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Childhood & Early Life
April 21, 1926 – Born as Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor in London to the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth). 1936 – Becomes heir presumptive after her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicates, making her father King George VI. 1940 – Delivers her first public speech at age 14, addressing children during WWII via radio. 1945 – Joins the Auxiliary Territorial Service as a mechanic and driver during WWII. -
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Early Reign
November 20, 1947 – Marries Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. 1948 – Birth of Prince Charles (later King Charles III). 1952 – King George VI dies; Elizabeth becomes Queen at age 25. 1953 – Coronation at Westminster Abbey, broadcast globally. 1950–1964 – Gives birth to Princess Anne (1950), Prince Andrew (1960), and Prince Edward (1964). -
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Middle Reign
1977 – Celebrates Silver Jubilee (25 years on the throne). 1981 – Prince Charles marries Lady Diana Spencer. 1992 – Calls the year “Annus Horribilis” due to royal scandals, divorces, and a fire at Windsor Castle. 1997 – Death of Princess Diana, leading to public criticism of the monarchy. -
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Later Years & Longest Reign
2002 – Marks Golden Jubilee (50 years on the throne); her mother and sister pass away. 2011 – Becomes the first British monarch to visit Ireland in 100 years. 2015 – Becomes the longest-reigning British monarch in history, surpassing Queen Victoria. 2021 – Prince Philip, her husband of 73 years, passes away at 99. February 6, 2022 – Marks Platinum Jubilee (70 years as Queen). -
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Passing
September 8, 2022 – Dies at Balmoral Castle at age 96. September 19, 2022 – State funeral held at Westminster Abbey, followed by burial at Windsor Castle.