Queen Elizabeth II - Biography - IMDb Queen Elizabeth II Biography Showing all 76 items Jump to: Overview (4) | Mini Bio (1) | Spouse (1) | Trade Mark (2) | Trivia (50) | Personal Quotes (18) Overview (4) Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor (Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary of York) Nicknames 5' 4" (1.63 m) Mini Bio (1) Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born on April 21, 1926, in London England to the second son of George V -- Albert, Duke of York and the Duchess of York, the former Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. Her sister Princess Margaret was born 4 years later. In 1936, when she was 10, her uncle, King Edward VIII (aka Duke of Windsor ), caused a stir by abdicating the throne to marry a twice-divorced American named Wallis Warfield Simpson. His brother Albert was next in line to the throne, and he became George VI in honor of his father.

She therefore became the Heiress Presumptive, meaning she would become Queen only if her parents did not have a son -- who would be king before her. At the age of 13, she met 18-year-old Prince Philip , her distant cousin. As her grandmother Queen Mary put it with more detail, they were third cousins through their descent from Queen Victoria (they are both great-great grandchildren of hers) second cousins once removed through their descent from King Christian IX of Denmark (her great-grandmother was Christian's daughter, his father was a descendant of his) and fourth cousins through their descent from George III (both of them being descendants of Queen Victoria -- she was his granddaughter). They fell in love and wanted to get married, but her father wanted to make sure it was real and not just because this was the first person she loved. Before they got married, he renounced his royal title as a Prince of Greece and Denmark, became a British subject, and adopted the surname of his uncle Louis Mountbatten . He was named Duke of Edinburgh shortly before they got married but was not made a Prince of the United Kingdom until 1957. They got married on November 20, 1947.

One year later, they had a son, Charles Philip Arthur George. In 1950, they had Anne Elizabeth Alice; in 1960, Prince Andrew; and in 1964, Prince Edward. When they were in Kenya in 1952, they found out that her father had died of lung cancer so they returned as Queen and Consort. It was a busy time and got even busier. They worked at public engagements and, starting in the late 1970s, became grandparents. Anne had a son name Peter in 1977 and then a daughter named Zara in 1981 with her husband Captain Mark Phillips. Charles had William in 1982 and Henry in 1984 with his wife Diana. Andrew had Beatrice in 1988 and Eugenie in 1990 with his wife Sarah Ferguson. On November 20, 1997, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their family and also celebrated the fact that Windsor Castle was reconstructed after a fire in 1992.

- IMDb Mini Biography By: Anonymous Spouse (1) ( 20 November 1947 - present) (4 children) Trade Mark (2) Dress suit, big hat, boxy handbag Corgi dogs Trivia (50) Ascended British and Commonwealth thrones on February 6th, 1952. Was crowned in Westminster Abbey in London on June 2, 1953. This coronation became the first major international television broadcast. Son, Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, born Nov. 14, 1948. Son, Prince Andrew Albert Christian Edward, born Feb. 19, 1960. Son, Prince Edward Antony Richard Louis, (aka Edward Wessex ) born March 10, 1964. Daughter, Princess Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise, born Aug. 15, 1950. Daughter of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and King George VI . Owns one of the world's largest private collections of postage stamps. She formally approves all government legislation, though she does this on the advice of the Prime Minister. It would create a massive crisis if she did not approve a piece of legislation.

She enjoys watching horse-racing, "Doctor Who" and the British comedy Last of the Summer Wine (1973) . She has owned over 30 corgis over the years, and her four current dogs are named Pharos, Swift, Emma, and Linnet (as of February 2002). First cousin of the Duke of Gloucester . Earned her nickname "Lillibet" as a child, when she could not pronounce her name. Great-granddaughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra . Not including the United Kingdom, she is Queen of over a dozen countries, including Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Since she does not live in those countries, though she visits often, much of her duties are performed by a Governor General who she appoints on the advice of the Prime Minister of the country in question. It is important to note that neither the sovereign nor the Governors General, have had any hand in governing these countries since the 1930s, and their roles are purely ceremonial. She owns the world's finest Pink Diamond, It forms the Centre of a flower brooch and weights 54.50 carats.

Although most of the "Crown Jewels" are owned by the state, the British Royal Family do own one of the most valuable collection of jewels in the world, containing some of the worlds largest diamonds, Emeralds, Sapphires, and Rubies. Time Magazine's "Man (or Person) of the Year" (1953) Learnt to drive in 1945 when she joined the Army. Is fluent in French. Has sat for 139 official portraits to date. Has visited the sets of Britain's most popular soap operas Coronation Street (1960), EastEnders (1985) and Emmerdale (1972). Has received over 3 million items of correspondence during her reign. Has never held a drivers license, despite driving an ambulance in WWII. She does, however, drive on her lands. The 2009 Sunday Times List estimated her net worth at $442 million. Her Majesty became Queen in a tree house. At the time of her father's death she was staying at the Treetops Hotel.

It is literally built into the tops of the trees of the Aberdares National Park as a tree house, offering the guests a close view of the local wildlife in complete safety. It was there that, uniquely, she "went up a Princess and came down a Queen". She was the first British monarch since the Act of Union in 1801 to be outside the country at the moment of succession, and also the first in modern times not to know the exact time of her accession (because her father, George VI, had died in his sleep at an unknown time); it fell to Prince Philip to tell her. The night of the King's death, Sir Horace Hearne, then Chief Justice of Kenya, escorted The Princess Elizabeth, as she then was, to a state dinner at the Treetops Hotel. Upon finding out that she was now Queen, she returned immediately to Britain. Has 8 grandchildren:Prince William Arthur Philip Louis (b. 21 June 1982), and Prince Henry Charles Albert David (b. 15 September 1984, Prince Charles' sons), Peter Mark Andrew Phillips (b. 15 November 1977) and Zara Anne Elizabeth Phillips (b.

15 May 1981, Princess Anne's children), Princess Beatrice Elizabeth Mary (b. 8 August 1988) and Princess Eugenie Victoria Helena (b. 23 March 1990, Prince Andrew's daughters), Lady Louise Alice Elizabeth Mary (b. 8 November 2003) and James Alexander Philip Theo, Viscount Severn (b. 17 December 2007, Prince Edward's children). Cousin of Lady Elizabeth Anson . Her favourite Royal residence is Windsor Castle. Likes tea, with milk and no sugar every morning. Harry's graduation was the first time in 15 years she presented the ceremony. Ascended the throne when she was 25. May 4-8. Her Majesty stayed in Jamestown, Virginia to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the colonizing of Jamestown. [May 2007] On the 9th of September 2007 there was much news coverage of Queen Elizabeth II attending the Opening of the Welsh Assembly. Unfortunately, unintentional humor resulted when some broadcasters used the common abbreviation of the word Assembly.

Her Coronation in 1953 was watched by a 13-year old David Jason ; she later knighted him during her birthday honors on December 1st, 2005. According to Jason, she never tells anyone to 'arise' once they've been knighted - it's an urban myth and not part of the ceremony. Later, she told Jason he had been in the business a long time, and he asked if he had ever done anything to offend her. She laughed and said no. She is one of the six surviving people mentioned by name in the 1989 Billy Joel song "We Didn't Start the Fire". The other five are Doris Day , Brigitte Bardot , Chubby Checker , Bob Dylan and Bernard Goetz . On September 9, 2015, she surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria as the longest-reigning monarch in British history. During her long illustrious reign, the Queen has met all but one of the last twelve US Presidents, Lyndon Johnson being the exception. In chronological order she has met, Harry S. Truman (Canadian Embassy Washington 1951), Dwight D. Eisenhower (St.

Lawrence Seaway opening 1959), John F. Kennedy (London 1961), Richard Nixon (UK 1970), Gerald Ford (White House 1976), Jimmy Carter (Buckingham Palace 1977), Ronald Reagan (UK 1982), George Bush (Washington 1991), Bill Clinton (Buckingham Palace 2000), George W. Bush (White House 2007), Barack Obama (London 2016). She also met former US President Herbert Hoover more than 20 years after he left office (New York City 1957). The Marriage of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Prince Philip is compelled "to walk 'two steps behind' his wife." Born: Queen Elizabeth II aka Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor: April 21, 1926 in London, England. Prince Philip (Philippos) Mountbatten: June 10, 1921 at Villa Mon Repos on the island of Corfu, Greece. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are very distant cousins since both can claim Queen Victoria as great-great-grandmother.

continue reading below our video 7 Tips for a Harmonious Divorce How Elizabeth and Philip Met: Philip and Elizabeth met in 1934 when Elizabeth was 13 years old at the wedding of Philip's cousin, Princess Marina of Greece. It was love at first sight for Elizabeth and she started writing letters to Philip. The first photograph of the couple together was taken in 1939. They became secretly engaged in 1946. Because of her age, her family at first opposed her marriage to Philip, but relented. Their engagement was officially announced on July 9, 1947. Her platinum engagement ring had a large square diamond with smaller diamonds on either side. The diamonds came from Philip's mother's tiara. Wedding Date and Information: Elizabeth and Philip were married on November 20, 1947 at Westminster Abbey in London, England. They had eight bridesmaids and two kilted page boys. The wedding ceremony was officiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Geoffrey Fisher and the Archbishop of York, Cyril Garbett. The 2000 guests at the wedding included many royals, Noel Coward, Beatrice Lillie.

Wedding Reception: After the wedding, a lunch was held in the Ball supper-room at Buckingham Palace. Favours for the guests were individual posies of myrtle and white Balmoral heather. The nine-foot high, four-tier wedding cake, was made with ingredients given by Australian Girl Guides. The wedding cake was cut using The Duke's Mountbatten sword. After the wedding, pieces of cake were given to schoolchildren and institutions. The couple received over 2,500 wedding presents from around the world and around 10,000 telegrams of congratulations. Wedding Attire: Elizabeth wore her grandmother's tiara and a beautifully designed wedding dress. In order to be able to purchase the material for her wedding dress, Elizabeth saved up ration cards. "Made of ivory duchesse satin woven from silk from Chinese silkworms at Lullingstone Castle, the dress was decorated with 10,000 white seed pearls, imported from America, silver thread, sparkling crystal and transparent appliqué tulle embroidery. Attached at the shoulders was a 15-foot star-patterned full court train, embroidered in pearl, crystal and appliqué duchesse satin.

The ensemble was completed by a silk tulle veil held in place by a diamond fringe tiara, lent to the bride by her mother as 'something borrowed', and ivory duchesse satin high-heeled sandals, trimmed with silver and seed pearl buckles." "The Worshipful Company of Gardeners provided the Princess's bouquet, made of white orchids with a sprig of myrtle from the bush grown from the original myrtle in Queen Victoria's wedding bouquet." More on Prince Charles' Marriages Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise Mountbatten-Windsor: Born August 15, 1950 at Clarence House in London, England. She was married to Mark Phillips from November 14, 1973 to April 21, 1992. Mark and Anne have two children, Peter Phillips and Zara Phillips. On December 12, 1992, Anne married Timothy Laurence, a Royal Navy commander. Anne was elected Chancellor of the University of London in 1981. Andrew Albert Christian Edward Mountbatten-Windsor: Born February 19, 1960 in Buckingham Palace, London, England. Andrew served in the RAF as a helicopter pilot.

Andrew married Sarah Ferguson on July 23, 1986. They had two daughters together, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Andrew and Sarah divorced on May 30, 1996. Edward Mountbatten-Windsor: Born March 10, 1964 in Buckingham Palace, London, England. Edward served in the Royal Marines and has been involved in theatre and television production. On June 19, 1999, Edward married Sophie Rhys-Jones. They have a daughter, Lady Louise Windsor and a son, James, Viscount Severn. Residences: The Queen considers Windsor Castle to be her home, though Buckingham Palace is another official residence. Visitors can tour Kensington Palace for a better understanding of royal life. Quotes: Queen Elizabeth about Prince Philip: "He is someone who doesn't take easily to compliments. But he has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I and his whole family, in this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim or we shall ever know." Source: William Shawcross, Queen and Country: The Fifty-Year Regin of Elizabeth II, page 216.

William Shawcross: "In fact the marriage prospered. A friend recalls that one evening the Queen was looking ravishing after a formal dinner. Prince Philip smiled at her and said, 'You look good enough to eat.' She blushed with pleasure." Source: William Shawcross, Queen and Country: The Fifty-Year Regin of Elizabeth II, page 148. BBC - iWonder - Queen Elizabeth II: Britain’s longest reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth II: Britain’s longest reigning monarch 21 April 1926 Presented byProfessor Kate WilliamsRoyal historian Constant Queen As the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has seen Britain change dramatically over the years. Yet she has remained a constant presence in the lives of the people of the UK and Commonwealth. Duty and family are very important to her. As a child during the Second World War she inspired the nation. The lessons she learned during these formative years helped her ensure the Royal Family remains a symbol of tradition in the 21st Century. 21 April 1926 You need to have JavaScript enabled to view this clip. Andrew Marr discusses Princess Elizabeth's family and early life. The Diamond Queen (BBC One, 2012).

Princess Elizabeth was born in 1926. Her father Albert – Bertie to family – was George V's second eldest son and did not expect one day to be king. Elizabeth's mother and father took their royal duties seriously. Though loving parents, they kept with the tradition of not taking their children on royal tours. They left the baby Elizabeth behind when they embarked on a six-month tour of Australia. It was duty first for the young Royal Family. [She’s] a character. She has an air of authority and reflectiveness astonishing in an infant. Winston Churchill, 1928 A growing family Princess Elizabeth and her mother, Queen Elizabeth, with baby Princess Margaret. Elizabeth was four when her sister Margaret was born. The family lived at 145 Piccadilly and the two girls were educated at home. The young Princess Elizabeth – called Lilibet by her family – often visited her grandfather King George V at his home, Buckingham Palace. They were close, and on one occasion the press attributed George's recovery from a serious illness to spirit-raising visits from his young granddaughter. [she’s] a jolly little girl, but fundamentally sensible and well-behaved.

Margaret Rhodes, Elizabeth’s cousin 1936 The Year of Three Kings You need to have JavaScript enabled to view this clip. Andrew Marr explains how Princess Elizabeth became heir to the throne in 1936. The Diamond Queen (BBC One, 2012). Elizabeth's life changed forever when King George V died to be succeeded to the throne by her uncle Edward who then abdicated shortly afterwards. Elizabeth's father became King George VI, and the young princess first in line to the throne. The family had to move from their home in Piccadilly to Buckingham Palace. George V had disapproved of his eldest son Edward, and hoped that Elizabeth would one day be Queen. George VI has been described as a reluctant king. The day before he accepted the throne he wrote in his diary "I broke down and sobbed like a child." I pray to God that my eldest son [Edward] will never marry and have children, and that nothing will come between Bertie and Lilibet and the throne. King George V confiding to a courtier in 1935. 13 October 1940 Elizabeth's broadcast to the children You need to have JavaScript enabled to view this clip.

Princess Elizabeth delivers her first radio speech at age 14. BBC Radio (1940). During World War Two Princess Elizabeth did her part to boost public morale. In 1940 she made a broadcast to Britain's children. Taking on solemn duties at an early age had a profound effect on her. She made public appearances on her own, representing her father the King. She also served in the auxiliary territorial service, a role she was keen to take up in order to make a contribution to the war effort. During the war years she was also in correspondence with a young naval officer, Philip of Denmark and Greece. Celebrating VE Day amongst the people Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret mingled anonymously with crowds outside Buckingham Palace. On the day the war ended in Europe, Elizabeth and her sister Margaret mingled anonymously with the crowds outside the palace. Elizabeth convinced her parents to let her and Margaret join the VE day celebrations. Elizabeth was wary of being recognised but later said it was one of the most memorable nights of her life. This was a rare moment when she was able to join the public – her subjects to be – which would eventually be impossible for her.

World War Two cemented cemented two principles the Queen would support for the rest of her reign: a commitment to the Commonwealth, and the importance of remembrance. I remember lines of unknown people linking arms and walking down Whitehall, all of us just swept along on a tide of happiness and relief. Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting on VE day in a BBC interview in 1985 1947 Elizabeth's first tour abroad Princess Elizabeth playing deck games on board a Royal Navy ship. On her 21st birthday Elizabeth went on an official tour of South Africa, delivering a speech dedicating herself to the service of the Commonwealth. Elizabeth's father King George VI was suffering from poor health. Elizabeth continued to take on royal duties, and over the next few years she played a greater public role as her father's health declined. She had her own private secretary and was given access to Foreign Office telegrams, which arrived in boxes dedicated to her and read daily parliamentary reports. I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to … the service of our great imperial family.

Princess Elizabeth in her speech in South Africa, 1947 20 November 1947 A royal wedding You need to have JavaScript enabled to view this clip. The Queen marries Prince Philip in Westminster Abbey. How Princess Elizabeth met her Prince (BBC One, 2006). Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten were married at Westminster Abbey on 20 November 1947. She wore a dress she'd paid for with ration tokens. Although Elizabeth and Philip were in love, the young princess’s husband was a controversial choice. He was foreign born, with no financial standing and no kingdom. He had sisters married to Nazis, who were not invited to the wedding. Philip gave up his Greek and Danish titles and changed his religion to marry Elizabeth. Now married for over 65 years, the Queen has had the longest marriage of any UK monarch. [The wedding is] a flash of colour on the hard road we have to travel. Winston Churchill, responding to suggestions that the postwar wedding should be austere. 1948 Elizabeth becomes Queen You need to have JavaScript enabled to view this clip. The broadcast made by the BBC on the King's death.

An Unforgettable Coronation (BBC One, 2003). King George VI had been in poor health for years. For some time Elizabeth's secretary had been carrying accession papers for use when the King died. The King passed away while Elizabeth was touring Kenya. The young princess became Queen while visiting a treetop hotel. One of her aides told Prince Philip the news. Philip looked "as if the world had been dropped on him." Philip then told the new Queen of her father's death. The next day Elizabeth requested no photographs be taken, though one journalist said he could feel her sadness as she passed and waved to them. International stateswoman You need to have JavaScript enabled to view this clip. 20 years after World War Two, the Queen pledged support for West Berlin and received rapturous applause. The Queen in Germany (BBC One, 2006). By 1965, the Queen had reigned for over a decade and made frequent overseas visits. She had also given birth to two further sons: Edward and Andrew. At home and abroad, the Queen had to maintain political neutrality, but she was making her own mark on the role of monarch.

She made a number of historic visits, including the first to Berlin of a British monarch since before World War One. She also delivered a speech at the United Nations in New York, representing the UK and the Commonwealth. Ensuring the unity of the Commonwealth has been an enduring passion for her. God save the Queen, she ain’t no human being. God Save the Queen, the Sex Pistols 1981 Queen under threat The Queen, riding side saddle on her horse Burmese during Trooping the Colour, moments before the attack. A man fired six shots at the Queen while she was riding down The Mall. The shots turned out to be blanks. Though shaken, the Queen retained control over her horse. The man, Marcus Serjeant, was tried and sentenced to five years in prison under the treason act. This attack came the month before Charles and Diana's wedding, so royal security was stepped up in preparation. The following year, another man broke into the Queen's bedroom in a startling breach of security at Buckingham Palace. She has indeed 'the heart and stomach of a man'... She loves her duty and means to be a Queen.

Harold MacMillan, prime minister 1957-63 Around this time… Elizabeth's annus horribilis You need to have JavaScript enabled to view this clip. Andrew Marr looks at the events that made 1992 a bad year for the Queen. The Queen at 80 (BBC One, 2006). The Queen called 1992 her Annus horribilis ‒ horrible year ‒ in a speech made after a series of unpleasant events. The marriages of two of her children, Princess Anne and Prince Andrew, broke down. A best-selling book was published detailing Princess Diana's unhappiness and collapsing marriage. There was also a large and damaging fire at Windsor Castle, the Queen’s private home. Public support for the Royal Family dipped, though the Queen remained dignified and constant figure. Princess Diana dies You need to have JavaScript enabled to view this clip. John Simpson reports on the return of the Queen to Buckingham Palace after Diana's death. BBC News (BBC One, 1997). Princess Diana died in an accident in 1997. Amid the mourning, the Queen faced a critical dilemma. Initially, the Royal Family grieved privately.

However, the public reaction to Diana's death led to accusations the Queen was unresponsive and out of touch with the public mood. A Daily Express headline declared, ‘Show Us You Care.’ That evening, the Queen made a broadcast paying tribute to Diana as an "exceptional and gifted human being". The swell of anger had shocked the Queen and she admitted there were "lessons to be drawn from her life and the extraordinary public reaction to her death". Death of her mother and sister You need to have JavaScript enabled to view this clip. Golden Jubilee party at the Palace. The Royal Year with Jennie Bond (BBC One, 2002). Fifty years after her father's death, both the Queen's mother and sister died within two months of each other. However, popular support for the Queen was increasing after the difficult 1990s. Throughout her reign, the Queen represented continuity and surety, though she accepted the monarchy must attempt to renew itself. She undertook a 40,000-mile tour of the Commonwealth. She said her own "association with the Commonwealth has taught me that the most important contact between nations is usually contact between its peoples." Change has become a constant, managing it has become an expanding discipline.

Queen Elizabeth II, Golden Jubilee speech to the Houses of Parliament, 2002 2012 The Olympics and a Diamond Jubilee You need to have JavaScript enabled to view this clip. Andrew Marr summarises the Queen's Diamond year. A Diamond Queen (BBC One, 2012). In a year of celebration the Queen joined the Olympic opening ceremony, appearing in a James Bond spoof in her first acting role. In the same year she celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, only the second achieved by a British monarch. She did not travel the world for this celebration. Instead her children and grandchildren made trips on her behalf. The Queen chose to tour the UK over several months. In 2012 her approval rating hit 90% – the highest it had been since she came to the throne in 1952. Elizabeth II becomes Britain’s longest reigning monarch The Queen attending a ceremony for ANZAC day at the cenotaph in 2015. On 9 September 2015 Elizabeth II overtook Victoria to become Britain’s longest reigning monarch.

By this point she had been Queen to twelve Prime Ministers, and still met David Cameron weekly to receive reports on his government and to offer her counsel and advice. In 2013, the law was changed so the monarch’s eldest born child has the right to the throne, rather than the eldest boy. It is fitting that this occurred during the rule of Elizabeth II, our longest reigning and perhaps most successful monarch in history. Elizabeth II Biography - life, family, children, death, history, wife, young, information, born, marriage, time Elizabeth II Biography London, England English queen Elizabeth II became queen of the United Kingdom upon the death of her father, George VI (1895–1952), in 1952. A popular queen, she is respected for her knowledge of and participation in state affairs. In addition, Elizabeth II has started new trends toward modernization and openness in the royal family. Her efforts have not been unsuccessful. Early life Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, in London, England, the oldest child of the Duke of York and his wife, Elizabeth.

Her father became King George VI of Great Britain and Ireland in 1936 when his older brother Edward VIII (1894–1972) gave up the throne. Along with her younger sister, Margaret, Elizabeth was educated at home by private tutors. She particularly liked history, languages, and music. She later took an interest in national affairs. As a teenager Elizabeth began to make her first public appearances. She married Philip Mountbatten in November 1947, and they had four children—Prince Charles (1948–), Princess Anne (1950–), Prince Andrew (1960–), and Prince Edward (1964–). The new queen After Elizabeth became queen in 1952, she tried in her own way to make the British monarchy more modern and more sensitive to the public. She began hosting informal luncheons at Buckingham Palace (the London residence of the queen) to which a variety of people from fields such as industry, theater, and sports were invited. The attendees of her garden parties became increasingly diverse.

She showed interest and skill in use of the broadcast media, notably in her annual Christmas television messages, in royally approved documentaries, and in television broadcasts of events such as Prince Charles's naming ceremony as Prince of Wales and royal weddings. Perhaps the most popular of Elizabeth's attempts was the "walkabout," in which she met, shook hands, and chatted with ordinary people in the crowds that gathered around her. These strolls revealed her belief that "I have to be seen to be believed." A popular traveler At least part of Elizabeth's popularity could be attributed to her worldwide travels. Her engaging and gracious attitude during these travels contributed to the warmth and enthusiasm of the receptions that greeted her. Between 1970 and 1985 she had an amazingly full schedule. She visited France in the spring of 1972, attended the Commonwealth Conference in Ottawa in 1973, and took part in the United States celebrations of the two-hundredth anniversary of American independence from England. She then headed north to Montreal to open the 1976 Summer Olympics. She also traveled some fifty-six thousand miles as part of her 1977 Silver Jubilee celebrations, which marked her twenty-fifth year as queen.

In 1979 she traveled to Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. In April 1982 Elizabeth made an important visit to Ottawa, Canada, where she proclaimed the New Canadian constitution, which cut the last legal links between the United Kingdom and Canada. In March 1984 she visited Jamaica, Grand Cayman Island, Mexico, California, and British Columbia, Canada. While in California, her first trip to the west coast of North America, she made some twenty public appearances, including a visit with Prince Philip to President Ronald Reagan's (1911–) Santa Barbara ranch and to Yosemite National Park. She went to North America again in 1984, visiting Canada for the fourteenth time and afterward the United States. Happy events Amid all the travels, Elizabeth celebrated many joyous personal events. On November 20, 1972, the queen and Prince Philip celebrated their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. One hundred couples from all over Britain who had the same anniversary date were invited to share in the occasion. On November 14, 1973, Princess Anne married Mark Philips and later had two children: Peter and Zara.

Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer on July 29, 1981, and had two sons, Prince William and Prince Henry. Prince Andrew (made Duke of York) married Sarah Ferguson on July 23, 1986, and they had two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Perhaps the happiest event was Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee in 1977. Countless sports events, festivals, carnivals, races, concerts, commemorative stamps, and other activities marked an outpouring of devotion to the queen and to the royal family as an institution. On May 4, 1977, both Houses of Parliament presented loyal addresses to Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall. At St. Paul's Cathedral in June the queen and her family celebrated a Thanksgiving service.

The queen indicated her concern for her subjects by voicing her desire that the Silver Jubilee year be a special time "for people who find themselves the victims of human conflict." She traveled widely to meet her subjects during the year, and established the Silver Jubilee Trust Fund, headed by the Prince of Wales, which was designed "to help the young to help others." Elizabeth Longford, one of Queen Elizabeth's biographers, has suggested that it was only after the jubilee, when she was able to see the loyalty and respect her subjects demonstrated, that she realized her possibilities as a monarch. She became more confident, more open, and more ready to reveal her sense of humor, strong common sense, great energy, and personal character. Troubles on the horizon However, in the late 1980s, Elizabeth grew concerned over the state and the future of the royal family. The British press increasingly reported the problems in her children's marriages. It appeared to many that Prince Charles was not interested in succeeding to the throne. There were rumors that Elizabeth II would hand over the throne to her grandson, Prince William. Her troubles seemed to peak in 1992, and she herself called it a horrible year.

The twenty-year marriage of Princess Anne ended in divorce. Prince Charles and Prince Andrew officially separated from their wives. On the night of November 20, fire badly damaged a good section of Windsor Castle (one of Queen Elizabeth's official residences). A public outcry immediately arose when it was announced that the castle's restoration would be paid for with taxpayers' money. The British people felt that the queen, who enjoyed a tax-exempt (not taxed) income in the millions, should pay for the restoration. Two days later, Buckingham Elizabeth II. AP/Wide World Photos . Palace announced that the queen and her family would no longer be exempt from taxation. This announcement was seen as a gesture of political smarts and goodwill. The year ended on a happier note, as Princess Anne remarried on December 12. In 1995 Elizabeth wrote a letter to Prince Charles and Princess Diana urging them to divorce, prompted by separate television interviews where they discussed their unhappy fourteen-year marriage. They were divorced in 1996, as were Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. Despite these very public family problems, Elizabeth generally remained popular. Her resolve was tested, however, after the August 1997 death of her former daughter-in-law, Princess Diana.

Some Britons lashed out at the queen for "being too bound up by protocol [the expected conduct of a king or queen]." Surprised by the criticism, she broke tradition and addressed the nation in a live broadcast the day before the funeral, paying tribute to Diana. This gesture was seen as significant, as the queen usually addressed the nation only on Christmas Day. This was only the second exception to that rule in her forty-five-year reign. An energetic queen In spite of problems and public stresses, Elizabeth refuses to slow down. She continues to enjoy time with her family, country life, horse-breeding, and horse-racing. Likewise, Elizabeth continues to practice her royal duties. The queen, as head of state, maintains close contact with the prime minister, with whom she meets weekly. She also receives important foreign office telegrams and a daily summary of events in Parliament. She hosts both British and foreign leaders and receives other notable visitors from overseas. Elizabeth also heads the navy, army, and air force of Great Britain. In addition, she succeeded her father as colonel in chief of all the Guards Regiments and the Corps of Royal Engineers, as well as captain-general of the Royal Regiment of Artillery and the Honorable Artillery Company.

She is president or financial supporter of more than seven hundred organizations. In 1998 some of her many activities included officially opening the new British Library in London, unveiling a statue of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill (1874–1965) in Paris, meeting with former Far East prisoners of war, and conducting state visits to Brunei and Malaysia. The year 2002 marked the fiftieth anniversary of Elizabeth II's rise to the throne. On February 6 in that year, she delivered her Golden Jubilee message to the United Kingdom. Elizabeth II is only the fifth monarch to celebrate a Golden Jubilee. For More Information BBC - History - Elizabeth II's wedding (pictures, video, facts & news) Elizabeth II's wedding Elizabeth II's wedding 20 November 1947 Princess Elizabeth's wedding to Philip Mountbatten took place at Westminster Abbey and was broadcast to 200 million radio listeners around the world. After the ceremony, the pair waved to large crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Photo: Princess Elizabeth leaves Westminster Abbey in London, with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, after their wedding ceremony, 20 November 1947.

(Press Association) Introduction Highlights from the Queen's wedding to the Duke of Edinburgh. Includes Pathe footage. Highlights from the Queen's wedding to the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey, London. Includes Pathe footage. This event features in: More information about: Elizabeth II's wedding How they met Princess Elizabeth, born 21 April 1926, was the first child of Albert, Duke of York, and his wife, formerly Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. The abdication of her uncle, Edward VIII, in December 1936 meant her father became king and she became heir. Elizabeth was educated at home. In 1940, she and her sister Margaret were evacuated to Windsor Castle to escape the Blitz. Their parents remained at London's Buckingham Palace - a promise made to the nation at the start of World War II. Philip Mountbatten was born 10 June 1921 on the Greek island of Corfu, the youngest child and only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Princess Alice of Battenberg. His early years were spent in France, but he came to England in 1928.

He attended Gordonstoun boarding school in Scotland, after which he joined the Royal Navy and saw active service in WWII. Elizabeth and Philip were distant cousins, and first met at a wedding in 1934. After meeting again in 1939, they began to exchange letters. The pair became secretly engaged in 1946, but the formal engagement was delayed until Elizabeth turned 21 in April 1947. The wedding day Elizabeth and Philip were married at Westminster Abbey on 20 November 1947, in front of 2,000 invited guests. The ceremony was broadcast on radio, to 200 million listeners worldwide. The wedding dress was designed by Norman Hartnell - a duchesse satin bridal gown with motifs of star lilies and orange blossoms. Princess Elizabeth had to use ration coupons to obtain the material. More than 2,500 wedding presents arrived from around the world, and 10,000 telegrams of congratulations. The couple went to Buckingham Palace after the ceremony where they waved from the balcony to large crowds. They spent their wedding night in Broadlands, Hampshire, the home of Philip's uncle, Earl Mountbatten.

The rest of their honeymoon was spent at Birkhall on the Balmoral Estate. Life after the wedding The couple's first child, Prince Charles, was born in 1948 and Princess Anne arrived in 1950. In February 1952, King George VI died and Elizabeth, his daughter, immediately became Queen. In June 1953, her coronation was held at Westminster Abbey, televised by the BBC to a worldwide audience of millions. Prince Andrew was born in 1960, and four years later came Prince Edward. For decades, the Queen has been performing public duties including ceremonies, receptions and visits. She has also supported numerous charities, and encouraged public and voluntary service. Weekly audiences with prime ministers have been held throughout her reign. The Duke of Edinburgh abandoned his Royal Navy ambitions in order to take on more public duties and support the Queen. In 1956 he launched the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Prince Philip has earned a reputation for speaking his mind, which has sometimes landed him in trouble. Prince William said in 2004 that his grandfather "will tell me something I don't want to hear and doesn't care if I get upset about it.

He knows it is the right thing to say". In 2007 the Queen became the first British monarch to celebrate a diamond wedding anniversary. 'Modern Elizabethan Era': Britain celebrates Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday FacebookEmail Twitter Google+ LinkedIn Pinterest 'Modern Elizabethan Era': Britain celebrates Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday Thousands of people turned out to wish Queen Elizabeth II a happy 90th birthday Thursday, as she became the first British monarch to reach that grand age. Post to Facebook 'Modern Elizabethan Era': Britain celebrates Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday Thousands of people turned out to wish Queen Elizabeth II a happy 90th birthday Thursday, as she became the first British monarch to reach that grand age. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: CancelSend A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Join the Nation's Conversation To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs 'Modern Elizabethan Era': Britain celebrates Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday Jane Onyanga-Omara , USA TODAY Published 1:04 p.m.

ET April 21, 2016 | Updated 4:41 p.m. ET April 21, 2016 CLOSE x Share Queen Elizabeth II is one of the longest reigning monarchs. But just because she's a Queen, doesn't mean she doesn't put her pants on one leg at a time just like the rest of us common folks. USA TODAY Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, wave to well-wishers during her 90th birthday celebrations in Windsor, Britain, April 21, 2016. (Photo: ANDY RAIN, EPA) LONDON — Thousands of people turned out to wish Queen Elizabeth II a happy 90th birthday Thursday, as she became the first British monarch to reach that grand age. The occasion inspired a flood of good wishes from around the world — and even from space, courtesy of British astronaut Tim Peake at the International Space Station — many of them using the hashtag # HappyBirthdayYourMajesty.

— Tim Peake (@astro_timpeake) April 21, 2016 The sun broke through as Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, 94, were greeted by crowds of cheering well-wishers on a walkabout in Windsor, 25 miles west of London. They've been married for 69 years. The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery rode past Buckingham Palace in central London, before staging a gun salute across the River Thames at noon, and the bells at Westminster Abbey rang in tribute. Delhey Beatekrieger, 52, from Aachen, Germany, took advantage of a business trip to see Buckingham Palace for the first time. The queen wears birthday green! Inside her 90th celebration Tourists continued to mill outside the palace Thursday afternoon, even though Britain’s longest-serving ruler wasn’t home but in Windsor, where she was to be joined by family members including Prince William and Duchess Kate for a private celebration at the castle in the evening. (Photo: Chris Ratcliffe, Getty Images) “My mother told me today that it was the queen’s birthday and she asked me if I’d go to high tea,” Beatekrieger said.

“I’m a fan of the queen and the whole royal family. I wish her a lot of happy years.” The queen has two birthdays — her actual date of birth on April 21, and a birthday celebration in June to make the most of the summer weather, characterized by the Trooping the Color parade. (Photo: John Stillwell, AFP/Getty Images) This year, additional celebrations will be held — a four-day music extravaganza on the grounds of Windsor Castle next month, and in June there will be party on the Mall, near Buckingham Palace, which will be attended by 10,000 guests. Prime Minister David Cameron made a speech in the U.K's parliament — which will be lit up in the red, white and blue of the Union Jack overnight — to mark the historic day. 90 facts about Queen Elizabeth II as she turns 90 Britain is living, Cameron said, in the “modern Elizabethan Era.” At age 21, the queen, who has represented her kingdom on 266 official visits to 116 countries, told her subjects, “My whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service." Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

Queen Elizabeth II meets the public on her 90th birthday 'walkabout' on April 21, 2016 in Windsor, England. Thousands of people turned out to wish Britain's longest serving monarch a happy birthday. Chris Jackson, Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II wore a cheery grass-green coat (and a matching floral hat) for her 90th birthday appearance. WPA Pool, Getty Images Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh wave to well-wishers during her 90th birthday celebrations in Windsor, Britain on April 21, 2016. Andy Rain, European Pressphoto Agency Fullscreen Britain's Queen Elizabeth II greets well-wishers during a 'walkabout' on her 90th birthday in Windsor, west of London, on April 21, 2016. Britain celebrates Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday on Thursday, with her eldest son Prince Charles paying tribute in a special radio broadcast and Prime Minister David Cameron leading a parliamentary homage.

Justin Tallis, AFP/Getty Images The 'Three Criers' Tony Appleton, Steve Clow and Peter Baker prepare for the Queen's 90th Birthday Walkabout on April 21, 2016 in Windsor, England. Chris Jackson, Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II meets well wishers on a walk about around Windsor on her 90th birthday. Samir Hussein, WireImage A royal supporter is pictured outside Windsor Castle, west of London, on April 21, 2016, as Britain's Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her 90th birthday. Ben Stansall, AFP/Getty Images Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (centre L) accompanied by her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh greet wellwishers during a 'walkabout.' on her 90th birthday in Windsor. Justin Tallis, AFP/Getty Images Royal well-wishers try too grab a glimpse of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II during her 90th birthday celebrations in Windso. Andy Rain, European Pressphoto Agency Royal well-wishers await the arrival of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II during her 90th birthday celebrations in Windsor.

Andy Rain, European Pressphoto Agency Queen Elizabeth II meets the public on her 90th birthday ''walkabout' in Windsor. WPA Pool, Getty Images Royal well-wishers await the arrival of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II during her 90th birthday celebrations in Windsor. Andy Rain, European Pressphoto Agency Queen Elizabeth II meets the public on her 90th Birthday Walkabout on April 21, 2016 in Windsor. WPA Pool, Getty Images Wellwishers gather as Queen Elizabeth II meets the public on her 90th Birthday Walkabout in Windsor. Ian Gavan, Getty Images Britain's Queen Elizabeth II greets wellwishers during a 'walkabout' on her 90th birthday. JOHN STILLWELL, AFP/Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II accepts a bouquet of flowers from well wishers during her 90th birthday 'walkabout.' Samir Hussein, WireImage Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (L) and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh study a plaque after unveiling it during a 'walkabout' on her 90th birthday in Windsor.

John Stillwell, AFP/Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II receives a gift during her 90th birthday 'walkabout.' WPA Pool, Getty Images Queen Elizabeth II receives a birthday cake from Nadiya Hussain, winner of the Great British Bake Off, during her 90th birthday 'walkabout' on April 21, 2016 in Windsor. WPA Pool, Getty Images Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries: Replay Last Slide Next Slide “Never has such an extraordinary promise been so profoundly fulfilled,” Cameron said. “When people meet the queen they talk about it for the rest of their lives,” he added. “She understands that and she shows a genuine interest in all she meets. They can really see that she cares.” Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Queen Ellizabeth II turns 90 on April 21, 2016, further cementing her status as Britain's longest-lived, longest-reigning monarch. And she is still going strong (her mother lived to almost 102): She's expected to make a public appearance in Windsor on her birthday; the official celebration will come later in May and June.

Take a look back at some pictures from her early years up until just after her coronation in 1953. This photo shows a flag with her portrait made of Legos in the window of a shop in London, on May 21, 2012, ahead of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations. ANDREW COWIE, AFP/Getty Images Fullscreen Baby Princess Elizabeth in the arms of her mother, then the Duchess of York (later Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother), on her christening day in 1926, a few months after her birth on April 21, 1926. At left is her grandmother, Queen Mary, with grandfather King George V behind, and her father the Duke of York, later to become King George VI, at right. Associated Press She was by most accounts a pretty baby with light brown, almost blond, hair. Princess Elizabeth with her parents, Prince Albert and Elizabeth, Duke and Duchess of York, in June 1927. THE ROYAL COLLECTION / HO, EPA Princess Elizabeth was especially close to her father, later George VI. Here she is with the then-Duke of York in July 1929.

THE ROYAL COLLECTION / HO, EPA Fullscreen After his brother, Edward VIII, abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson, the Duke and Duchess of York became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Here they pose with their daughters, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, after the king's coronation in May 1937. Associated Press The new king and queen and their daughters, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, pose in 1937. Elizabeth was now the heir to the throne, the future sovereign. AP Then-Princess Elizabeth, left, joins, from left, Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, King George VI, and Princess Margaret, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, on VE-Day May 8, 1945. AP Fullscreen Princess Elizabeth was at Natal National Park in South Africa when she turned 21 in 1947, during a tour with her parents and sister.

She broadcast a message to Britain and the Commonwealth, declaring that "my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong." EDDIE WORTH, AP Princess Elizabeth christens Cunard's 'Caronia' in Clydebank, Scotland on Oct. 30, 1947. Her fiance Prince Philip is at right. Courtesy Cunard Line Fullscreen Princess Elizabeth came home from South Africa to announce her engagement to her distant cousin, Prince Philip, a member of the exiled Greek royal family. She met him when she was 13 and he was 18 and never looked at another man again. They had been secretly engaged in 1946 but waited until she reached 21 to announce the news. They married at Westminster Abbey on Nov. 20, 1947. King George VI created his new son-in-law the Duke of Edinburgh. AP, AP Fullscreen Princess Elizabeth's first baby, Prince Charles, was born Nov. 14, 1948. His christening in the music room at Buckingham Palace took place on Dec. 15.

Princess Elizabeth is flanked by her grandmother, Queen Mary, and Prince Philip's mother, Princess Alice. Also in the picture are Philip, King George VI and other godparents from both sides of the baby's family, including Princess Margaret at far right. Topical Press Agency, Getty Images Before she became queen, Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip had more time to spend with their first two children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne, born in 1950. AFP/Getty Images Fullscreen In February 1952, she went to Africa on holiday as a princess, and returned a queen after her father died. She was greeted by (from R to L) Sir Winston Churchill, Clement Attlee, Anthony Eden and Frederick James Marquis, 1st Earl of Woolton and Lord President of the Council, on February 8, 1952, as she returned from Kenya. AFP, AFP/Getty Images Fullscreen She became queen in February 1952, after King George VI died, and was crowned in June 1953. She wore the bejeweled Imperial Crown and carried the Orb and Scepter with Cross as she left Westminster Abbey at the end of the long, traditional Coronation Ceremony.

Associated Press The formal Coronation portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (L) and Prince Philip, June 2, 1953, in Buckingham Palace. AFP, AFP/Getty Images An official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. -, AFP/Getty Images The queen II sits with Prince Charles (R) and Princess Anne (L) in Balmoral, her Scottish estate, in the early 1950s. AFP/Getty Images The queen poses with Prince Charles and Princess Anne in the mid-1950s. STF, AFP/Getty Images Fullscreen Soon after taking the throne, everything changed for the queen's private life. She had two more children later but her time was taken up increasingly with her duties, especially long overseas trips. She has now reigned for 64 years, longer than any other British monarch. She has evolved from a young and earnest princess, beloved by the British, to one of the most admired people in the world - and the most photographed human being ever. At 90, she is a living symbol of Britain, pictured here in this Ralph Heimans portrait of her commissioned in 2013 for the Chapter House of Westminster Abbey, where it hangs.

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Question: Which of Queen Elizabeth II's children was the last to be married?
Answer: Edward