![]() ![]() Public opinion of the monarchy was especially strong at that time. The wedding drew enormous crowds in the streets of London and millions watched the proceedings on television. In 1981 32-year-old Charles wed 19-year-old Diana Spencer (best known as Princess Diana), with later rumors surfacing that he was pressured into the marriage by his family. Hundreds of millions of people tuned in to see the ceremony on television. In 1969, she officially made Charles her successor by granting him the title of Prince of Wales. Elizabeth had two more children-sons Andrew and Edward-in 19, respectively. ChildrenĮlizabeth and Philip wasted no time in producing an heir: Son Charles was born in 1948, the year after their wedding, and daughter Anne arrived in 1950. Over the years, Philip inspired numerous public relations headaches with his off-the-cuff, controversial comments and rumors of possible infidelities. In 1960, she reversed course, issuing orders that her descendants who did not carry royal titles (or needed last names for legal purposes such as weddings) would use the surname Mountbatten-Windsor. The family took on the name Windsor, a move pushed by her mother and Prime Minister Winston Churchill which caused tension with her husband. Her father, King George VI, was hesitant about the match because, while Mountbatten had ties to both the Danish and Greek royal families, he didn't possess great wealth and was considered by some to have a rough personality.Īt the time of their wedding, Great Britain was still recovering from the ravages of World War II, and Elizabeth collected clothing coupons to get fabric for her gown. Elizabeth was quiet and reserved while Philip was boisterous and outspoken. The two kept in touch over the years and eventually fell in love. ![]() Husband Prince PhilipĮlizabeth married her distant cousin Philip Mountbatten (a surname adopted from his mother's side) on November 20, 1947, at London's Westminster Abbey.Įlizabeth first met Philip, son of Prince Andrew of Greece, when she was only 13. For the first time ever, the coronation ceremony was broadcast on television, allowing people from across the globe to witness the pomp and spectacle of the event. CoronationĮlizabeth was crowned Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, 1953, in Westminster Abbey, at the age of 25.Įlizabeth assumed the responsibilities of the ruling monarch on February 6, 1952, when her father, King George VI, died. Her mother became Queen Elizabeth on King George's death in 1952, she became Queen Mother and her daughter became Queen Elizabeth II. Her father was crowned King George VI in 1937, taking on the name George to emphasize continuity with his father. The event changed the course of her life, making her the heir presumptive to the British crown. In the end, Edward chose Simpson and abdicated the crown. Edward, however, was in love with American divorcée Wallis Simpson and had to choose between the crown and his heart. When Elizabeth’s grandfather George V died in 1936, his eldest son (Elizabeth’s uncle) became King Edward VIII. She had another vivid experience outside of the monarchy when she and Margaret were allowed to mingle anonymously among the citizenry on Victory in Europe Day. While her volunteer work only lasted a few months, it offered Elizabeth a glimpse into a different, non-royal world. She trained side-by-side with other British women to be an expert driver and mechanic. In 1945, Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service to help in the war effort. She also began to accompany her parents on official visits within Britain. Appointed colonel-in-chief of the Grenadier Guards by her father, Elizabeth made her first public appearance inspecting the troops in 1942. The 14-year-old princess, showing her calm and firm personality, told them "that in the end, all will be well for God will care for us and give us victory and peace."Įlizabeth soon started taking on other public duties. From there she made the first of her famous radio broadcasts in 1940, with this particular speech reassuring the children of Britain who had been evacuated from their homes and families. With the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Elizabeth and her sister largely stayed out of London, having been relocated to Windsor Castle. Academic courses included French, mathematics and history, along with dancing, singing and art lessons. Elizabeth and her younger sister Margaret were educated at home by tutors. The 20 Best Books About Queen Elizabeth IIĮlizabeth’s father and mother divided their time between a home in London and Royal Lodge, the family's home on the grounds of Windsor Great Park. ![]()
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