- Queen Elizabeth II had her 70th anniversary in 2022
- It's the UK first-ever "platinum" throne anniversary
- We're looking back through the years with the Queen
Queen Elizabeth II was born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor in London on April 21, 1926. She is the eldest of the two daughters of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother).
At first, no one thought that little Elizabeth would one day become the heir to the throne of England. But her uncle Edward VIII abdicated unexpectedly in 1936, making her father king.
A Look Back: From Princess Elizabeth to Queen Elizabeth II
When England was at war in 1939, Elizabeth and her sister Margaret were to be evacuated. In the end, however, the whole family remained at Windsor Castle, even during the air raids. In 1945, Princess Elizabeth joined the Women's Division of the British Army and received training as a truck driver and mechanic.
It was during this time that she met her husband Prince Philip. In 1947, their engagement was made public, but the relationship was initially met with skepticism. Philip had little wealth, was foreign born, and his sisters were involved with German aristocrats who had ties to the Nazis. This was not welcomed by the British Royal Family.
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Nevertheless, the two married on November 20, 1947, in Westminster Abbey. Almost a year later, Elizabeth gave birth to her first child, Prince Charles. In August 1950, the birth of Princess Anne followed.
After a prolonged illness, her father King George VI died on February 6, 1952, making Elizabeth queen - at just 25 years old. After a prolonged illness, her father King George VI died on February 6, 1952, making Elizabeth queen - at just 25 years old.
No one would have expected that Elizabeth would succeed to the throne so early. It was not until over a year later, on June 2, 1953, that the coronation took place at Westminster Abbey.
Watch the video above for more!
