Her Majesty The Queen
1926 - 2022
Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born on 21 April 1926 in London. Elizabeth was the elder daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York. Following the abdication of Edward VIII, Elizabeth's father acceded to the throne in 1936, as King George VI, and Elizabeth became heir presumptive.
The princess was educated privately at home, and she had instruction from visiting tutors. Buckingham Palace formed a Girl Guides company, so Elizabeth could mix with girls her own age, and she later enrolled as a Sea Ranger for girls aged 14-18. She also served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service.
During World War II, Elizabeth and her sister, Princess Margaret, were separated from their parents to keep them safe during the blitz. On VE Day, Elizabeth and Margaret mingled anonymously with the crowds in London.
In 1947 it was announced that Princess Elizabeth was to marry Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten formerly Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark. The marriage took place in Westminster Abbey on 20 November 1947 and lasted 73 years, until his death in April 2021.
They had four children, their first child, Prince Charles was born 14 November 1948, at Buckingham Palace. Princess Anne was born 15 August 1950.Princess Anne was followed by Prince Andrew in February 1960 and Prince Edward in March 1964.
When her father died in February 1952, she became Elizabeth II, By the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith , she was 25 years old. Her coronation was held at Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953.
Elizabeth had an unshakeable sense of duty and devotion to a life of service. She was Royal Patron or President of over 600 charities, military associations, professional bodies, and public service organisations.
Over an unprecedented reign of 70 years she touched the lives of so many here and throughout the world..
In her private life, she was a keen horsewoman and kept racehorses. Her horses won prestigious races, such as 2,000 Guineas, 1,000 Guineas, the Oaks, and St Ledger.
Elizabeth was the longest-reigning British monarch in history and the longest-serving female head of state. During her reign of 70 years, the Queen presided over huge changes in society and saw the British monarchy changed forever. Throughout the good times and the bad times, the Queen remained a steady presence, always serving the nation to the best of her ability.
Few will remember a time when she was not Queen, her passing is a huge loss to the UK and the Commonwealth.
