- 1952-2022: Longest reigning British Monarch of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Nations
Elizabeth II Alexandra Mary Windsor of the United Kingdom, Queen Regnant of the United Kingdom, Queen Regnant of Canada, Queen Regnant of Australia, Queen Regnant of New Zealand, Queen Regnant of South Africa, Queen Regnant of Pakistan, Queen Regnant of Ceylon, was born 21 April 1926 in 17 Bruton Street, Mayfair, Greater London, England, United Kingdom to George VI of the United Kingdom (1895-1952) and Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon (1900-2002) and died 8 September 2022 Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, United Kingdom of unspecified causes. She married Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (1921-2021) 20 November 1947 .
Biography
Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, in London, England, and and served as British Monarch of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Nations from 1952 to 2022. She became queen on February 6, 1952, after the death of her father, King George VI. At the time of her ascension to the throne, she was only 25 years old. She surpassed the previous record set by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, on September 9, 2015.
During her reign, Queen Elizabeth II has seen many changes and developments in the United Kingdom and the world. She has played a significant role in modernizing the monarchy and making it more accessible to the public. She has also been a symbol of continuity and stability, having lived through numerous political and social upheavals.
As queen, Elizabeth II has carried out numerous ceremonial and official duties, including opening Parliament, attending state dinners, and representing the United Kingdom on official visits abroad. She has also been the patron of many charitable organizations and has worked to promote causes such as education, healthcare, and the arts.
Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II has faced challenges and controversies, including the breakdown of her children's marriages, and more recently, the fallout from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to step back from their roles as senior royals.
Queen
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 (known today as Sri Lanka), as well as head of the Commonwealth. Elizabeth reigned as a constitutional monarch through major political changes such as the Troubles in Northern Ireland, devolution in the United Kingdom, the decolonisation of Africa, and the United Kingdom's accession to the European Communities and withdrawal from the European Union. The number of her realms varied over time as territories gained independence and some realms became republics. As queen, Elizabeth was served by more than 170 prime ministers across her realms. Her many historic visits and meetings included state visits to China in 1986, to Russia in 1994, and to the Republic of Ireland in 2011, and meetings with five popes.
Marriage
Elizabeth met her future husband, Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, in 1934 and again in 1937.[1] They were second cousins once removed through King Christian IX of Denmark and third cousins through Queen Victoria. After meeting for the third time at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth in July 1939, Elizabeth—though only 13 years old—said she fell in love with Philip, who was 18, and they began to exchange letters.[2] She was 21 when their engagement was officially announced on 9 July 1947.[3]
The engagement attracted some controversy. Philip had no financial standing, was foreign-born (though a British subject who had served in the Royal Navy throughout the Second World War), and had sisters who had married German noblemen with Nazi links.[4] Marion Crawford wrote, "Some of the King's advisors did not think him good enough for her. He was a prince without a home or kingdom. Some of the papers played long and loud tunes on the string of Philip's foreign origin."[5] Later biographies reported that Elizabeth's mother had reservations about the union initially and teased Philip as "the Hun".[6] In later life, however, she told the biographer Tim Heald that Philip was "an English gentleman".[7]
Before the marriage, Philip renounced his Greek and Danish titles, officially converted from Greek Orthodoxy to Anglicanism, and adopted the style Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, taking the surname of his mother's British family.[8] Shortly before the wedding, he was created Duke of Edinburgh and granted the style His Royal Highness.[9] Elizabeth and Philip were married on 20 November 1947 at Westminster Abbey. They received 2,500 wedding gifts from around the world.[10] Elizabeth required ration coupons to buy the material for her gown (which was designed by Norman Hartnell) because Britain had not yet completely recovered from the devastation of the war.[11] In post-war Britain, it was not acceptable for Philip's German relations, including his three surviving sisters, to be invited to the wedding.[12] Neither was an invitation extended to the Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward VIII.[13]
Elizabeth gave birth to her first child, Charles, in November 1948. One month earlier, the King had issued letters patent allowing her children to use the style and title of a royal prince or princess, to which they otherwise would not have been entitled as their father was no longer a royal prince.[14] A second child, Princess Anne, was born in August 1950.[15]
Following their wedding, the couple leased Windlesham Moor, near Windsor Castle, until July 1949,[10] when they took up residence at Clarence House in London. At various times between 1949 and 1951, the Duke of Edinburgh was stationed in the British Crown Colony of Malta as a serving Royal Navy officer. He and Elizabeth lived intermittently in Malta for several months at a time in the hamlet of Gwardamanġa, at Villa Guardamangia, the rented home of Philip's uncle Lord Mountbatten. Their two children remained in Britain.[16]
Death
On 8 September 2022, Buckingham Palace released a statement which read: "Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral."[17][18] Her immediate family rushed to Balmoral to be by her side.[19][20] She died peacefully at 15:10 BST at the age of 96, with two of her children, Charles and Anne, by her side.[21][22] Her death was announced to the public at 18:30,[23][24] setting in motion Operation London Bridge and, because she died in Scotland, Operation Unicorn.[25][26] Elizabeth was the first monarch to die in Scotland since James V in 1542.[27] Her death certificate recorded her cause of death as "old age".[21][28]
Issue
- Charles III of the United Kingdom (1948-) - Successor as King of the United Kingdom.
- Anne, Princess Royal (1950)
- Andrew, Duke of York (1960)
- Edward, Earl of Wessex (1964)
Children
Name | Birth | Death | Joined with |
Charles III of the United Kingdom (1948-) | 14 November 1948 Westminster, Greater London, England, United Kingdom | Diana Frances Spencer, Princess of Wales (1961-1997) Camilla Rosemary Shand (1947) | |
Anne, Princess Royal (1950) | 15 August 1950 Clarence House, London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom | Mark Anthony Peter Phillips (1948) Timothy James Hamilton Laurence (1955) | |
Andrew, Duke of York (1960) | 19 February 1960 Belgian Suite, Buckingham Palace, London, England, United Kingdom | Sarah Margaret Ferguson (1959-) | |
Edward, Earl of Wessex (1964) | 10 March 1964 Buckingham Palace, Greater London, England, United Kingdom | Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones (1965-) |
Siblings
Name | Birth | Death | Joined with |
Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom (1926-2022) | 21 April 1926 17 Bruton Street, Mayfair, Greater London, England, United Kingdom | 8 September 2022 Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, United Kingdom | Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (1921-2021) |
Margaret Rose of the United Kingdom (1930-2002) | 21 August 1930 Glamis, Angus, Scotland, United Kingdom | 9 February 2002 Marylebone, Greater London, England, United Kingdom | Antony Charles Robert Armstrong-Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon (1930-2017) |
See Also
Bibliography
- Bedell Smith, Sally (2017). Elizabeth the Queen: The Woman Behind the Throne. Penguin Books. ISBN 978-1-4059-3216-5.
- Bond, Jennie (2006). Elizabeth: Eighty Glorious Years. Carlton Publishing Group. ISBN 1-84442-260-7. https://archive.org/details/elizabetheightyg0000bond.
- Bousfield, Arthur; Toffoli, Gary (2002). Fifty Years the Queen. Dundurn Press. ISBN 978-1-55002-360-2. https://archive.org/details/fiftyyearsqueent0000bous.
- Bradford, Sarah (2002). Elizabeth: A Biography of Her Majesty the Queen (2nd ed.). Penguin. ISBN 978-0-14-193333-7.
- Crawford, Marion (1950). The Little Princesses. Cassell & Co..
- Elliot, Caroline, ed (1991). The BBC Book of Royal Memories: 1947–1990. BBC Books. ISBN 978-0-563-36008-7.
External Links
- wikipedia:en:Elizabeth II
- Elizabeth II at thePeerage
- Elizabeth II, Geni.com, https://www.geni.com/people/Elizabeth-II-Queen-of-the-United-Kingdom/6000000003075071669, retrieved 01 May 2023
- Elizabeth II at Find A Grave
- Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Family website
- Queen Elizabeth II at the website of the Government of Canada
- Queen Elizabeth II at the website of the Royal Collection Trust
Ancestry Trees
- Charlemagne Family Ancestry
- Rurik Family Ancestry
- Rollo Family Ancestry
- Alfred the Great Family Ancestry
- House of Hanover
- Plantagenet Family Line
- Capetian dynasty
Original Citations
The London Times: Childbirth 1926
- Title: A Princess is Born to Duke and Duchess of York
- Date: April 22, 1926
- Newspaper: The Times (London)
"Yesterday, at 2:40 am, a daughter was born to the Duke and Duchess of York at their London residence. The birth of the Princess, who is their first child, was a joyous occasion for the royal couple and for the entire nation.
The Duchess, who is 30 years old, was attended by a team of doctors and nurses led by Sir Henry Simson. The labor was described as normal and without complications, and the baby was born weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces.
News of the birth was quickly relayed to the King and Queen, who were overjoyed at the arrival of their first grandchild. Messages of congratulations poured in from around the world, and celebrations were held in cities and towns across the United Kingdom.
The birth of the Princess is seen as a sign of hope and renewal for the nation, which is still recovering from the aftermath of World War I. The Duke and Duchess of York are beloved by the people, and the birth of their daughter has only strengthened their popularity.
The Times extends its warmest congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of York on the birth of their daughter. We join the entire nation in wishing the Princess a long and happy life, and we look forward to seeing her grow and flourish as a member of the royal family.
The London Times: Royal Marriage 1947
- Title: Princess Elizabeth Weds Philip Mountbatten in Historic Ceremony
- Date: November 21, 1947
- Newspaper: The Times (London)
"Princess Elizabeth, heiress presumptive to the British throne, was married today to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten in a historic ceremony at Westminster Abbey. The marriage of the Princess, who is 21 years old, and the 26-year-old Lieutenant, a former Prince of Greece and Denmark, has been eagerly anticipated by the British people, who see it as a symbol of hope and renewal after the devastation of World War II.
The ceremony, which began at 11:30am, was attended by over 2,500 guests, including members of the royal family, foreign dignitaries, and representatives of the armed forces. The bride, wearing a magnificent ivory silk gown embroidered with pearls and sequins, was escorted down the aisle by her father, King George VI. The groom, dressed in his naval uniform, waited at the altar.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Geoffrey Fisher, officiated the ceremony, which included hymns, prayers, and the exchange of vows and rings. After the ceremony, the newlyweds made their way to Buckingham Palace in a carriage procession, cheered on by crowds of well-wishers lining the streets.
The wedding was celebrated with a reception at the palace, attended by over 2,000 guests, including representatives of the arts, sciences, and sports, as well as members of the royal family and foreign dignitaries. The newlyweds then departed on their honeymoon, which will take them to several destinations in the United Kingdom.
The marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant Mountbatten has been hailed as a new era for the British monarchy, and many believe that the couple's youth, energy, and dedication to public service will help to revitalize the nation after the hardships of the war. The Times extends its warmest congratulations to the royal couple and wishes them a long and happy life together.
Royal Succession Charts
Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom (1926-2022) Born: 21 April 1926 Died: 8 September 2022
| ||
Regnal titles | ||
---|---|---|
Preceded by George VI |
Queen of the United Kingdom 6 February 1952 – 8 September 2022 |
Succeeded by Charles III |
Queen of Australia 6 February 1952 – 8 September 2022 | ||
Queen of Canada 6 February 1952 – 8 September 2022 | ||
Queen of New Zealand 6 February 1952 – 8 September 2022 | ||
Queen of Ceylon 6 February 1952 – 22 May 1972 |
Republics established | |
Queen of Pakistan 6 February 1952 – 23 March 1956 | ||
Queen of South Africa 6 February 1952 – 31 May 1961 | ||
New title Independence from the United Kingdom
|
Queen of Ghana 6 March 1957 – 1 July 1960 | |
Queen of Nigeria 1 October 1960 – 1 October 1963 | ||
Queen of Sierra Leone 27 April 1961 – 19 April 1971 | ||
Queen of Tanganyika 9 December 1961 – 9 December 1962 | ||
Queen of Trinidad and Tobago 31 August 1962 – 1 August 1976 | ||
Queen of Uganda 9 October 1962 – 9 October 1963 | ||
Queen of Kenya 12 December 1963 – 12 December 1964 | ||
Queen of Malawi 6 July 1964 – 6 July 1966 | ||
Queen of Malta 21 September 1964 – 13 December 1974 | ||
Queen of the Gambia 18 February 1965 – 24 April 1970 | ||
Queen of Guyana 26 May 1966 – 23 February 1970 | ||
Queen of Barbados 30 November 1966 – 30 November 2021 | ||
Queen of Mauritius 12 March 1968 – 12 March 1992 | ||
Queen of Fiji 10 October 1970 – 6 October 1987 | ||
Queen of Jamaica 6 August 1962 – 8 September 2022 |
Succeeded by Charles III | |
Queen of the Bahamas 10 July 1973 – 8 September 2022 | ||
Queen of Grenada 7 February 1974 – 8 September 2022 | ||
New title Independence from Australia
|
Queen of Papua New Guinea 16 September 1975 – 8 September 2022 | |
New title Independence from the United Kingdom
|
Queen of the Solomon Islands 7 July 1978 – 8 September 2022 | |
Queen of Tuvalu 1 October 1978 – 8 September 2022 | ||
Queen of Saint Lucia 22 February 1979 – 8 September 2022 | ||
Queen of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 27 October 1979 – 8 September 2022 | ||
Queen of Belize 21 September 1981 – 8 September 2022 | ||
Queen of Antigua and Barbuda 1 November 1981 – 8 September 2022 | ||
Queen of Saint Kitts and Nevis 19 September 1983 – 8 September 2022 | ||
Honorary titles | ||
Preceded by George VI |
Head of the Commonwealth 6 February 1952 – 8 September 2022 |
Succeeded by Charles III |
Military offices | ||
Preceded by The Earl Jellicoe as First Lord of the Admiralty |
Lord High Admiral 1 April 1964 – 10 June 2011 |
Succeeded by The Duke of Edinburgh |
References
- ^ Brandreth 2004, pp. 132–139; Lacey 2002, pp. 124–125; Pimlott 2001, p. 86none
- ^ Bond 2006, p. 10; Brandreth 2004, pp. 132–136, 166–169; Lacey 2002, pp. 119, 126, 135none
- ^ Heald 2007, p. 77none
- ^ Edwards, Phil (31 October 2000). "The Real Prince Philip". Channel 4. http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/R/real_lives/prince_philip_t.html.
- ^ Crawford 1950, p. 180none
- ^ Template:Multiref
- ^ Heald 2007, p. xviiinone
- ^ Hoey 2002, pp. 55–56; Pimlott 2001, pp. 101, 137none
- ^
You must specify issue= and startpage= when using {{London Gazette}}. Available parameters: Template:London Gazette/doc/parameterlist
- ^ a b "60 Diamond Wedding anniversary facts". Royal Household. 18 November 2007. http://www.royal.gov.uk/LatestNewsandDiary/Factfiles/60diamondweddinganniversaryfacts.aspx.
- ^ Hoey 2002, p. 58; Pimlott 2001, pp. 133–134none
- ^ Hoey 2002, p. 59; Petropoulos 2006, p. 363none
- ^ Bradford 2012, p. 61none
- ^ Template:Multiref
- ^ Pimlott 2001, p. 163none
- ^ Brandreth 2004, pp. 226–238; Pimlott 2001, pp. 145, 159–163, 167none
- ^ "Queen's doctors concerned for her health – palace". BBC News. 8 September 2022. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62836057.
- ^ Davies, Caroline (8 September 2022). "Queen under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors' concerns". The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/08/queen-under-medical-supervision-at-balmoral-after-doctors-concerns.
- ^ "Queen under medical supervision as doctors are concerned for her health. Prince Charles, Camilla and Prince William are currently travelling to Balmoral, Clarence House and Kensington Palace said". Sky News. 8 September 2022. https://news.sky.com/story/queen-under-medical-supervision-as-doctors-are-concerned-for-her-health-12692805.
- ^ Shaw, Neil (8 September 2022). "Duke of York, Princess Anne and Prince Edward all called to Queen's side". Plymouth Live. https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/duke-york-princess-anne-prince-7562410.
- ^ a b Coughlan, Sean (29 September 2022). "Queen's cause of death given as 'old age' on death certificate" (in en-GB). BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-63078676.
- ^ Prynn, Jonathan (9 September 2022). "Queen died 'with Charles and Anne by side as other royals dashed to Balmoral'" (in en). https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/queen-died-charles-anne-with-her-balmoral-b1024527.html.
- ^ "Queen Elizabeth II has died". BBC News. 8 September 2022. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61585886.
- ^ Kottasová, Ivana; Picheta, Rob; Foster, Max; Said-Moorhouse, Lauren (8 September 2022). "Queen Elizabeth II dies at 96". CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/08/uk/queen-health-supervision-gbr-intl/index.html.
- ^ "Operation Unicorn: what happens after the Queen's death in Scotland?" (in en). The Guardian. 8 September 2022. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/08/operation-unicorn-plans-if-queen-dies-scotland.
- ^ ""Operation Unicorn", Not "London Bridge": The Codename For Queen's Death". NDTV.com. Agence France-Presse. 8 September 2022. https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/operation-unicorn-not-london-bridge-the-codename-for-queen-elizabeth-iis-death-in-scotland-3328664.
- ^ Silver, Christopher (13 September 2022). "Elizabeth, the last Queen of Scots?". Prospect. https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/elizabeth-the-last-queen-of-scots.
- ^ "Queen Elizabeth died of 'old age', death certificate says" (in en). 29 September 2022. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/29/queen-elizabeth-died-of-old-age-death-certificate-says.
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Footnotes (including sources)
‡ General |
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