HISTORY
Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, to the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth). She ruled UK from 1952 to 2022, becoming its longest-reigning monarch in 2015. Baptized at Buckingham Palace, she was affectionately called “Lilibet” by family. She was cherished by her grandfather, King George V, and credited with boosting his spirits during his illness.
Dedicated to service, she joined the army in WWII and upheld her vow of duty throughout her reign. Meeting 15 prime ministers, attending 300 annual events, and engaging in diplomatic and lighthearted moments, she remained active until her final year.
INTERESTING FACTS
- Corgis: Owned over 30, starting with Susan on her 18th birthday.
- Birthdays: Celebrated her actual birthday on April 21 and an official one in June.
- Travels: Visited 100+ countries, including Canada (22 times) and France (13 times).
- Driving: Drove without a license in the UK.
- Became Queen: Ascended the throne at 25 in 1952.
- WWII Service: Joined the ATS in 1945, qualifying as a mechanic.
- Platinum Jubilee: First British monarch to mark 70 years on the throne in 2022.
- Education: Privately tutored, never attended school or earned a degree.
- Family: Married Prince Philip in 1947; son Charles (born 1948) is now King.
- She died on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle, aged 96.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Longest-Reigning British Monarch: Queen Elizabeth II reigned for 70 years (1952-2022), making her the longest-serving monarch in British history.
- Modernized the Monarchy: She adapted the monarchy to the modern era, embracing technology, social media, and public engagement.
- Commonwealth Expansion & Stability: She strengthened and expanded the Commonwealth, growing it to 56 nations and promoting unity among former British colonies.
- Diplomatic Global Influence: Met with over 100 world leaders, including 13 U.S. presidents, and played a key role in British diplomacy.
- Led Through Crises: Provided steadfast leadership during major events, including the Cold War, economic recessions, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Supported Over 600 charities: Advocated for humanitarian causes, supporting organizations related to health, education, and the environment.
- First Monarch to Address the U.S. Congress: In 1991, she became the first British monarch to speak before the U.S. Congress, strengthening UK-U.S. relations.
- Stabilized the Monarchy After Scandals: Maintained the monarchy’s relevance despite challenges like Princess Diana’s death and other royal controversies.
- Promoted Gender Equality in the Armed Forces: She joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service during WWII and later oversaw changes allowing women full participation in the military.
- Celebrated Historic Platinum Jubilee: In 2022, she became the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the nation.