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Who is Queen Elizabeth II?

A Kaminsky
A Kaminsky

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, of the House of Windsor-Mountbatten, is more popularly known as England's Queen Elizabeth II. As the second queen regnant of the name, she carries the "II" after her name. Queen regnants have been few and far between in English history, so Queen Elizabeth II is a member of an elite group.

Born 21 April 1926, Queen Elizabeth II, known as "Lilibet," was the daughter of Prince Albert, Duke of York, and the Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. No one in the family dreamed Lilibet would one day rule her country as queen.

Queen Elizabeth II grew up in the 1930s and 1940s, and much of her childhood was overshadowed by World War II.
Queen Elizabeth II grew up in the 1930s and 1940s, and much of her childhood was overshadowed by World War II.

Elizabeth and her younger sister, Margaret, grew up in Picadilly with their parents. They lived quiet lives, since their father was not fond of the spotlight. However, in 1936, King George V died and Albert's older brother ascended the throne as King Edward VIII.

Edward had a small problem, however. He was deeply in love with an American woman named Wallis Warfield Simpson. Mrs. Simpson had two living ex-husbands in an age where divorce was infrequent, and frowned upon, and was not considered at all suitable for the wife of England's king. Rather than end the relationship, Edward abdicated the throne in favor of his younger brother, Albert. Albert was a reluctant king, but was crowned George VI on 12 May 1937. The moment the crown touched his head, his older daughter, Elizabeth, became the heiress presumptive.

Princess Elizabeth grew up in the 1930s and 1940s, and much of her childhood was overshadowed by World War II. But, in 1945, she insisted on joining the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service and was trained as a driver.

Queen Elizabeth II is the figurehead ruler of the United Kingdom.
Queen Elizabeth II is the figurehead ruler of the United Kingdom.

After World War II ended, Princess Elizabeth's thoughts turned to romance. She had known the young Royal Navy Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten since age 13, and they fell in love and were married 20 November 1947. Two of their children, Charles, Prince of Wales, and Anne, Princess Royal, were born before she ascended to the throne in 1952, after her father's death. Queen Elizabeth II was crowned 2 June 1953. She had two more children, Andrew, Duke of York and Edward, Earl of Essex.

Queen Elizabeth II has always traveled a great deal within her country's borders and internationally during her reign. She has made the face of the British royal family a public one. Her dedication to her duty has gained her the admiration of even her most heated enemies. No one could possibly accuse Queen Elizabeth II of ever shirking what she felt she had to do.

Discussion Comments

anon171535

Nope. Look, I am a U.. citizen and I make my share of snarky cracks about hereditary royalty, but Queen Elizabeth had no real choice but to go into the family business. She could have made a real mess of it but instead, she did the job, which really appears quite tedious, offers little privacy and requires being brave and upbeat no matter what.

She does her part with a good deal of grace. I believe she will be well-remembered.

Now, if only someone could convince Charles to pre-abdicate in favor of his eldest son.

cakes18

As a Brit (and a reluctant Royalist) I must say that I hope this post is correct in the prediction of Elizabeth the II being remembered as a good Queen.

Outside of the UK, though I feel her and the monarchy are seen as a bit of a joke. Most of my friends from the U.S are always quick to jump on this kind of gag; would anyone else agree?

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    • Queen Elizabeth II grew up in the 1930s and 1940s, and much of her childhood was overshadowed by World War II.
      By: Sergey Kamshylin
      Queen Elizabeth II grew up in the 1930s and 1940s, and much of her childhood was overshadowed by World War II.
    • Queen Elizabeth II is the figurehead ruler of the United Kingdom.
      By: kameonline
      Queen Elizabeth II is the figurehead ruler of the United Kingdom.