1926-2022
Queen Elizabeth II
A Lifetime of Service
An Unexpected Queen
Born on 21 April 1926, Princess Elizabeth of York was never destined to be a queen, however fate intervened when her uncle, Edward VIII, abdicated and her father ascended the throne as George VI.
Elizabeth II reigned for 70 years, 7 months and 3 days, making her the longest serving monarch in British history and the last Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth that will be seen for at least three generations.
Global Queen
Queen Elizabeth worked with fifteen prime ministers during the course of her reign and met fourteen presidents of the United States.
She made more visits to countries than any other head of state. Her schedule of royal tours of Commonwealth countries and state visits to foreign nations began just after her ascent to the throne in 1952 and continued until she was unable to travel.
Jubilee Queen
Queen Elizabeth is the only monarch in British history to have celebrated a Platinum Jubilee.
From her Silver to her Platinum, each jubilee has been celebrated differently. From royal tours of the four nations and the Commonwealth in her younger days to more sedate events in her mature years, the public have been with her every step of the way.