Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II was the Queen of the United Kingdom. She was born in London in 1926. She became queen in 1952 and served for over 70 years. She was the longest-reigning British monarch in history.

Early Life

Elizabeth was not expected to become queen. Her uncle gave up the throne, making her father king. She served as a truck driver and mechanic during World War II. She became queen at age 25 when her father died.

Young Princess Elizabeth on a 1929 magazine cover.
Young Princess Elizabeth on a 1929 magazine cover. (TIME Magazine. Photograph uncredited on the cover. / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

Elizabeth II served as queen for 70 years. She saw enormous changes in the world during her reign. She traveled to over 100 countries and met nearly every world leader. She was a symbol of stability and service for millions of people.

Fun Facts

  • Elizabeth was a trained truck driver and mechanic from her time in the army.
  • She owned over 30 corgis during her lifetime.
  • She sent her first email in 1976.

Did You Know?

Elizabeth II became queen when Winston Churchill was prime minister. She went on to work with 15 British prime ministers. When she died in 2022, millions of people around the world mourned.