Queen Elizabeth II

Elizabeth got married to Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, her second cousin once removed through King Christian IX of Denmark and third cousin through Queen Victoria, on 20 November 1947 at Westminster Abbey.

Her first son, Prince Charles was born on 14 November, 1948 and, a couple of years later, she also gave birth to Princess Anne. Prince Andrew was born in 1960 while Prince Edward, her fourth child, was born in 1964.

In 1969, she declared Prince Charles her successor and bestowed upon him, the title of Prince of Wales. Prince Charles got married to 19-year-old Diana Spencer in 1981.

Born to Prince Albert, Duke of York and Elizabeth, daughter of Scottish aristocrat Claude Bowes-Lyon, Elizabeth II is the grand-daughter of King George V and Queen Mary.

Elizabeth, with her sister Margaret, started her education at home and learned history, French, mathematics, geography along with dancing, singing and art.

Her unruffled childhood took a decisive turn when her grandfather King George V passed away and her uncle Edward VIII abdicated the throne in 1936 to be with his lady love and twice divorcee, Wallis Simpson. Consequently, Elizabeth’s father was crowned king and she became the crown princess and next in line to the throne.

During the outbreak of the Second World War, London was subjected to heavy bombardment and Elizabeth and her sister were shifted to Balmoral Castle, Scotland where they stayed until Christmas of 1939. They were later sent to Sandringham House, Norfolk amidst growing concern for their safety.

Till May 1940, she stayed at the Royal Lodge, Windsor, and was later shifted to Windsor Castle where she spent several years.

She was appointed as the Colonel-in-Chief of Grenadier Guards in 1942 and, a year later, she made her first solo public appearance and went to visit the infantry regiment. She also served as one of five Counselors of State in July 1944 when her father, King George VI, was on his trip to Italy.

In 1945, she was appointed to the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service as an honorary Second Subaltern. Here, she was trained as a driver and mechanic and, within a few months, became Junior Commander of the regiment.

Soon, Princess Elizabeth started accompanying her parents on official trips both within England and abroad.

She was inducted into the Welsh Gorsedd of Bards at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in 1946. A year later, on her first official visit with her parents, she travelled through the South African countries.

In 1951, owing to her father’s declining health, she visited Canada and the USA in his stead, as the heir apparent.