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45 Facts About Queen Elizabeth Ii

Sandie Darden

Written by Sandie Darden

Modified & Updated: 29 Sep 2024

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Source: Nbcnews.com

Queen Elizabeth II has lived an extraordinary life, filled with remarkable milestones and contributions. Born on April 21, 1926, she became the longest-reigning British monarch, surpassing even Queen Victoria. Her reign began in 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI. Over the decades, she has witnessed and participated in significant historical events, from World War II to the digital age. Known for her dedication to duty, she has met with countless world leaders, supported numerous charities, and maintained a strong presence in public life. Her love for corgis, her unique fashion sense, and her weekly meetings with prime ministers are just a few aspects that make her reign memorable. Let's delve into 45 intriguing facts about this iconic monarch.

Key Takeaways:

  • Queen Elizabeth II's early life, marriage, and reign are filled with unique experiences, from her education during World War II to her historic coronation and dedication to charitable causes.
  • Known for her love of animals, colorful fashion sense, and unique traditions, Queen Elizabeth II's reign has left a lasting impact on the world, showcasing her dedication to her royal duties and personal touches.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and Family
02Education and World War II
03Meeting Prince Philip and Marriage
04Ascension and Coronation
05Family and Children
06Diplomatic Relations and Correspondence
07Love for Animals
08Personal Life and Hobbies
09Charitable Work and Public Engagements
10Language Skills and Fashion
11Historic Visits and Technological Advancements
12Royal Duties and Public Appearances
13Unique Traditions and Personal Touches
14Celebrating a Remarkable Reign

Early Life and Family

Queen Elizabeth II's early years were filled with significant events that shaped her future role as monarch.

  1. Birth and Early Life: Born at 2:40 a.m. on April 21, 1926, at 17 Burton Street in Mayfair, London, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was christened at Buckingham Palace on May 29, 1926.

  2. Family Background: Named after her mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, her father, Prince Albert, Duke of York, later became King George VI after King Edward VIII's abdication.

  3. Sister Margaret: In 1930, her sister Margaret Rose was born. The sisters shared a close bond, participating in many activities together.

  4. Accession to the Throne: At age 10, Elizabeth became the heir apparent when her father ascended the throne in 1936 after King Edward VIII abdicated.

Education and World War II

Elizabeth's formative years were marked by unique educational experiences and the impact of World War II.

  1. World War II: During the war, Elizabeth and Margaret moved to Windsor Castle for safety. They were educated at home, preparing for their future roles.

  2. Education: Elizabeth's education focused on constitutional history and law, with religious instruction from the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Meeting Prince Philip and Marriage

Elizabeth's relationship with Prince Philip played a crucial role in her life and reign.

  1. Meeting Prince Philip: Elizabeth met Prince Philip at a wedding in 1934. Their romance blossomed in the early 1940s, leading to their marriage on November 20, 1947, at Westminster Abbey.

  2. Marriage and Early Life: After marrying, Elizabeth and Philip lived in Malta between 1949 and 1951, where Philip served in the Mediterranean Fleet.

Ascension and Coronation

Elizabeth's journey to becoming queen was both sudden and historic.

  1. Accession to the Throne: Elizabeth became queen at 25 when King George VI died in February 1952.

  2. Coronation: Her coronation on June 2, 1953, was the first to be televised in England, watched by 20 million people.

Family and Children

Elizabeth's family life has been an essential aspect of her reign.

  1. Children: Elizabeth had four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. Each has played significant roles in the monarchy.

Diplomatic Relations and Correspondence

Elizabeth's reign has been marked by extensive diplomatic efforts and personal correspondence.

  1. Official Visits: She made five official visits to the United States, strengthening diplomatic ties.

  2. Correspondence: Elizabeth answered over 3.5 million items of correspondence, showing her dedication to her subjects.

Love for Animals

Elizabeth's affection for animals, especially corgis, is well-known.

  1. Corgis: She owned over 30 corgis throughout her life, starting with her first dog, Susan. She even bred a new dog breed called the "dorgi."

Personal Life and Hobbies

Elizabeth's personal interests and hobbies have added a unique dimension to her public persona.

  1. Strength and Stay: Elizabeth often referred to Prince Philip as her "strength and stay." They celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in 1997.

  2. Diamond Jubilee: For her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, Elizabeth received over 120,000 cards, letters, and gifts.

  3. Hobbies: She enjoyed horse riding, pigeon racing, and Scottish country dancing, even hosting annual dances for the community.

Charitable Work and Public Engagements

Elizabeth's commitment to charitable causes and public engagements has been a hallmark of her reign.

  1. Animal Welfare: She supported almost 40 animal-related organizations, promoting animal welfare.

  2. Official Birthdays: Elizabeth celebrated her birthday twice: once in April and once in June, with the Trooping the Colour parade.

  3. Prime Minister Meetings: She met with Britain's prime minister once a week for an hour.

Language Skills and Fashion

Elizabeth's language skills and fashion sense have been notable aspects of her public image.

  1. Language Skills: Elizabeth spoke fluent French, useful during official visits to French-speaking countries.

  2. Fashion: Norman Hartnell designed her wedding and coronation gowns. She was known for her elegant, brightly colored ensembles.

Historic Visits and Technological Advancements

Elizabeth's reign saw many historic visits and technological firsts.

  1. Royal Lineage: Elizabeth was the 40th monarch since William the Conqueror in 1066.

  2. Presidential and Papal Relations: There were 12 U.S. presidents and seven Roman Catholic popes during her time as monarch.

  3. Youth Organizations: Elizabeth was a Girl Guide and participated in the Sea Rangers.

  4. Godchildren: She had 30 godchildren, reflecting her role as a mentor.

  5. Historic Visits: Elizabeth was the first British monarch to visit China in 1986.

  6. Technological Advancements: She sent her first email in 1976 and published her first Instagram post in 2019.

Royal Duties and Public Appearances

Elizabeth's dedication to her royal duties and public appearances has been unwavering.

  1. Royal Yacht Britannia: Launched by Elizabeth in 1953, the yacht traveled over a million miles on royal duties.

  2. Official Overseas Visits: Since 1952, she undertook 251 official overseas visits to 128 countries.

  3. Charitable Work: Elizabeth was patron of 620 charities and organizations.

  4. State Banquets: She hosted 88 State banquets during her reign.

  5. Ship Launches: Elizabeth launched 17 ships, symbolizing the monarchy's maritime history.

  6. Royal Variety Performances: She attended 31 Royal Variety performances.

  7. Telegrams and Correspondence: Elizabeth sent almost 100,000 telegrams to centenarians and over 280,000 to couples celebrating diamond wedding anniversaries.

Unique Traditions and Personal Touches

Elizabeth's unique traditions and personal touches have endeared her to many.

  1. Handbag Signals: She used her handbag to send signals to her staff, like switching hands to indicate she was ready to end a conversation.

  2. Brightly Colored Ensembles: Elizabeth wore brightly colored outfits to remain visible in crowds.

  3. Portraits: She sat for 129 portraits during her reign.

  4. Radio Broadcasts: Elizabeth made her first radio broadcast in October 1940 during World War II.

  5. Football Enthusiast: Elizabeth was an Arsenal fan, showing her human side.

  6. French Language Skills: She spoke fluent French, aiding diplomatic relations.

  7. Nail Polish Tradition: Elizabeth wore Essie’s classic pale pink shade, Ballet Slippers, since 1989.

  8. Humor and Imagination: Known for her sense of humor, she could imitate the sound of a Concorde jet landing.

  9. Interviews and Media: Elizabeth gave only one sit-down interview, with the BBC in 2018, earning the nickname ‘Elizabeth the Silent.’

  10. Legacy and Impact: Her legacy extends beyond personal achievements, playing a crucial role in maintaining national unity and supporting various causes.

Celebrating a Remarkable Reign

Queen Elizabeth II's life and reign have been nothing short of extraordinary. From her early days as a princess to becoming the longest-reigning British monarch, her journey has been filled with significant milestones and personal achievements. Her dedication to duty, unwavering commitment to her people, and ability to adapt to changing times have made her a beloved figure worldwide. Whether it's her love for corgis, her fluency in French, or her unique way of signaling with her handbag, these facts paint a vivid picture of a queen who has left an indelible mark on history. As we reflect on her legacy, it's clear that Queen Elizabeth II's impact will be felt for generations to come. Her reign has not only shaped the British monarchy but also inspired countless individuals around the globe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What made Queen Elizabeth II such a significant figure in history?
Queen Elizabeth II, with her long reign, became a symbol of stability and continuity. Her tenure saw monumental changes in society, technology, and politics, yet she remained a steadfast presence, adapting to new eras while upholding traditions. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life, coupled with her dedication to public service, cemented her place in history as more than just a monarch; she was a beloved global icon.
How long did Queen Elizabeth II reign, and why is this noteworthy?
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II reigned for over 70 years, making her the longest-serving current head of state at the time of her passing. This longevity is remarkable because it allowed her to witness and influence numerous historical events and societal shifts, providing a unique continuity of leadership through rapidly changing times.
Can you name a few key milestones during Queen Elizabeth II's reign?
Sure, her reign was marked by several key milestones. For starters, she was the first British monarch to celebrate a Sapphire Jubilee, commemorating 65 years on the throne. Her reign also included the decolonization of Africa, the accession of the United Kingdom to the European Union, and later, its departure. Additionally, she was pivotal in modernizing the monarchy, making it more accessible and relatable to the public through televised broadcasts and social media.
What were some personal interests and hobbies of Queen Elizabeth II?
Queen Elizabeth II had a well-known love for animals, particularly corgis, which were her constant companions throughout her life. She was also passionate about horse racing, owning many thoroughbreds and enjoying considerable success as a racehorse owner. Beyond her love for animals, she took a keen interest in photography, capturing moments from her travels and family life.
How did Queen Elizabeth II impact the Commonwealth?
Her impact on the Commonwealth was profound. She was a unifying figure, deeply committed to its development and fostering a sense of community among its diverse member countries. Through numerous tours and state visits, she strengthened ties between the Commonwealth nations, promoting mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation on global issues.
What role did Queen Elizabeth II play in modernizing the British monarchy?
Her role in modernizing the British monarchy was significant. She embraced television and the internet to connect with people globally, breaking the traditional barriers that kept royals at a distance from the public. Initiatives under her reign included televising the coronation and creating social media accounts for the Royal Family, making the monarchy more transparent and accessible.
How did Queen Elizabeth II's personal style influence fashion?
Her personal style, characterized by bright, solid colors and matching hats, became iconic. This choice wasn't just about fashion; it was strategic, ensuring she could be easily seen by crowds during public appearances. Designers and fashion enthusiasts often looked to her for inspiration, admiring her ability to blend tradition with a sense of personal style that influenced generations.
What legacy does Queen Elizabeth II leave behind?
Her legacy is multifaceted, encompassing her role as a symbol of continuity, her efforts to modernize the monarchy, and her deep commitment to public service. She leaves behind a modernized monarchy that remains relevant in the 21st century, a testament to her adaptability and understanding of her role in a changing world. Her dedication to duty, love for her country, and the Commonwealth, and her unwavering sense of responsibility will be remembered for generations to come.

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