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Latest News: One Year Since Her Death
On the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, King Charles III shared an unpublished photograph of the late monarch. He expressed in a statement, “In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majesty’s death and my Accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service, and all she meant to so many of us.” In remembrance of the queen, Prince William and Princess Kate attended a private church service in Wales, while Prince Harry paid his respects at the chapel in Windsor Castle, where the queen is interred. Plans for a memorial dedicated to Queen Elizabeth are currently underway, with an expected unveiling in 2026, coinciding with what would have been her 100th birthday.
Who Was Queen Elizabeth II?
Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne of the United Kingdom on February 6, 1952, at the age of 25, and was formally crowned on June 2, 1953. She was the mother of King Charles III and the grandmother of Princes William and Harry. As the longest-serving monarch in British history, Elizabeth aimed to modernize the monarchy while remaining respectful of its traditions. She passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96.
Early Life and Family Tree
Born as Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on April 21, 1926, in London, her parents were then known as the Duke and Duchess of York. Her father, Prince Albert, later became King George VI, the second son of Queen Mary and King George V, while her mother was Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. Queen Elizabeth II had familial connections to many of Europe’s monarchs, with British ancestry tracing back to Queen Victoria (reigned 1837 to 1901) and King George III (reigned 1760 to 1820).
At the time of her birth, few anticipated that Elizabeth would one day become queen. Nicknamed “Lilibet,” she spent her early childhood enjoying the privileges of royalty, largely shielded from the pressures of being the heir apparent.
Elizabeth’s parents balanced their time between a residence in London and Royal Lodge, located on the grounds of Windsor Great Park. Along with her younger sister, Margaret, Elizabeth received her education at home, with subjects including French, mathematics, and history, complemented by lessons in dance, music, and art.
The outbreak of World War II in 1939 led to Elizabeth and Margaret being relocated to Windsor Castle, where Elizabeth made her first notable radio broadcast in 1940. In a reassuring message directed at the children of Britain who had been evacuated, the 14-year-old princess demonstrated her calm and resolute demeanor, stating, “In the end, all will be well; for God will care for us and give us victory and peace.”
Elizabeth gradually began to assume public duties. In 1942, she was appointed colonel-in-chief of the Grenadier Guards by her father, marking her first public appearance as she inspected the troops. She also accompanied her parents on official engagements throughout Britain.
In 1945, Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service to contribute to the war effort, training alongside other British women to become a skilled driver and mechanic. Though her service was brief, it provided her with a glimpse into a life beyond the royal sphere. A memorable experience occurred when she and Margaret were permitted to mingle anonymously with the public on Victory in Europe Day, further deepening her connection with her future subjects.
Ascension to the Crown and Coronation
Upon the death of King George V in 1936, his eldest son, Edward VIII, ascended to the throne. However, Edward faced a significant dilemma, as he was in love with American divorcée Wallis Simpson. Ultimately, Edward chose to abdicate the crown in favor of his relationship with Simpson, fundamentally altering the course of Elizabeth’s life and positioning her as the heir presumptive to the British throne. In 1937, her father was crowned King George VI, adopting the name George to signify continuity with his predecessor. Elizabeth’s mother, therefore, became Queen Elizabeth.
Fifteen years later, following the death of King George VI, Elizabeth assumed the responsibilities of the reigning monarch on February 6, 1952. At the age of 25, she was proclaimed Queen Elizabeth II, while her mother took on the title of Queen Mother.
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey, where she was crowned at the age of 27. Notably, this ceremony was the first coronation to be televised, enabling audiences worldwide to experience the grandeur and solemnity of the event.
Husband: Prince Philip
Queen Elizabeth II married her distant cousin, Philip Mountbatten, on November 20, 1947, at Westminster Abbey in London. Elizabeth first met Philip, the son of Prince Andrew of Greece, when she was just 13 years old, and she was immediately captivated by him. Their friendship blossomed over the years, ultimately leading to a romantic relationship.
The couple’s personalities contrasted markedly; Elizabeth was known for her quiet and reserved demeanor, while Philip was more boisterous and outspoken. King George VI harbored reservations about the match, noting that, although Mountbatten had connections to both the Danish and Greek royal families, he lacked substantial wealth and was perceived by some as having a rough character. At the time of their wedding, Britain was still recovering from the aftermath of World War II, and Elizabeth had to collect clothing coupons to obtain fabric for her wedding gown.
After their marriage, the family adopted the name Windsor, a decision advocated by Elizabeth’s mother and Prime Minister Winston Churchill, which caused some tension with Philip. In 1960, Elizabeth amended this decision, issuing orders that her descendants who did not carry royal titles would use the surname Mountbatten-Windsor for legal purposes, such as on official documents. Over the years, Philip occasionally generated public relations challenges with his candid remarks and rumors regarding infidelities.
Prince Philip passed away on April 9, 2021, at the age of 99. In the days following his death, Prince Andrew revealed to the media that the Queen described the loss as having left “a huge void in her life,” having previously referred to him as her “strength and stay.”
Children
Elizabeth and Philip quickly welcomed their first child, Charles, in 1948, just one year after their wedding. Their daughter, Anne, followed in 1950. As queen, Elizabeth had two more children—sons Andrew and Edward—born in 1960 and 1964, respectively.
King Charles III
In 1969, Elizabeth formally designated Charles as her successor by bestowing upon him the title of Prince of Wales. The investiture was broadcast on television and viewed by hundreds of millions around the globe.
In 1981, Charles married 19-year-old Diana Spencer, who became known as Princess Diana. Their wedding attracted massive crowds in the streets of London, and millions more watched the ceremony on television. At that time, public sentiment toward the monarchy was particularly robust. However, rumors later emerged suggesting that Charles had been pressured into the marriage by his family. Now King Charles III, he is married to Queen Camilla.
Princess Anne
Princess Anne commenced her royal duties at the age of 18 in 1969 and continues her service to this day. Known for her significant charitable involvement, she is also a distinguished equestrian, having represented Great Britain at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. That year, her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, opened the Games, with the royal family in attendance to support Anne. Previously married to Captain Mark Phillips, she wed her current husband, Timothy Laurence, in 1992.
Prince Andrew
Prince Andrew, the first child born to a reigning monarch in over a century, began his career in the British Royal Navy in 1979, where he trained as a helicopter pilot and served during the Falklands War in the early 1980s. He acquired the title Duke of York upon marrying Sarah Ferguson, although the couple later divorced. Following a series of scandals, Andrew stepped back from public duties in 2019, a decision made permanent in 2022.
Prince Edward
As the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Edward worked in theatre and television production for several years, including operating his own production company. Since 2002, he has dedicated himself full-time to supporting his mother and now his brother, King Charles III. Edward married Sophie Rhys-Jones and became the Duke of Edinburgh in March 2023, a title previously held by his father.
Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
Throughout her lifetime, Queen Elizabeth II had eight grandchildren and was a great-grandmother to twelve. Among her most notable grandchildren are Prince William and Prince Harry, the sons of Charles and Diana. William became second in line to the throne at his birth in 1982, followed by Harry in 1984. Elizabeth demonstrated her role as a devoted grandmother, offering invaluable support and guidance, particularly as William and Kate Middleton prepared for their wedding in 2011.
In addition to Princes William and Harry, the queen’s other grandchildren include Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, born to Princess Anne; Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie of York, born to Prince Andrew; and Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn, born to Prince Edward. Peter Phillips is Elizabeth’s oldest grandchild, born in 1977, four years before his sister and five years before Prince William.
William and Kate have three children, who are Elizabeth’s great-grandchildren: Prince George Alexander Louis, born in July 2013; Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, born in May 2015; and Prince Louis Arthur Charles, born in April 2018. All three are currently in the line of succession following their father.
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, welcomed two more of the queen’s great-grandchildren: Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, born in May 2019, and Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, born in June 2021. Other great-grandchildren include Savannah Phillips, Isla Phillips, Mia Tindall, Lena Tindall, August Brooksbank, Lucas Tindall, and Sienna Mozzi.
Reign
Queen Elizabeth II’s reign was characterized by significant change, impacting the lives of her subjects, the dynamics of Britain’s power, its global perception, and the evolving role of the monarchy. As a constitutional monarch, she maintained a non-partisan stance on political matters and refrained from publicly expressing her political views, although she held regular consultations with her prime ministers.
When Elizabeth ascended the throne, Britain still held a substantial empire, along with numerous dominions and dependencies. However, during the 1950s and 1960s, many of these territories gained independence, leading to the transformation of the British Empire into the Commonwealth of Nations. As head of the Commonwealth, Elizabeth embarked on international visits, including a historic trip to Germany in 1965, where she became the first British monarch to make a state visit in over fifty years.
In the following decades, Elizabeth continued her extensive travels, attending significant events such as the Commonwealth Conference in Ottawa in 1973 and the 200th anniversary of American independence in 1976. Additionally, her visit to several Gulf states in 1979 garnered international respect.
The Falklands War in 1982 raised concerns for the queen regarding Prince Andrew’s service as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Navy. Fortunately, he returned safely, much to her relief.
In 2011, Elizabeth further demonstrated the monarchy’s symbolic and diplomatic significance by visiting the Republic of Ireland, marking the first visit by a British monarch since 1911. Throughout her reign, Elizabeth modernized the monarchy, reducing formalities and enhancing public access to royal sites and treasures. In response to financial challenges, Britain abolished the Civil List in 2012, a public funding system that had existed for approximately 250 years, while still providing some government support to the royal family.
In 2012, Elizabeth celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, commemorating 60 years as queen. The festivities included a special BBC concert on June 4, featuring notable performers such as Shirley Bassey, Paul McCartney, and Stevie Wonder, attended by her family, including Prince Philip, her son Charles, and grandsons Harry and William.
On September 9, 2015, Elizabeth surpassed her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, as Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, completing over 63 years on the throne. Despite calls for her to step aside in favor of Charles, she remained steadfast in her royal duties, continuing to make over 400 engagements annually and supporting numerous charitable organizations.
On February 6, 2017, Elizabeth marked her Sapphire Jubilee, celebrating 65 years on the throne—the only British monarch to reach this milestone. The day, which also commemorated the anniversary of her father’s death, was observed quietly at Sandringham, where she attended a church service. Gun salutes were held in London to mark the occasion, and the Royal Mint issued eight commemorative coins in her honor.
Later that year, the monarchy took significant steps towards transitioning to the next generation, as Charles assumed the traditional Remembrance Sunday duty of placing a wreath at the Cenotaph war memorial, with the queen observing from a nearby balcony.
In August 2019, Elizabeth made a rare foray into political matters by agreeing to Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s request to suspend Parliament until October 14, just weeks before Britain was set to depart the European Union.
In 2022, the nation celebrated Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, marking her 70 years on the throne, a significant achievement for the monarchy.
Relationship With Prime Ministers
Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II engaged with 15 prime ministers, conducting weekly confidential meetings with each. Remarkably, she also met a significant portion of U.S. presidents, most recently hosting Joe Biden for a state visit in June 2021.
Her relationship with the legendary Winston Churchill was notably paternal, while her interactions with Labour leaders Harold Wilson and James Callaghan became more informal over time. Conversely, her connection with Margaret Thatcher was characterized by formality, as the prime minister often adopted a lecturing tone with the queen. Tony Blair viewed certain aspects of the monarchy as outdated but appreciated Elizabeth’s public statement following the death of Princess Diana.
David Cameron, who was distantly related to Elizabeth as her fifth cousin once removed, enjoyed a warm rapport with the queen. In 2014, he expressed regret for disclosing her opposition to the Scottish independence referendum during a private conversation. Theresa May maintained a reticent approach regarding Brexit strategies, leading to speculation that Elizabeth was unsettled by her lack of transparency. Elizabeth’s final meeting with a prime minister occurred just two days before her death when she welcomed Liz Truss at Balmoral Castle on September 6, 2022.
Threats to Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Family
Queen Elizabeth II dedicated herself to preserving the monarchy’s image and preparing for its future, despite facing numerous challenges during her lifetime. The institution endured significant scrutiny, including direct threats against the royal family.
In 1979, Elizabeth experienced a profound personal tragedy with the assassination of Lord Mountbatten, her husband’s uncle, in a terrorist bombing attributed to the Irish Republican Army. On August 27, that year, Mountbatten and several family members were killed when their boat was attacked off the west coast of Ireland.
In June 1981, Elizabeth had a harrowing encounter while participating in the Trooping the Colour, a parade celebrating her official birthday, when an individual in the crowd aimed a gun at her. Fortunately, the weapon was loaded with blanks, resulting in no harm to the queen. The following year, she faced an even greater threat when an intruder broke into Buckingham Palace and confronted her in her bedroom, leading to speculation about the state of her marriage to Prince Philip.
Family Scandals and Losses
The marriage of Elizabeth’s son Charles to Diana captured public attention for years, culminating in their separation in 1992 and eventual divorce in 1996. Following Diana’s tragic death in a car accident in Paris on August 31, 1997, Elizabeth endured intense media scrutiny. At the time, she was at her Balmoral estate in Scotland with Charles and their sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. Her initial silence in the face of national mourning drew criticism, and rumors circulated that she opposed a royal funeral for Diana, which only fueled public discontent.
Additionally, Elizabeth was initially resistant to Charles’s relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles, though she gradually softened her stance. When Charles and Camilla wed in 2005, Elizabeth and Prince Philip attended their religious blessing, despite not being present for the civil ceremony.
The year 1992 was particularly tumultuous for the queen, as it saw the dissolution of multiple royal marriages: Charles and Diana, Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, and Anne and Mark Phillips. Adding to the year’s challenges, a devastating fire at Windsor Castle destroyed 115 rooms, leading it to be termed Elizabeth’s “annus horribilis.”
In the 21st century, Elizabeth faced further losses, including the deaths of her sister, Margaret, and her mother in 2002, the same year she celebrated her Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years on the throne. Margaret passed away from a stroke in February, followed closely by the death of her mother on March 30 at the age of 101.
In November 2017, media reports revealed that the queen held approximately $13 million in offshore investments, following the leak of the “Paradise Papers.” The Duchy of Lancaster, which manages the queen’s assets, confirmed the legitimacy of these investments. Additionally, the former owner of Rigby & Peller, a lingerie company that had served the queen for over 50 years, published a memoir that included her experiences with the royal family. In response, Elizabeth revoked Rigby & Peller’s royal warrant in early 2018.
In 2019, Prince Andrew was compelled to withdraw from public duties due to a media frenzy surrounding his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Shortly thereafter, in January 2020, the royal family faced renewed scrutiny following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step back from their roles as senior royals.
Hobbies
Throughout her life, Queen Elizabeth II was particularly fond of dogs, especially corgis, owning over 30 descendants of her first corgi received in her youth. Her passion for horses led her to breed thoroughbreds and attend horse racing events for many years.
Not one for the limelight, Elizabeth preferred quieter pastimes, enjoying reading mysteries, solving crossword puzzles, and, amusingly, watching wrestling on television.
Death and Funeral
Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully at her Balmoral estate in Scotland on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96. The official cause of death, as stated on her death certificate, was old age.
The public became aware of her declining health earlier that day when Buckingham Palace issued a statement around 12:30 p.m., expressing concern for her well-being and announcing medical supervision. Shortly after, members of the royal family began to arrive at the castle. At the time of her passing, Prince Charles, Camilla, and Princess Anne were present, with other family members arriving later. Notably, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle were absent, citing other commitments.
Elizabeth’s coffin was transported from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall via horse-drawn carriage on September 14, where it lay in state for four days. Her state funeral on September 19 was designated a bank holiday, attracting approximately 2,000 attendees, including global leaders like President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Millions more viewed the proceedings through various media channels, while Elizabeth’s beloved pony and corgis observed the procession alongside tens of thousands of mourners.
A private burial followed later that day, where Elizabeth was interred alongside Prince Philip at the King George VI Memorial Chapel.