1979- Margaret Thatcher becomes first woman Prime Minister. 1980- Rhodesia gains independence as Zimbabwe. 1981- Prince Charles marries Lady Diana Spencer. 1982- Britain goes to war with Argentina over control of the Falkland Islands. 1990- Rioters in London protest against the Poll Tax.
Gulf War threatens Middle East relations.
1992- Windsor Castle damaged by fire. The Queen agrees to pay tax on private income. The Queen visits Russia. The Queen visits South Africa. Background The Queen was born in London on 21 April 1926, the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York, subsequently King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.