She is one of the longest reigning monarchs in the world.Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we'll be learning more about the life and accomplishments of Queen Elizabeth II. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born April 21st, 1926 in Mayfair, London into the House of Windsor.She was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, otherwise known as Prince Albert and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon.In her youth, Elizabeth was not expected to become queen as her father was King George V's second son.The king died in 1936, and her uncle ascended to the throne.However, he famously abdicated for love.Elizabeth's father then became King George VI, and she became heiress presumptive.
When World War II erupted in Europe, Elizabeth and her younger sister Margaret moved to Windsor Castle.From there, the 14-year-old future queen made a reassuring radio address directed at children who were affected by the war.My sister Margaret Rose and I feel so much for you as we know from experience what it means to be away from those we love most of all.Elizabeth's public profile increased when she was named colonel-in-chief of the British Army's Grenadier Guards.Her first unaccompanied public appearance was a visit to the regiment in 1943.She also toured the country with her parents, and became Counsellor of State when the King was unavailable just before she turned 18.
In 1945, she trained with the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service as a driver and mechanic in an attempt to aid the war effort.Two years later, Elizabeth married Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark on November 20th at Westminster Abbey.The couple was labeled an odd one due to Elizabeth's subdued personality and Philip's outspokenness.Just one year later, Elizabeth gave birth to their first of four children, Prince Charles.Princess Anne was born in 1950.After a period of declining health, Elizabeth's father King George VI died February 6th, 1952 while the princess was visiting Kenya.She immediately became queen and returned home.Her official coronation took place on June 2nd, 1953.
As Queen, Elizabeth's duties significantly increased: among her many responsibilities were weekly meetings with the prime minister,......in addition to extensive travels throughout the United Kingdom and to other countries.Queen Elizabeth gave birth to two more children in the 1960s.Meanwhile, decolonization efforts developed in some British colonies.In 1969, Queen Elizabeth officially appointed Prince Charles as her successor by investing him as the Prince of Wales.Later, she celebrated 25 years as Queen in 1977 with her silver jubilee.While there was opposition to the Royal Family, in general its popularity soared.This was reinforced in 1981 when Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer.
Unfortunately, the country soon faced conflict.1982's Falklands War even involved the Royals directly as Prince Andrew fought for Britain.In 2002, as she celebrated her golden jubilee, she also mourned the loss of both her sister and her mother.During that decade, the queen also began showing signs of aging, and adapted her position on various topics.For example, she finally approved of Prince Charles' relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles,......and she became the first British monarch to visit Ireland since its independence.The monarchy was revived in 2011 by the wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton,......and the queen was instrumental in helping her grandson plan the day.
The next year, the queen observed her diamond jubilee, marking 60 years on the throne.Queen Elizabeth II was born into royalty and rose to the task valiantly.Her poise, grace and wisdom were her greatest assets, and were cornerstones of her rule.When I was 21, I pledged my life to the service of our people and I asked for God's help to make good that vow.Although that vow was made in my salad days when I was green in judgment, I do not regret nor retract one word of it.
