From that young age Princess Elizabeth had the world on her shoulders. But she was not born to be queen. As the daughter of the king’s second son, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary (aka “Lillibet”) enjoyed a carefree childhood without a thought of one day becoming queen. But that all changed in 1936 when her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated the crown to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. Elizabeth’s father ascended the thrown as King George VI. In 2022, the Queen celebrates her 96th birthday, as she was born on April 21, 1926. After her father’s death in 1952, Elizabeth was crowned Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, 1953. She was only 27 and a young mother of two. Now, at 96, the Queen has shattered records with her astounding 70 years on the throne—longer than any other monarch in British history. Throughout the pandemic and even after the death of Prince Philip, who she was married to for 73 years, she has continued to carry out many engagements—mostly virtual—from visits to charities and schools, to hosting visiting Heads of State. The Queen is Royal Patron of over 600 charities, public service organizations and military associations. A recent health issue and COVID-19 diagnosis forced her to cancel several events, but she is back to attending limited in-person events. Queen Elizabeth has crisscrossed the globe, visiting more than 120 countries and working with 14 prime ministers. Through it all she has managed to remain grounded. “Let us not take ourselves too seriously,” she said during her 1991 Christmas broadcast. “None of us has a monopoly on wisdom and we must always be ready to listen and respect other points of view In June 2016, when she turned 90, her grandson, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge made a speech during a luncheon in her honor. “My family has had plenty of reason to celebrate since the Queen turned 90 in April,” said the future king, who talked about his grandmother’s health and relentless energy, sharp wit and famous sense of humor. “The Queen remains very much at the helm of our family, our nation and the Commonwealth,” William said. He went on to reflect how the Queen is one head of state who world leaders can go to for a first-hand perspective of history over the last six decades. And then the Prince got a little more personal. “Before I finish I hope you won’t mind if I say a personal thank you to the Queen, and to do so on behalf of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” added the Prince. “Granny, thank you for everything you have done for your family.” From her carefree childhood with her sister, Princess Margaret, to her days as a young mother and leader, Queen Elizabeth has maintained a calm and steady reign through tense years. Here we take a look back at photos of Queen Elizabeth, her family and her lifelong service to her country. Next, See Queen Elizabeth’s Colorful Collection of Umbrellas and the Story Behind Them

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