As Monarch, she has witnessed the ups and downs of Britain and anchored the country through hard times. Despite her age, the Queen remains the most travelled monarch and still makes state visits to important British allies, such as Ireland, France, and Germany every year.

Marriage and children

Biography wrote that Elizabeth first met Philip, son of Prince Andrew of Greece, at the age of 13 and fell head over heels for him from the start. The love at first sight eventually developed into a royal marriage on November 20, 1947, at London's Westminster Abbey. They shared four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. In 1969, Prince Charles was declared The Queen’s successor, taking the title of Prince of Wales.

Read more:

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⋙ The Queen: Who was the Royal standing next to the monarch during Trooping the Colour?