Queen Elizabeth II

Elizabeth II
Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms
Reign	6 February 1952 – 8 September 2022
Coronation	2 June 1953
Predecessor	George VI
Successor	Charles III
Born	21 April 1926 Mayfair, London, England
Died	8 September 2022 Balmoral Castle, Scotland
Spouse	Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Issue	Charles, Prince of Wales, Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex
House	House of Windsor
Father	George VI
Mother	Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon

Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022. She was the longest-reigning British monarch, having served for over 70 years.

Early Life

Elizabeth was born in Mayfair, London, as the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Her father acceded to the throne on the abdication of his brother King Edward VIII, making Elizabeth the heir presumptive.

Reign

Elizabeth became queen at the age of 25, following the death of her father, King George VI, on 6 February 1952. Her coronation took place on 2 June 1953, and was the first to be televised. Her reign saw significant changes in the social, political, and economic fabric of her realms, including the decolonization of Africa, the devolution of powers within the United Kingdom, and various constitutional changes within the Commonwealth realms.

Throughout her reign, Elizabeth was known for her sense of duty and her devotion to a life of service, becoming a symbol of stability and continuity. Her many historic visits and meetings included a state visit to the Republic of Ireland and meetings with five popes.

Personal Life

Elizabeth married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, a former prince of Greece and Denmark, in 1947. Together they had four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward. Elizabeth was known for her love of dogs, particularly corgis, and her passion for horse racing.

Legacy

Elizabeth II's long reign saw the transition of the British Empire into the Commonwealth of Nations, and she remained a popular figure in Britain and the Commonwealth throughout her life. Her legacy is marked by her role in stabilizing the monarchy through numerous political changes and her representation of British continuity and tradition in the post-war era.

Titles, Honors, and Arms

Throughout her life, Elizabeth held numerous titles and honours, both in the UK and the Commonwealth. She also had several military appointments and honorary degrees from universities worldwide.

Death and Succession

Elizabeth II died on 8 September 2022 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Her son, Charles III, succeeded her as monarch.