(born 1926). At the age of just 25, Elizabeth II became queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. She came to the throne upon the death of her father, King George VI, in 1952. During her long reign, Queen Elizabeth II became the most well-traveled monarch in British history. Early lifeElizabeth Alexandra Mary was born in London, England, on April 21, 1926. She was the oldest daughter of Albert, duke of York, and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. Her grandfather was King George V. In 1936 King George V died. Elizabeth's uncle, Edward VIII, became king, but months later he gave up the throne. Elizabeth's father then became King George VI, making Elizabeth the next in line for the throne. She was only 10 years old. From that time on, Princess Elizabeth was trained for her future duties. She and her younger sister, Margaret Rose, were educated at home in history, art, music, and horseback riding. When Princess Elizabeth was 13, World War II broke out. Because London was heavily bombed during the war, she and her sister were sent to live in the safety of Windsor Castle, outside the city. In 1940 Princess Elizabeth gave her first radio address. This began her life in the public eye. Marriage and familyPrincess Elizabeth became engaged to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten in 1947. Before their wedding King George VI gave Philip the titles of duke of Edinburgh, earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich. The marriage took place in Westminster Abbey in London on November 20, 1947. Their first child, Prince Charles, was born in 1948. The couple later had three more children: Princess Anne, born in 1950; Prince Andrew, born in 1960; and Prince Edward, born in 1964. ReignEven before becoming queen, Elizabeth represented the royal family with visits to various countries. In January 1952 she and her husband left for a tour of Australia and New Zealand. In the first stage of the trip, however, King George died. Princess Elizabeth automatically became Queen Elizabeth II. She flew back at once to England. The first three months of Elizabeth's reign were quiet because they were a period of mourning for her father. By the summer of 1952, however, she had begun the routine work of a queen. Queen Elizabeth's coronation, or crowning ceremony, was held at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953. Throughout her reign Queen Elizabeth traveled widely with her husband. Among the many places she visited were India, South Africa, Australia, the United States, and various countries in South America, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. At home, she met regularly with the British prime minister to discuss the political affairs of the country. She received visitors from around the world and presented honors to accomplished people. She also made appearances at many public events. - Great Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, wave to well-wishers during …
In 2002 Queen Elizabeth reached her Golden Jubilee, or 50 years as queen. To mark the anniversary, celebrations were held throughout the United Kingdom. |