King George VI | Britroyals Full Name: Albert Frederick Arthur George Born: December 14, 1895 at Sandringham, Norfolk Parents: George V and Mary of Teck Relation to Elizabeth II: father House of: Windsor Ascended to the throne: Dec 11, 1936 aged 40 years Crowned: May 12, 1937 at Westminster Abbey Married: Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon Children: Two daughters Elizabeth and Margaret Died: February 6, 1952 at Sandringham, Norfolk, aged 56 years, 1 month, and 22 days Buried at: Windsor Reigned for: 15 years, 1 month, and 25 days Succeeded by: his daughter Elizabeth II Second son of George V he was named Albert after his great grandfather Prince Albert. As The Duke of York he had never expected or wished to succeed to the throne. He was naturally diffident and anxious, and suffered from a speech impediment. But he never lacked bravery or enterprise, and had a strong sense of Duty.

He had fought as a young naval officer at the Battle of Jutland in World War I, and was the first member of the Royal Family to learn to fly. In 1923 he married Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. They had two daughters Elizabeth, know as �Lilibet� who later became Queen Elizabeth II, and Margaret Rose �Princess Margaret�. He became King George VI in December 1936 following the death of his father George V and the abdication of his brother. Fortified by the influence of his Queen, who swiftly acquired immense popularity in her own right, George VI coped with the aftermath of the abdication in a way that quickly restored confidence in the monarchy. When the horrors of World War II descended shortly after�wards on Britain, and on London in particular, the royal couple rose superbly to the occasion. Initially sceptical of Winston Churchill, the King and his Prime Minister soon developed a close personal working relationship and they met regularly to discuss the progress of the War. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth stayed at what they and their subjects saw as their posts all through the Blitz, and showed love and care for their people in gestures that stilled the meanest critics.

They narrowly escaped death when bombs exploded beside Buckingham Palace. Their daughters served in uniform, and the identification of the Royal Family with the national will was complete. Following the War Britain entered a time of economic austerity and the British Empire began to be replaced by the Commonwealth of Nations as former colonies including India became independent. The war effort had been crushing and the King�s health was permanently affected. He had been a heavy smoker and in 1951 had his left lung removed. He died suddenly in the winter of 1952.

King George VI's Signature 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). Facts about Queen Elizabeth II - CNN.com 1 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Elizabeth was born April 21, 1926, in London. She is held here by her mother, Elizabeth. Her father would later become King George VI. Hide Caption Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Princess Elizabeth in 1928.

3 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Princess Elizabeth is seen with her uncle Edward, Prince of Wales, during a visit to Balmoral, Scotland, in September 1933. He would go on to become King Edward VIII in 1936. But when he abdicated later that year, Elizabeth's father became King and she became heir presumptive. Hide Caption 4 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Princess Elizabeth is seen in the Duchess' box during a pantomime act at London's Lyceum Theater in February 1935. Hide Caption 5 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II From left, Princess Elizabeth, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret wave to the crowd from the Royal Balcony of Buckingham Palace on June 22, 1939. Hide Caption 6 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II A 14-year-old Princess Elizabeth, right, sits next to her sister for a radio broadcast on October 13, 1940. On the broadcast, her first, she said that England's children were full of cheerfulness and courage.

Hide Caption 7 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Princess Elizabeth shakes hands with an officer of the Grenadier Guards on May 29, 1942. King George VI made Elizabeth an honorary colonel in the Royal Army regiment. Hide Caption Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Princess Elizabeth, right, and Princess Margaret wear summer dresses circa 1942. Hide Caption 9 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II With the Drakensberg Mountains behind her, Princess Elizabeth sits in South Africa's Natal National Park on April 21, 1947, her 21st birthday. Hide Caption 10 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II This portrait of the British royal family was taken in July 1947, after Princess Elizabeth, far left, got engaged to Prince Philip of Greece, a lieutenant in the British Navy. He is second from left. To his left are Queen Elizabeth, King George VI and Princess Margaret. Hide Caption 11 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II The Royal Wedding Party waves from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on November 20, 1947.

After becoming a British citizen and renouncing his Greek title, Philip became His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His wife became the Duchess of Edinburgh. Hide Caption 12 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Princess Elizabeth smiles in March 1950 as she arrives to a state banquet at the French Embassy in London's Kensington Palace Gardens. Hide Caption 13 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Elizabeth ascended to the throne in February 1952, when her father died of lung cancer. Here, the new Queen leaves the Royal Archers Hall in Edinburgh after a ball in June 1952. It was the first function she attended as Queen following her father's death. Hide Caption Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II walks to the altar during her coronation ceremony on June 2, 1953. Hide Caption 15 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II on the balcony of Melbourne's Government House, during her tour of Australia in March 1954.

Hide Caption 16 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II From left, Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother visit Epsom Downs Racecourse in June 1958. Hide Caption 17 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II The Queen holds her son Prince Andrew while his sister, Princess Anne, watches during a family holiday at Scotland's Balmoral Castle in September 1960. Hide Caption Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II is seen during the State Opening of Parliament in April 1966. Hide Caption Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II with her oldest son, Prince Charles, in 1969. Hide Caption Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Prince Charles adjusts his coronet during his investiture ceremony as Prince of Wales in 1969. Hide Caption 21 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip wave from a plane ramp shortly before taking off from Tokyo in May 1975.

Hide Caption 22 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II takes a portrait at Windsor Castle for her 50th birthday on April 21, 1976. Hide Caption Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II The Queen meets the crowds during her royal tour of New Zealand in 1977. Hide Caption 24 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II The Queen stands next to Prince Charles as he kisses his new bride, Princess Diana, on their wedding day July 29, 1981. Hide Caption 25 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II takes pictures of her husband during a horse show in Windsor, England, on May 16, 1982. Hide Caption 26 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II The Queen reacts to an elephant as she tours a charity event in London's Hyde Park in June 1987. Hide Caption 27 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II fires a rifle during a visit to the Army Rifle Association at Bisley, England, in July 1993.

Hide Caption 28 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II While at Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip view the floral tributes to Princess Diana after her tragic death in 1997. Hide Caption Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II The Queen addresses the nation on the night before Princess Diana's funeral in 1997. Hide Caption 30 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Prince Charles looks back at his mother after wedding Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in April 2005. Hide Caption 31 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip leave London's St. Paul's Cathedral on October 9, 2009, following a commemoration service to mark the end of combat operations in Iraq. Hide Caption 32 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II The Queen, second from right, greets a crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on April 29, 2011. Her grandson Prince William, third from left, had just married Catherine Middleton.

Hide Caption 33 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II drives her Range Rover as she attends the Windsor Horse Show in May 2011. Hide Caption 34 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II The Queen's signature is seen in the visitors book at Aras An Uachtarain, the Irish President's official residence in Dublin, Ireland, in May 2011. Hide Caption 35 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Flags are waved as Queen Elizabeth II leaves St. Paul's Cathedral following its 300th anniversary service in June 2011. Hide Caption Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Madame Tussauds London reveals a wax figure of the Queen in May 2012. Hide Caption 37 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Prince Charles kisses his mother's hand on stage as singer Paul McCartney, far right, looks on at the Diamond Jubilee concert held June 4, 2012, at Buckingham Palace. The Diamond Jubilee celebrations marked Elizabeth's 60th anniversary as Queen.

Hide Caption 38 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II The Queen speaks at a reception for members of the International Olympic Committee on July 23, 2012. Hide Caption Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II The Queen tours the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London in December 2012. Hide Caption 40 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II A boy in Belfast, Northern Ireland, takes a selfie in front of the Queen in June 2014. Hide Caption 41 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II The Queen enters the Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle after attending a commemorative service for the Scottish National War Memorial in July 2014. Hide Caption 42 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II The Queen waits to give her speech during the State Opening of Parliament on May 27, 2015. Hide Caption Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II The Queen sits at a desk in Buckingham Palace in July 2015. Hide Caption Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II The British monarch greets the public after attending church services in February.

Hide Caption 45 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Prince George gets a boost from some foam blocks for a special family photo. The portrait, featuring the four generations of the House of Windsor, was commissioned by the Royal Mail and will be featured on a series of stamps to commemorate the Queen's 90th birthday. Hide Caption 46 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II acknowledges the crowd as she celebrates her 90th birthday in Windsor, England, on April 21. Hide Caption 47 of 48 Photos: The life of Queen Elizabeth II On June 10, Buckingham Palace released a new official photograph to mark the Queen's 90th birthday. It shows her with Prince Philip and was taken at Windsor Castle just after Easter. Hide Caption 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. 8 Things You May Not Know About Queen Elizabeth II - History in the Headlines 8 Things You May Not Know About Queen Elizabeth II June 1, 2012 By Jennie Cohen Share this: 8 Things You May Not Know About Queen Elizabeth II Author 8 Things You May Not Know About Queen Elizabeth II URL Explore eight interesting facts about Britain’s long-serving monarch, who ascended the throne upon the death of her father in February 1952. She doesn’t have a passport. Elizabeth boards a plane in 2011.

(Credit: Smith Ellen-Pool/Getty Images) Despite being history’s most widely traveled head of state—she has reportedly visited 116 countries during her reign—Elizabeth does not hold a passport. Since all British passports are issued in the queen’s name, she herself doesn’t need one. She also doesn’t require a driver’s license, though she has been known to take joyrides around her various estates in her Range Rover. She has two different birthdays. Baby Elizabeth is held by her mother in May 1926. (Credit: Speaight/Hulton Archive/Getty Images The reigning British monarch was born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary of York on April 21, 1926. However, each Commonwealth country traditionally celebrates her birthday on a designated day in May or June. In the United Kingdom, for instance, it falls on the first, second or third Saturday in June. Britain has officially marked its sovereign’s birthday since 1748, when the event was merged with the annual “Trooping the Colour” ceremony and parade. Elizabeth spends her real birthday enjoying private festivities with her family. She drove a truck during World War II.

Elizabeth wears an officer’s uniform and stands beside an Auxiliary Territorial Service first aid truck during World War II. (Credit: Keystone/Getty Images) After months of begging her father to let his heir pitch in, Elizabeth—then an 18-year-old princess—joined the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II. Known as Second Subaltern Elizabeth Windsor, she donned a pair of coveralls and trained in London as a mechanic and military truck driver. The queen remains the only female member of the royal family to have entered the armed forces and is the only living head of state who served in World War II. She paid for her wedding dress with ration coupons. Elizabeth and her new husband Philip pose on their wedding day. (Credit: Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images) Princess Elizabeth married her third cousin Philip Mountbatten, formerly prince of Greece and Denmark, on November 20, 1947. Held during the postwar recovery years, their wedding was a relatively understated affair, at least compared to the lavish union of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in July 1981.

With austerity measures still in effect, Elizabeth had to save up ration coupons to purchase the material for her wedding dress, an ivory satin gown designed by Norman Hartnell and encrusted with 10,000 white pearls. She didn’t take her husband’s name. Elizabeth and Philip appear with Prince Charles and Princess Anne in 1951. (Credit: Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images) Elizabeth’s father, George VI, was born into the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, but during World War I the family name was changed to Windsor amid anti-German sentiment. Similarly, her husband Prince Philip dropped his father’s Germanic surname, Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, and adopted that of his maternal grandparents, Mountbatten, during their engagement. But when Elizabeth ascended the throne, her mother and Prime Minister Winston Churchill did everything in their power to prevent the queen and her line from becoming the House of Mountbatten. They succeeded, but several years later Elizabeth proclaimed that some of her descendants would carry the name Mountbatten-Windsor—probably in an attempt to placate her fuming husband. She sent an email in 1976.

Elizabeth visits Google’s U.K. offices in 2008. (Credit: POOL/Tim Graham Picture Library/Getty Images) On March 26, 1976, Queen Elizabeth sent her first email while taking part in a network technology demonstration at the Royal Signals and Radar Establishment, a research facility in Malvern, England. The message was transmitted over ARPANET, the forerunner of the modern Internet. She is considered the first head of state to have used electronic mail. She was shot at by a teenager. Elizabeth rides her horse on June 13, 1981, shortly before a would-be assassin shot at her. (Credit: Tim Graham/Getty Images) During her birthday celebration on June 13, 1981, shots rang out as Elizabeth rode her horse in a parade near Buckingham Palace. Marcus Sarjeant, a 17-year-old who idolized the assassins of John F. Kennedy and John Lennon, had fired six blank shots in the queen’s direction. Swiftly subdued by police, the teen would spend three years in a psychiatric prison. Elizabeth, meanwhile, merely calmed her startled horse and resumed her procession.

She once woke up to find a stalker in her bedroom. Elizabeth, her mother and Princess Margaret wave from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. (Credit: Tim Graham/Getty Images) On July 9, 1982, a 31-year-old psychiatric patient named Michael Fagan scaled a Buckingham Palace drainpipe and sauntered into Elizabeth’s chambers. The sleeping monarch awoke to find a strange man perched on the edge of her bed, dripping blood from where he had cut his hand while wandering the palace’s dark corridors. Initially unable to reach the police, Elizabeth engaged Fagan in conversation for at least 10 minutes, listening to him chat about his personal problems and relationship with his four children. Finally, a footman roused from his slumber seized the loquacious intruder. It turned out that Fagan, who was ordered to spend six months in a mental hospital, had also crept into the royal residence weeks earlier, making off with a bottle of Prince Charles’ white wine. Tags BBC - Primary History - Famous People - Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II Elizabeth II became queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1952.

Elizabeth I was Queen of England and Ireland from 1558 to 1603. Through her parents and grandparents, Elizabeth II can trace her ancestors back long before Elizabeth I! When did Elizabeth II become Queen? Queen Elizabeth's father was King George VI. When he died in February 1952 Elizabeth became Queen. Her coronation was on 2 June 1953. Why is the Queen so famous? Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most famous women in the world. She has visited many countries and met many world leaders. She has probably travelled more miles than any king or queen in history. 2012 marks her 60th year as Queen. Only Queen Victoria has had a longer reign (63 years 216 days). The Queen's family Her parents The Queen's father was Albert, Duke of York. He was the second son of King George V, and Albert changed his name to George when he became King in 1936. In 1923 he married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. Her family owned an ancient castle in Scotland called Glamis, which is famous for its ghosts. Princess Elizabeth was the Yorks' first baby.

She was born on 21 April 1926, at 17 Bruton Street, in London. Her full name is Elizabeth Alexandra Mary. Her family name is Windsor. Family life The Duke of York enjoyed being in the Royal Navy. But he was shy. A stammer made public speaking (part of his royal job) a challenge. Helped by his wife, he worked hard to overcome the stammer. Princess Elizabeth's parents missed her first birthday. They were away for six months on an official visit to the West Indies, Australia and New Zealand. In the 1920s, royal trips could take a long time. This was before jet planes. Early life A pony, a sister and lessons In 1929 Princess Elizabeth was given a pony for her 3rd birthday. So began a lifelong love of horses. In 1930 she gained a baby sister, Princess Margaret Rose. The two Princesses did not go to school. They had a governess , Marion Crawford ('Crawfie'). Other teachers came to their home to give lessons.

Growing up at home Although the Princesses did not go to school, they had a number of friends of their own age and belonged to a special group of Girl Guides called '1st Buckingham Palace Company'. At home, the Princesses enjoyed stories and games with their parents. They liked playing the piano and dressing up for plays. They listened to the radio for entertainment (this was before TV). Elizabeth's family often called her 'Lilibet'. Sometimes their grandfather the King came to play. He crawled around the floor with the children on his back. The young princess Changes In January 1936 King George V died. Elizabeth's uncle, the Prince of Wales, became King Edward VIII. But he was never crowned. He abdicated and married an American, Mrs Wallis Simpson. Elizabeth's father now became King George VI. It was a shock for the family. Suddenly Elizabeth realised she might one day be Queen. Royal family at war On 12 May 1937 George VI was crowned in Westminster Abbey. The two princesses wore robes and coronets (small crowns). After attending the service in the Abbey, they stood on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. The crowd cheered.

World War II began on 3 September 1939. Then came the Blitz of 1940-41. Buckingham Palace was hit by bombs. Many children were evacuated . The King and Queen refused to send the princesses to safety in Canada but they spent most of the war at Windsor. War work In March 1945 the 18-year-old Princess Elizabeth joined the women's branch of the Army, the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), as Second Subaltern Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor. One month later she passed her tests for driving and repairing Army trucks. World War II in Europe ended in May 1945. Crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace to celebrate. Elizabeth and Margaret slipped out to join the fun. Marriage and becoming Queen Marriage and children In 1947 Princess Elizabeth married her cousin, Prince Philip of Greece. Their wedding ceremony was a very happy event after the long sad years of the war. For a time Prince Philip, who was made Duke of Edinburgh, continued his work in the Navy, and Princess Elizabeth enjoyed 'normal' life as the wife of a successful naval officer. In 1948 Princess Elizabeth had a son, Charles (now Prince of Wales).

In 1950 Princess Anne (now the Princess Royal) was born. Elizabeth becomes Queen In the winter of 1951-1952 King George was very ill. He was too ill for trips abroad. Elizabeth and Philip set out on a long journey to Africa, Sri Lanka and Australia. While the princess was away, her father died. On 7 February 1952, the day after he died, she arrived back in London. She was now Queen. Coronation Day Elizabeth II's coronation was on 2 June 1953. Rain did not stop thousands of people coming to London to watch. The coronation was shown on television. Not many people had TV. Many families invited friends to watch the flickering black and white pictures. The Queen rode in a gold coach. Inside Westminster Abbey, the crown was placed on her head by the Archbishop of Canterbury . She promised to rule by 'the laws and customs of all her peoples', in the British Empire and Commonwealth. Being Queen The Queen at work The Queen spends part of most days at her desk. She has a staff of people to help with her work. She gets 300 or more letters every day.

And she is sent boxes of official papers to read. Queen Elizabeth II has less power than kings and queens in the past. But she does give advice to the government and has regular meetings with the Prime Minister . Because she has been Queen for so long, she has much more experience of governing than any of her ministers, or any other ruler around the world. Meeting the Queen New ambassadors from foreign countries call at the palace. Other people come to receive medals and awards. It is a special honour to be made a Knight or Dame, when the Queen touches people on the shoulders with a sword. The Queen meets lots of people. If you meet her, you start a conversation by calling her 'Your Majesty', and then, 'Ma'am'. World leaders and travels The Queen welcomes world leaders to the United Kingdom. She gives banquets at Buckingham Palace. Sometimes she drives through London in an open carriage with visitors. Every year the Queen travels thousands of miles. She visits all parts of the United Kingdom. She makes 'walkabouts' so she can chat to people. She makes many trips abroad, and has visited more than 116 countries! More about the Queen Trooping the Colour The Queen has two birthdays. Her real birthday is on 21 April.

Her official birthday as Queen is in June. To mark it, she attends a parade on Horse Guards in London. It's called Trooping the Colour. The 'colour' is a flag belonging to one of the regiments of Guards. Bands play and crowds line the streets to see the Queen and her soldiers pass by. What the Queen likes The Queen is used to parades in big cities. Yet she enjoys being in the country. She likes horses. Her favourite sports are horse riding, horse shows and horse racing. She owns some race horses herself. The Queen also owns a number of dogs. And she has royal racing pigeons! In the 1880s the King of Belgium gave Queen Victoria some pigeons. The royal family has kept pigeons ever since. Where does the Queen live? Buckingham Palace is the Queen's office as well as her London home. The part most tourists see is the East Front. Here is the balcony where the royal family appears sometimes. The gardens are used for summer garden parties. The Queen has a country house at Sandringham in Norfolk. In Scotland, her official residence is Holyroodhouse, in Edinburgh.

In summer the Queen holidays in Scotland, at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire. While she is away, the state rooms at Buckingham Palace are open to visitors. Windsor Castle Windsor Castle in Berkshire is a favourite royal home. It is the oldest and biggest castle still used as a home. Windsor Castle was begun in 1070 by William the Conqueror. In 1992 fire burned down parts of Windsor Castle. The Queen was sad, and helped to pay for repairs that have made the castle as splendid as ever. Queen and country Do all countries have Kings and Queens? Many countries are republics. Their head of state is an elected president. France and the United States are examples. A monarchy is a country with a king or queen. Examples are Britain, Norway, Spain and Thailand. Japan has an emperor. Kings and queens in past times made laws and led armies. Today monarchs like the Queen have much less power. What is the Queen's job? The Queen is the head of state of the United Kingdom. She is also head of the Church of England. The Queen does not make laws. That is the job of Parliament .

When the Queen opens Parliament, usually once a year, she reads a speech written for her by the government. The UK government in London is led by the Prime Minister . What is the Commonwealth? 54 countries belong to the Commonwealth. Most have links with Britain from the time of the British Empire . Today, they help one another in various ways. The Queen is the head of the Commonwealth. To her it's like a very big family. She visits Commonwealth countries, and goes to the meetings of Commonwealth leaders. She is Queen of a number of Commonwealth countries as well as the United Kingdom. Can the Queen retire? Many people retire (stop working), usually in their 60s. The Queen is 86 in 2012. She expects to stay as Queen until she dies. The Queen's eldest son is Prince Charles. He will become King after her. After him in the 'line of succession' comes his son, Prince William. Queen Elizabeth II: A Life in Pictures - ABC News ABC News Queen Elizabeth II: A Life in Pictures May 29, 2012 ABCNEWS.com Queen Elizabeth II celebrates 60 years as the reigning monarch of Britain this year.

While the anniversary of her becoming queen was on February 6, the formal celebrations for her Diamond Jubilee run from June 2 through June 5. Here is a look back at her life and reign – the second-longest in British history. Popperfoto/Getty Images April 21, 1926 Elizabeth Alexandra Mary is born to the Duke and Duchess of York, who would later become King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Popperfoto/Getty Images 1936 Elizabeth's grandfather, King George V, dies. George's eldest son ascends the throne as King Edward VIII, but abdicates within the year. Elizabeth's father becomes King George VI, and Elizabeth becomes first in line to the throne. Popperfoto/Getty Images October, 1940 Princess Elizabeth delivers her first public speech on the BBC's Children's Hour radio program, addressing children who had to be evacuated because of the war. She is 14. Studio Lisa/Getty Images 1945 Princess Elizabeth is made a Subaltern in the Auxiliary Territorial Service -- the women's branch of the British army -- and by the end of the war, she reaches the rank of Junior Commander.

She becomes a qualified driver and mechanic and drives a military truck. According to The New York Times, the queen is currently the last surviving head of state who served in uniform during the Second World War. Nov. 1947." title=""/> Newscom November 20, 1947 Princess Elizabeth marries Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, the son of Prince Andrew of Greece, and a great-great grandson of Queen Victoria. AP Photo Princess Elizabeth has her first child, Prince Charles. AP Photo Princess Elizabeth has a daughter, Princess Anne. AP February 6, 1952 Elizabeth's father, King George VI, dies. Elizabeth accedes to the throne. She hears the news while on a visit to Kenya, and has to cut the tour short to return home as queen. She is 25. PA/AP June 2, 1953 Queen Elizabeth's coronation. According to the Royal Family's website, it is the first time television cameras are allowed inside Westminster Abbey for a state function. Sales of television sets go up in the weeks leading up to the event. The footage is shipped to Canada and around the world for people to watch.

John Rooney/AP Photo 1957 The queen visits New York and addresses the United Nations General Assembly. On the same tour, she visits Ottawa and opens Parliament. Bettmann/Corbis The queen gives birth to Prince Andrew, her third child. AP Photo The queen gives birth to Prince Edward, her fourth and last child. Anwar Hussein/Getty Images Charles is named the Prince of Wales and heir to the throne. PA/AP The queen celebrates her Silver Jubilee, for 25 years on the throne. AP Photo June 13, 1981 Shots are fired as the queen participates in the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony. It turns out that they were blanks, fired by a teenager. The youth pleads guilty to charges under the Treason Act. AP Photo July 29, 1981 Prince Charles marries Lady Diana Spencer in a widely-televised event. The queen attends as mother of the groom. Tim Graham/Getty Images 1982 The Pope visits England, the first pope to do so in 450 years. The queen receives him in her capacity as the head of the Church of England.

Tim Graham/Getty Images 1992 The queen's "annus horribilis." Her son Prince Andrew and his wife separate, her daughter Princess Anne divorces her husband, her heir Prince Charles formally separates from his wife Diana, and a significant portion of Windsor Castle is destroyed by fire. AP Photo August 31, 1997 Princess Diana, Prince Charles' former wife, is killed in a car crash in Paris. The royal family goes into seclusion, prompting a public outcry, until the queen finally delivers a speech the day before Diana's funeral. Tim Graham Picture Library/Getty Images 2002 The queen marks her Golden Jubilee, 50 years on the throne. Her sister and mother die the same year, less than two months apart. Hugo Burnand/AFP/Getty Images April 29, 2011 The queen attends the marriage of her grandson, Prince William, to Catherine Middleton. The event is broadcast to millions around the world. Prince William is second in line to the throne, behind his father and the current heir, Prince Charles.

John Swannell/Camera Press/Redux 2012 The queen is to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years on the throne, with events in England. Prince Charles is to visit Canada.

Question: Who was the father of Queen Elizabeth II?
Answer: George VI