Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926 in London, England. She was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. She was known as Princess Elizabeth from the time of her birth.
Elizabeth was homeschooled by her governess, Marion Crawford, along with her sister Princess Margaret. She studied history, languages, and literature, and showed an early interest in horses and dogs. She also received religion lessons from the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Elizabeth's life changed drastically in 1936 when her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne to marry American socialite Wallis Simpson. This led to Elizabeth's father becoming King George VI and Elizabeth becoming the heir to the throne. She officially became Queen Elizabeth II on February 6, 1952 following her father's death.
Queen Elizabeth II became the constitutional monarch of 16 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England. She has upheld her duties with grace and dedication, making her the longest reigning monarch in British history.
Elizabeth married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 1947. They have four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. She is also the former mother-in-law of Princess Diana, who was married to Prince Charles.
Queen Elizabeth II's reign has been marked by a sense of duty, tradition, and adaptability. She has witnessed significant changes in the world, including the end of the British Empire and the rise of technology. Despite this, she has remained a steady and respected figurehead, earning the admiration of her subjects and people around the world.
Queen Elizabeth II has received numerous honors and awards throughout her reign, including being named Time magazine's Person of the Year in 1952. She has also been depicted in various forms of media, such as the award-winning film The Queen, in which actress Helen Mirren portrayed her.
As Queen Elizabeth II approaches the later years of her reign, she continues to fulfill her duties with grace and dignity. Her commitment to the people she serves and the traditions of the monarchy have made her a beloved and enduring figure in British history.