Fascinating photos of a young Queen Elizabeth II, 1930s-1950s

 

Elizabeth II was Queen of the United Kingdom and 14 other sovereign countries from 6 February 1952 until her death. His reign of 70 years and seven months was the longest of any British monarch.

Elizabeth was born in Mayfair, London, as the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth).

Her father assumed the throne in 1936 upon the abdication of her brother, King Edward VIII, making Elizabeth the heir apparent. She was educated privately at home and began performing public duties while serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II.

In November 1947, she married Philip Mountbatten, the former Prince of Greece and Denmark, and their marriage lasted 73 years until his death in April 2021.

They had four children together: Charles, King of the United Kingdom; Anne, Princess Royal; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.

When her father died in February 1952, Elizabeth—then 25 years old—became queen of seven independent Commonwealth countries: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan and Ceylon (today known as Sri Lanka). goes), as well as the head of the Commonwealth.

Elizabeth ruled as a constitutional monarch through major political changes such as the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the Dissolution of the United Kingdom, the Dissolution of Africa, and the United Kingdom's accession to the European Communities and withdrawal from the European Union.

The number of its territories changed over time as territories gained independence and some territories became republics. His many historic visits and meetings include state visits to China in 1986, Russia in 1994, the Republic of Ireland in 2011 and five Popes.

Important events include the coronation of Elizabeth in 1953 and the Silver, Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 1977, 2002, 2012 and 2022 respectively.

Elizabeth was the longest-lived and longest-reigning British monarch, the oldest and longest-serving head of state, and the second longest-reigning sovereign monarch in world history.

On 8 September 2022, Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen was under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors expressed concern.

"Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned about Her Majesty's health and have advised her to remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral," the statement said.

The Queen's four children, along with their daughters-in-law, and Prince William and Prince Harry, traveled to be with her. His death was confirmed later that evening.