Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth

Elizabeth was born on 21 April 1926 and was a Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until she died the death in 2022. Queen’s govern of 70 years and 214 days was the longest of any British emperor and the longest verified rule of any female emperor in history.

Queen Elizabeth

She was born in Mayfair, London, as the first child of the Duke and Duchess of york. In 1936 Elizabeth’s father acceded to the throne upon the abdication of his brother Edward VIII, making the ten-year-old Princess Elizabeth the heir presumptive. Queen married Philip Mountbatten in November 1947, a former prince of Greece and Denmark, and their marriage lasted 73 years until he died in 2021. Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten had four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward.

The official notice read: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
The official notice read: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.” | Image: REUTERS

In February 1952 when Elizabeth’s father died, Elizabeth—then 25 years old—became queen of seven sovereign Commonwealth countries: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon, as well as head of the nation. Queen Elizabeth ruled as a self-governing monarch through major political changes such as the Troubles in Northern Ireland, a decline in the United Kingdom, and the decolonization of Africa. The number of her nation varied over time as territories gained independence and some country became republics. Queen Elizabeth was served by more than 170 prime ministers across her nation. In 1986 her many historic visits and meetings included state visits to China, in 1994 to Russia, and in 2011 to the Republic of Ireland, and meetings with five popes.

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The Duke of Edinburgh was at the Queen's side for more than six decades of reign, becoming the longest-serving consort in British history in 2009
The Duke of Edinburgh was at the Queen’s side for more than six decades of reign, becoming the longest-serving consort in British history in 2009 | Image: TIM GRAHAM/PA

In 1953 Consequential events included Elizabeth’s coronation and the celebrations of her Silver, Golden, and Diamond, and in 1977 Platinum jubilees, 2002, 2012, and 2022, respectively.

Family life

The London house was taken by Elizabeth’s parents shortly after her birth, and at White Lodge in Richmond Park, and the Queen’s early house years were spent at 145 Piccadilly.

She also spent time at the homes of her paternal grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary, such as Windsor Castle, Balmoral Castle, and Sandringham House, and her mother’s parents, the Countess of Strathmore and the Earl, including Glamis Castle in Angus, Scotland and St Paul’s Walden bury in Hertfordshire.

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Thousands gathered outside Buckingham Palace after the death was announced
Thousands gathered outside Buckingham Palace after the death was announced | Image: REUTERS

In 1930, Queen Elizabeth’s sister, Princess Margaret Rose was born and the family of four was very close. Queen’s parents took over Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park as their own country home when she was six years old. Elizabeth was given her own small house, Y Bwthyn Bach (the Little Cottage); a gift from the people of Wales for her sixth birthday in 1932 on the grounds of the Royal lodge.

The Abdication of King Edward VIII

In 1936, Queen Elizabeth’s quiet family life came to an end when her grandfather, King George V, died. King George V, the eldest son came to the throne as King Edward VIII, but, King Edward VIII had decided to give up the throne to marry Mrs. Wallis Simpson before the end of the year.

Charles, as the Prince of Wales, delivered the Queen's speech on behalf of his mother for the first time in May
Charles, as the Prince of Wales, delivered the Queen’s speech on behalf of his mother for the first time in May | Image: PA MEDIA

Education

Elizabeth and Margaret were educated at home like many girls from wealthy families at that time.

In 1936, after her father succeeded to the throne and Elizabeth became heir presumptive first in line to the throne, she started to study constitutional history and law as preparation for her future role.

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Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in Mayfair, London, on 21 April 1926, the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in Mayfair, London, on 21 April 1926, the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York | Image: PA

Elizabeth received tuition from her father, as well as sessions with Henry Marten, the Vice-Provost of Eton and she was also educated in religion by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

On her Platinum Jubilee, the Queen delighted crowds by appearing on the balcony with three generations of her family
On her Platinum Jubilee, the Queen delighted crowds by appearing on the balcony with three generations of her family | Image: GETTY IMAGES

Elizabeth learned French from many French and Belgian governesses and it is a skill that has stood The Queen in good stead, particularly on visits to French-speaking Canada and French-speaking countries. She also studied art and music, learned to ride horses, and became a strong swimmer. When she was seven Elizabeth enrolled as a Girl Guide and later became a Sea Ranger. When she was thirteen she won the Children’s Challenge Shield at London’s Bath Club. In 1944 Elizabeth also competed at the first Royal Windsor Horse Show while at Windsor during the war Driving a Norwegian pony named Hans in a carriage with her sister as a passenger, she also won the Single Private Driving Class.

Prince William drove a group of senior royals - including Prince Andrew and Prince Edward - to Balmoral
Prince William drove a group of senior royals – including Prince Andrew and Prince Edward – to Balmoral | Image: PA MEDIA

Cause of death for Queen Elizabeth

According to her death certificate, which has been released by the National Records of Scotland Queen Elizabeth died of”old age”. The certificate records the Queen died at 15:10 on 8 September in Balmoral Castle, at the age of 96. Sep 29, 2022.

Prince Harry arrived at Balmoral later to join other senior royals
Prince Harry arrived at Balmoral later to join other senior royals | Image: REX FEATURES