Queen 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 70 years and 214 days is the longest of any British monarch, the longest of any female head of state in history, and the second-longest of any sovereign state in recorded history.

During her lifetime, Elizabeth was queen regnant of 32 sovereign states and was the monarch of 15 realms at her death. She became queen of seven independent Commonwealth countries upon her accession in 1952: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon. Over the course of her reign, the number of her realms varied as territories gained independence and some became republics.

Quick Facts

Significance

Elizabeth II’s reign spanned a period of extraordinary change:

• The British Empire transformed into the Commonwealth of Nations
• The UK joined and later left the European Union
• The world moved from the post-war era through the Cold War to the digital age
• Television and then the internet revolutionized communication
• Social attitudes transformed dramatically on issues including race, gender, and sexuality

Throughout these changes, Elizabeth remained a constant presence, providing a sense of continuity and stability. She was served by more than 170 prime ministers across her realms and met with 14 U.S. presidents and five popes.

Public Role

As a constitutional monarch, Elizabeth exercised her political powers only on the advice of her ministers. However, her role extended far beyond formal governance:

• She served as a symbol of national identity and unity
• She represented Britain on state visits around the world
• She provided continuity and stability through political changes
• She became a global icon recognized by billions of people

Her annual Christmas broadcasts, her response to Princess Diana’s death, and her message during the COVID-19 pandemic (“We will meet again”) demonstrated her unique ability to speak to her subjects at moments of national significance.

Early Life and Education

Birth and Family

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born at 2:40 am on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London. She was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother). Her father was the second son of King George V, making Elizabeth third in line to the throne behind her uncle Edward, Prince of Wales, and her father.

At the time of her birth, no one expected Elizabeth would become queen. Her uncle Edward was young and likely to marry and have children who would precede her in the succession. Elizabeth’s birth was greeted with public interest but not the fanfare that would accompany an heir apparent.

Baptism and Names

Elizabeth was baptized by the Archbishop of York in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace on 29 May 1926. She was named: - Elizabeth after her mother - Alexandra after her paternal great-grandmother (who had died five months earlier) - Mary after her paternal grandmother, Queen Mary

Her family called her “Lilibet,” a nickname derived from her childhood attempts to pronounce her own name.

Childhood

Early Years

Elizabeth spent her early childhood primarily at: - 145 Piccadilly (the family’s London townhouse) - Royal Lodge in Windsor

She was cared for by her nanny, Clara Knight, and her governess, Marion Crawford. Her younger sister, Princess Margaret, was born in 1930. The two princesses were educated at home under the supervision of their mother and governess.

Relationship with Grandparents

Elizabeth was particularly close to her grandfather, George V, whom she affectionately called “Grandpa England.” Her regular visits during his serious illness in 1929 were credited with raising his spirits and aiding his recovery. She was also close to Queen Mary, who took a strong interest in her education and development.

Education

Formal Education

Elizabeth received a traditional education for a royal princess of her era: - Subjects: History, language, literature, and music - Constitutional history: Private tuition from Henry Marten, Vice-Provost of Eton College - Languages: French from native-speaking governesses

Unlike her heirs, Charles and William, Elizabeth did not attend school or university with other children. Her education was designed to prepare her for a life of royal duties rather than academic achievement.

Social Development

To provide social interaction with girls her age: - The 1st Buckingham Palace Company of Girl Guides was formed specifically for her - She later became a Sea Ranger - She had limited but meaningful contact with children outside the palace

Marion Crawford’s 1950 book “The Little Princesses” described Elizabeth as orderly and responsible, with a love of horses and dogs. Winston Churchill described the two-year-old Elizabeth as “a character. She has an air of authority and reflectiveness astonishing in an infant.”

The Abdication Crisis and Becoming Heir

1936: A Year of Three Kings

The course of Elizabeth’s life changed dramatically in 1936:

January: George V died; Elizabeth’s uncle became Edward VIII December: Edward VIII abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson; Elizabeth’s father became George VI

With her father’s accession, Elizabeth became heir presumptive. If her parents had subsequently had a son, he would have become heir apparent and displaced Elizabeth in the succession (male-preference primogeniture was still in effect).

Preparing for Queenship

Elizabeth’s parents ensured she received appropriate preparation for her potential future role: - Special attention to constitutional history and the workings of government - Careful cultivation of public persona - Gradual introduction to royal duties

World War II

The Decision to Stay

When World War II broke out in September 1939, there were suggestions that Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret should be evacuated to Canada for safety. Their mother famously rejected this idea, stating:

“The children won’t go without me. I won’t leave without the King. And the King will never leave.”

War Years

The princesses spent much of the war at Windsor Castle: - 1939: At Balmoral Castle, then Sandringham House - 1940-1945: Primarily at Windsor Castle - They staged Christmas pantomimes to raise money for the Queen’s Wool Fund

First Radio Broadcast (1940)

At age 14, Elizabeth made her first radio broadcast during the BBC’s “Children’s Hour,” addressing other children who had been evacuated from cities:

“We are trying to do all we can to help our gallant sailors, soldiers, and airmen, and we are trying, too, to bear our own share of the danger and sadness of war.”

Military Service

In February 1945, Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS): - Service number: 230873 - Trained as a driver and mechanic - Achieved the rank of honorary junior commander (equivalent to captain) - This made her the first female member of the royal family to serve as a full-time active member of the armed forces

VE Day

On Victory in Europe Day (8 May 1945), Elizabeth and Margaret famously slipped out of Buckingham Palace to mingle incognito with the celebrating crowds in London. Elizabeth later recalled:

“I remember we were terrified of being recognised… I remember lines of unknown people linking arms and walking down Whitehall, all of us just swept along on a tide of happiness and relief.”

Coming of Age

The 21st Birthday Speech (1947)

During a tour of South Africa with her parents, Elizabeth made a famous broadcast on her 21st birthday, dedicating her life to service:

“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”

This pledge would define her life and reign.

Early Public Duties

By the late 1940s, Elizabeth was undertaking significant public responsibilities: - Standing in for her father at official events - Touring with her parents (including the 1947 South Africa tour) - Representing the royal family at state occasions - Undertaking her first solo public appearances

By the time her father died in February 1952, Elizabeth was already an experienced public figure, though she was only 25 years old. She had grown from a girl who was never expected to rule into a young woman fully prepared for the responsibilities of monarchy.

Career

Professional Journey

Queen Elizabeth II’s career represents a remarkable trajectory of achievement and influence. From their earliest professional endeavors to their most celebrated accomplishments, Queen Elizabeth II has consistently demonstrated excellence and innovation in their field.

Major Milestones

Throughout their career, Queen Elizabeth II has reached several defining milestones that have cemented their reputation. These achievements reflect not only individual talent but also an ability to adapt, grow, and push boundaries.

Impact on the Industry

Queen Elizabeth II’s contributions have had a transformative effect on their industry, influencing practices, standards, and expectations. Their work has opened new possibilities and inspired countless others to pursue similar paths.

Major Works and Contributions

Defining Achievements

Queen Elizabeth II’s most significant works represent milestones not just in their personal career but in the broader history of their field. These contributions have shaped how we understand and engage with their discipline.

Intellectual Legacy

The ideas and works produced by Queen Elizabeth II continue to influence contemporary thought and practice. Their contributions have become foundational elements of modern understanding in their area of expertise.

Impact on Society

Beyond their immediate field, Queen Elizabeth II’s work has had profound effects on society, culture, and human understanding, touching lives in ways that extend far beyond academic or professional boundaries.

Personal Life

Overview

Beyond their public achievements, Queen Elizabeth II’s personal life reveals a complex and multifaceted individual whose private experiences have shaped their public persona.

Key Points

The details of this aspect of Queen Elizabeth II’s story reveal important dimensions of their character, achievements, and impact. Understanding these elements provides a more complete picture of Queen Elizabeth II’s significance.

Significance

This dimension of Queen Elizabeth II’s life and work contributes to the larger narrative of their enduring importance and continuing relevance in the modern world.

Contemporaries and Relationships

Overview

Queen Elizabeth II’s relationships with contemporaries provide insight into the social and intellectual networks that shaped their era. These connections influenced their work and legacy.

Key Points

The details of this aspect of Queen Elizabeth II’s story reveal important dimensions of their character, achievements, and impact. Understanding these elements provides a more complete picture of Queen Elizabeth II’s significance.

Significance

This dimension of Queen Elizabeth II’s life and work contributes to the larger narrative of their enduring importance and continuing relevance in the modern world.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Overview

Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy endures as a testament to their extraordinary contributions. Their influence continues to shape their field and inspire new generations who follow in their footsteps.

Key Points

The details of this aspect of Queen Elizabeth II’s story reveal important dimensions of their character, achievements, and impact. Understanding these elements provides a more complete picture of Queen Elizabeth II’s significance.

Significance

This dimension of Queen Elizabeth II’s life and work contributes to the larger narrative of their enduring importance and continuing relevance in the modern world.