Intro

At the age of just 25, Elizabeth II became queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. She came to the throne after the death of her father, King George VI, in 1952. In 2015 she became the longest-reigning British monarch.

Early Life 

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born in London, England, on April 21, 1926. The royal family belongs to the House of Windsor. Windsor is used as the family name, though the members of the family are known mostly by their given names. Elizabeth’s father was the second son of King George V, who died in 1936. George V’s oldest son reigned as King Edward VIII for only a short time. Then he surprised the world by giving up the throne. Elizabeth’s father took over as King George VI. As a result, the 10 year old Elizabeth became next in line for the throne. The young princess began training for her future duties. She also studied history, languages, and music at home with her younger sister, Margaret Rose.

Marriage        

Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten in 1947. Before the marriage he gained several special titles, including duke of Edinburgh. Their first child, Prince Charles, was born in 1948. Their younger children were Princess Anne, born in 1950; Prince Andrew, born in 1960; and Prince Edward, born in 1964. Their family name was Windsor.

Death

Queen Elizabeth died on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Her son Charles then became king of the United Kingdom. Elizabeth’s funeral was held on September 19. Before that, thousands of people waited hours in line to walk past her casket. They came from all over the country to honor the queen. Her funeral took place in Westminster Abbey. After the ceremony her casket was brought to her burial place 

in Saint George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.