Queen Elizabeth II | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : April 01, 2025

Who is Queen Elizabeth II?

Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, in London, England, and became queen of the United Kingdom on February 6, 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI. She was crowned on June 2, 1953, in a historically significant ceremony at Westminster Abbey, marking the first coronation to be televised, allowing millions around the world to witness the occasion. Throughout her reign, she became known for her commitment to modernizing the monarchy, balancing tradition with changing public sentiments, and serving as a symbol of continuity and stability in the UK and across the Commonwealth.

As the longest-serving monarch in British history, Elizabeth oversaw significant changes within the monarchy and the world during her 70-year reign. She interacted with 15 Prime Ministers and met many U.S. Presidents, maintaining a constitutionally neutral role while providing guidance and stability during turbulent times. Her reign saw the transformation of the British Empire into the Commonwealth, granting independence to former colonies and evolving Britain's identity. Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to service and the institution of the monarchy.

Early Life and Family Tree

Queen Elizabeth II was born as Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on April 21, 1926, in London, England. She was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, later known as King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Growing up in a privileged environment, she was educated at home alongside her younger sister, Princess Margaret. Their upbringing allowed them to receive a broad education, including subjects like French, mathematics, and history, combined with lessons in dance, music, and arts. As the granddaughter of King George V, Elizabeth's royal lineage connected her to a long line of monarchs, including Queen Victoria.

Her early life was largely uneventful and carefree until the unexpected abdication of her uncle, King Edward VIII, in 1936. This event thrust her father into the spotlight as King George VI, thus changing Elizabeth’s status from a young girl enjoying royal privileges to the heir presumptive of the British throne. The backdrop of World War II significantly affected her childhood; the family relocated to Windsor Castle for safety. There, Elizabeth made her first public speech at just 14 years old, reassuring children separated from their families during the war. This early exposure to leadership and public duty shaped her character and future role as queen, preparing her for a long and transformative reign.

Ascension to the Crown and Coronation

Queen Elizabeth II's ascension to the throne marked a pivotal moment in British history. Following the unexpected abdication of her uncle, King Edward VIII, in 1936, Elizabeth became the heir presumptive. Upon the death of her father, King George VI, on February 6, 1952, she fully assumed her royal duties at the age of 25. This swift transition led to considerable responsibilities as she navigated her new role amidst the evolving landscape of post-war Britain, representing continuity and stability during uncertain times.

Her coronation took place on June 2, 1953, in Westminster Abbey, where she was formally crowned as Queen Elizabeth II. This historic event was significant not only for its grandeur but also as the first coronation to be televised, allowing millions worldwide to witness the ceremony. Elizabeth's coronation solidified her commitment to modernizing the monarchy while honoring its rich traditions. Throughout her reign, she symbolized resilience and continuity, engaging with her subjects while addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Husband Prince Philip and Their Marriage

Queen Elizabeth II married her distant cousin Philip Mountbatten on November 20, 1947, during a ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London. The union marked a significant moment in royal history, as Elizabeth and Philip had known each other since she was a young girl, meeting for the first time when she was just 13. Despite initial hesitations from her father, King George VI, regarding Philip's lack of wealth, the couple was deeply in love. Their wedding took place against the backdrop of post-World War II Britain, with Elizabeth using clothing coupons to create her beautiful wedding gown, signifying the ongoing recovery of the nation.

Philip's life before marriage was marked by his own royal lineage, being a prince of Greece and Denmark before renouncing his titles to marry Elizabeth. The couple's dynamic balanced Elizabeth's reserved nature with Philip's outgoing personality. Throughout their marriage, Philip stood by Elizabeth, supporting her as she navigated her duties as queen. Their partnership proved to be resilient, enduring challenges both publicly and privately, including intense media scrutiny and family issues. Philip's death in April 2021 left a profound impact on Elizabeth, as he was not just her husband but also her confidant and “strength and stay.”

Children and Legacy

Queen Elizabeth II, the mother of four children, each of whom has carved out paths in their respective lives and careers, left a profound legacy that extends beyond her direct lineage. Her firstborn, King Charles III, became the monarch following her passing, embodying the values and traditions instilled by his mother. The queen's only daughter, Princess Anne, has dedicated her life to royal duties and charity work, exemplifying her mother's commitment to public service. Meanwhile, her younger sons, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, have navigated their own complex relationships with royal responsibilities, contributing to a multifaceted family dynamic.

Beyond her immediate family, the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II is also encapsulated in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Among them, Princes William and Harry stand out, as their lives have significantly influenced public perceptions of the monarchy in contemporary times. William, second in line to the throne, has embraced his royal duties while championing mental health initiatives, reflecting his grandmother's dedication to service. Harry, though stepping back from royal duties, remains an influential figure, highlighting global issues like mental health and environmental sustainability. Collectively, the royal family's commitment to evolving with modern society ensures that Queen Elizabeth II's legacy continues to resonate through generations.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Queen Elizabeth II married her distant cousin, Prince Philip Mountbatten, on November 20, 1947, at Westminster Abbey in London. Their relationship began when Elizabeth was just 13 years old, and they maintained correspondence throughout her adolescence. Their marriage symbolized both love and duty, as Philip adapted to life as consort, supporting Elizabeth as she ascended to the throne. The couple complemented each other—Elizabeth’s reserved nature was balanced by Philip’s outgoing personality. Despite some public relations challenges due to Philip’s candid demeanor, they shared a deeply supportive partnership, with Elizabeth often describing him as her “strength and stay.”

Together, Elizabeth and Philip had four children: King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. Their first child, Charles, was born in 1948, marking the beginning of a family that would face both triumphs and challenges. Throughout her reign, Elizabeth endeavored to provide her children with a sense of normalcy, crucial in an environment defined by public scrutiny. Each of her children has pursued different paths, with Charles taking the throne after her passing, while Anne engaged in extensive charity work. Elizabeth’s nurturing role as a mother and grandmother created a legacy that continues through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, ensuring her family remains at the forefront of British royal life.

Net Worth and Earning: Estimated Wealth

Queen Elizabeth II, one of the most recognized figures in the world, was born into the British royal family on April 21, 1926. Throughout her record-breaking 70-year reign, she not only served as a constitutional monarch but also presided over significant changes within the British Empire and the monarchy itself. Beyond her royal obligations, her estimated net worth was around £350 million (approximately $500 million) at the time of her passing in 2022, primarily derived from her personal investments, properties, and art collections. These assets showcased her unique status and influence, transcending mere symbolic representation.

Among her notable assets were the extensive estates and properties that belonged to the Crown Estate, including the iconic Buckingham Palace and the vast lands of Sandringham House and Balmoral Castle. Additionally, Queen Elizabeth II held a personal investment portfolio that included stocks, real estate, and other financial instruments. While much of her wealth was tied to the royal holdings, her private fortune included various valuable items such as rare artworks and historical artifacts. Despite her wealth, Elizabeth remained committed to public service and was known for her frugality in a monarchy that often drew scrutiny over expenses.