Elizabeth II was Queen of the United Kingdom. She became queen regnant after her father, King George VI, died in 1952. In 1952, she became the head of state of seven independent states, including the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). She was the longest-serving monarch of Britain with a reign of 70 years and 214 days and the second-longest monarch of a sovereign country. She was also the Queen of 15 Commonwealth realms at the time of her death. She died peacefully in September 2022 at the age of 96.
Wiki/Biography
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born on Wednesday, 21 April 1926 (age 96 years; at the time of death) at 2:40 (GMT) in Mayfair, London, the United Kingdom at her maternal grandfather Lord Strathmore’s home. Her zodiac sign is Taurus. She and her younger sister, Princess Margaret, were homeschooled. They received a private education at home from her mother and their private tutor, Marion Crawford. They were taught history, language, literature, and music. Elizabeth was taught history by the C.H.K. Marten, who later became Provost of Eton College. During the Second World War, she undertook public duties and served in the women’s branch of the British Army, Auxiliary Territorial Service. During her Auxiliary Territorial Service in 1944, she was trained to drive a truck and become a mechanic to serve in the Second World War. Five months later, she received the rank of honorary junior commander.
A childhood image of Queen Elizabeth II
Physical Appearance
Height: 5′ 3″
Weight (approx.): 55 kg
Hair Colour: White
Eye Colour: Blue
Family
Elizabeth belonged to the Royal family of the United Kingdom.
Parents & Siblings
She was born to King of the United Kingdom, George VI, and Queen of the United Kingdom, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. Elizabeth’s father died on 6 February 1952, and her mother died on 30 March 2002. She had one younger sister named Margaret Rose, Countess of Snowdon. Margaret died on 9 February 2002 of a brain stroke at the age of 71.
A picture captured a few days before the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. From left- Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, Queen Elizabeth (her mother), King George VI (her father), and Margaret (her sister)
Husband & Children
On 20 November 1947, she got married to Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh and former Prince of Greece and Denmark in Westminster Abbey at the age of 21.
A wedding day photo of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip taken in 1947
Prince Philip died on 9 April 2021. The couple had four children together, three sons and one daughter. On 14 November 1948, she gave birth to her first child, Charles Philip Arthur George (Prince of Wales), who became the King of the United Kingdom on 8 September 2022. Her first daughter, Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise (Princess Royal), was born on 15 August 1950. She gave birth to her second son Andrew Albert Christian Edward (Duke of York) on 19 February 1960 and her third son, Edward Antony Richard Louis (Earl of Wessex), on 10 March 1964.
Queen Elizabeth ll with her husband and children. From left (sitting)- Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Philip. From left (standing)- Prince Andrew, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward
Her eldest son, Prince Charles, got married to Diana Spencer (Princess of Wales) in 1981. Charles and Diana got divorced in 1996. One year later after the divorce, Diana was killed in a car crash in Paris 0n 31 August 1997.
A picture taken in 1981 on the wedding day of Prince Charles and Princess Diana
In 2005, Prince Charles got married to Camilla Parker Bowles (Queen Consort of the United Kingdom). However, Queen Elizabeth II did not like his decision of divorcing Diana and marrying Camilla.
A picture taken in 2005 on the wedding day of Prince Charles and Camilla Barker
In 1973, her daughter, Anne (Princess Royal), got married to Mark Phillips, an Olympic gold medal-winning horseman for Great Britain; however, the couple got divorced in 1992.
A wedding day picture of Princess Anne and Mark Philips, taken in 1973
In 1992, Anne got married to Timothy Laurence, a retired Royal Navy officer.
A wedding day picture of Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence, taken in 1992
In 1986, her son Prince Andrew (Duke of York) got married to Sarah Ferguson (Duchess of York), a publicist and media producer. They got divorced in 1996.
A wedding day picture of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson taken in 1986
Her son Prince Edward (Earl of Wessex) got married to Sophie Rhys Jones (Countess of Wessex and Forfar) in 1999.
Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys Jones’s wedding day picture taken in 1999
Grandchildren
Children of Charles III (King of the United Kingdom)
Prince Charles and Princess Diana had two children, William Arthur Philip Louis (William, Prince of Wales) and Henry Charles Albert David (Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex).
A picture of Prince Charles with his family, which was taken in 1995. From left- Diana (Princess of Wales), Prince Harry, Prince William, and Prince Charles
In 2011, Charles’ elder son, William, got married to Catherine Middleton (Princess of Wales). The couple has three children, two sons named George Alexander Louis and Louis Arthur Charles, and one daughter named Charlotte Elizabeth Diana. Prince William is the heir apparent to his father, Charles, King of the United Kingdom.
Prince William with his wife, Princess Catherine and children (From left- Charlotte, Louis, and George)
Charles’ younger son, Harry, got married to the former actress Meghan Markle (Dutchess of Sussex).
A wedding day picture of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle taken in 2018
The couple has two children, Archie Mountbatten Windsor and Lilibet Mountbatten Winsdor.
Prince Harry with his wife, Meghan and children, Archie and Lilibet
Children of Anne (Princess Royal)
Anne and Mark Phillips have two children named Peter Mark Andrew Phillips, a British businessman, and Zara Anne Elizabeth Phillips, a British equestrian. Peter Phillips got married to Autumn Kelly in 2008; however, they got divorced in 2021. The couple has two children, Savannah Anne Kathleen, who is the first great-grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth II, and Isla Elizabeth.
Peter Philips with his wife, Autumn Kelly and children
In 2011, Zara got married to Michael James Tindall, a former British rugby player.
A picture taken on the wedding day of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall in 2011
The couple has three children named Mia Grace, Lena Elizabeth, and Lucas Philip.
Zara with her husband, Mike Tindall and children (From left- Mia Grace, Lena, and Lucas )
Children of Andrew (Duke of York)
Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have two daughters, Beatrice Elizabeth Mary and Eugenie Victoria Helena. In 2020, Princess Beatrice got married to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and they have a daughter named Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi.
A picture taken on the wedding day of Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in 2020
Princess Eugenie got married to Jack Brooksbank in 2018.
A wedding day picture of Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank taken in 2018
She gave birth to a baby boy, August Brooksbank, in February 2021.
Eugenie with son August Brooksbank
Children of Edward (Earl of Wessex)
Edward and Sophie Rhys Jones have two children named Louise Alice Elizabeth Mary Mountbatten-Windsor (Lady Louise Windsor) and James Alexander Philip Theo Mountbatten-Windsor (James, Viscount Severn).
Edward with wife, Sophie Rhys Jones, and children, Louise and James
Family Tree
Relationships/Affairs
Prince Philip was Elizabeth’s third cousin from Corfu, Greece. Elizabeth is related to Queen Victoria on her father’s side, and Philip was related to Queen Victoria on his mother’s side. In 1934, she met Philip Mountbatten for the first time at a royal family wedding, and they then met again in 1937. In July 1939, she met Philip for the third time at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. Reportedly, after meeting him for the third time, she fell in love with him; at that time, she was 13. Later, they started sending letters to each other. On 9 July 1947, their engagement was announced, when she was 21 years old and Prince Philip was 26 years old.
Official engagement photograph of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip taken on 9 July 1947
Religion/Religious Views
The Queen had faith in Christianity. She often talked about the peace and comfort that it gave to her, especially during her annual Christmas Broadcasts. In the 2014 Christmas broadcast, she shared what she learned from Jesus Christ. She said,
For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people of whatever faith or none.”
Signature/Autograph
5th Queen of the United Kingdom
Unexpected Heiress to The Throne
During the rule of Elizabeth’s grandfather, George V, from 1910 to 1936, his eldest son, Edward VIII, was chosen to be the next King. After he became the King in 1936, he proposed to Wallis Simpson, an American socialite. Wallis divorced her first husband and filed for a divorce from her second husband. The Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom and other officials opposed his decision to marry her as she was a divorced woman with two living ex-husbands, which was not good for the image of a queen consort. At that time, the Church of England did not approve of remarriage after divorce if a former spouse was still alive. So, to marry Wallis, he decided to leave the throne, and he abdicated on 11 December 1936. After his abdication, Elizabeth’s father, George VI, became the King of the UK, and his coronation took place on 12 May 1937.
In 1937, the photograph was taken on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, where Elizabeth II is waving to the crowd on the coronation day of King George VI
Elizabeth II became the heir presumptive of the throne. Since Elizabeth had no brother, who would have been the successor of the throne, she became the heir apparent. After the demise of her father on 6 February 1952, she, at the age of 25, became the 5th Queen of England. On 2 June 1953, her coronation took place. While addressing people, she gave her speech in which she said,
The ceremonies you have seen today are ancient, and some of their origins are veiled in the mists of the past. But their spirit and their meaning shine through the ages never, perhaps, more brightly than now. I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.”
A photograph from the coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II taken on 2 June 1953
Silver Jubilee
On her Silver Jubilee, on 2 June 1977, she delivered a message on the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne. In the message, she said,
As we mark this anniversary, it gives me pleasure to renew to you the pledge I gave in 1947 that my life will always be devoted to your service. And so as I look forward to continuing to serve you with all my heart, I hope this Jubilee will bring together families and friends, neighbours and communities – after some difficult times for so many of us – in order to enjoy the celebrations and to reflect on the positive developments in our day-to-day lives that have so happily coincided with my reign.”
A photograph of Queen Elizabeth II clicked on the occasion of her Silver jubilee on 2 June 1977
Golden Jubilee
In 2002, Elizabeth completed her 50 years on the throne. In February, she began the tour of her realms. She began her tour from Jamaica, where the farewell banquet was held at the King’s House, the official residence of the Governor-General of Jamaica. She called the farewell banquet “memorable” as a power cut took place and darkness prevailed at the King’s House for a while. The main jubilee celebration went on for 3 days in London, and about 1 million people attended the celebration each day.
On 4 June 2002, Queen Elizabeth celebrated her Golden Jubilee in London
Diamond Jubilee
On 2 June 2012, the Queen marked the 60 years of her accession to the throne.
Queen Elizabeth II at St. Paul’s Cathedral on the last day of celebrations of her Diamond jubilee on 5 June 2012
On the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee, she went on a tour of the United Kingdom with her husband. On her behalf, her children and grandchildren took royal tours of other Commonwealth states. When she was touring in Manchester, she appeared at a wedding party held at Manchester Town Hall to surprise the people there. Since George III in 1781, she was the first monarch to attend a peacetime Cabinet meeting; she attended the meeting on 18 December 2012.
Sapphire Jubilee
On 2 June 2017, completing her 65 years on the throne, she became the first British monarch to mark her Sapphire Jubilee. She did not celebrate her 65th anniversary instead she sat quietly contemplating her father’s death.
Queen Elizabeth II was clicked during her Sapphire jubilee celebration in 2017
Platinum Jubilee
On 2 June 2022, she completed her 70 years on the throne. To celebrate her Platinum Jubilee, she held a reception in the evening at Sandringham House for pensioners, local Women’s Institute members, and charity volunteers. In her message on Accession Day, she renewed her commitment to the people of the Commonwealth, which was first made by her in 1947. In the message, she wrote,
As we mark this anniversary, it gives me pleasure to renew to you the pledge I gave in 1947 that my life will always be devoted to your service.”
Queen Elizabeth II with family members on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in London in 2022.
Head of the Commonwealth
After the demise of Elizabeth’s father in 1952, she became the head of the Commonwealth, after her accession to the throne. In 1953, Elizabeth and her husband went on a round-the-world trip for 7 months during which they visited 13 countries and travelled for more than 64,000 km. Elizabeth was the first ruling monarch of Australia and New Zealand to visit both nations. During her reign of more than 70 years, she made hundreds of visits to other countries and tours of the Commonwealth, which made her the head of state who travelled the most. In 1957, on behalf of the Commonwealth, she addressed the United Nations General Assembly for the first time on her state visit to the USA.
Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom addressing the United Nations General Assembly in October 1957
In the same year, she opened the 23rd Canadian Parliament, which made her the first monarch of Canada who opened a parliamentary session. She visited Cyprus, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Iran in 1961. In 1964, before her trip to Quebec, it was reported by the press that extremists of the Quebec sovereignty movement were conspiring together to assassinate Elizabeth; however, no one made such attempts, though, when she was in Montreal, a riot broke out. In 1970, during a trip to Australia and New Zealand, she made her first royal walkabout, which means meeting the general public. She again addressed the UN General Assembly on 6 July 2010.
Attacks on the Queen
Fantasy Assassination
In June 1981, during the Trooping of the Colour ceremony, a teenage boy fired blank shots at the Queen while she was riding on her horse, Burmese, down The Mall road in London. 17-year-old Marcus Sarjeant frightened the Queen and other people; however, the Queen did not get injured.
Marcus Sarjeant shooting at Elizabeth during a Trooping of the Colour ceremony in 1981
Marcus pleaded guilty to a charge and was sent to prison for five years under the 1848 Treason Act. Lord Chief Justice Lane called this attempt to kill the Queen a “fantasy assassination.” Marcus wrote an apology letter from the prison but never received a reply. In 1984, he was released from prison after which he started a new life with a new name.
The Snowman and The Queen
On 14 October 1981, a 17-year-old boy named Christopher John Lewis made an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate the Queen during the Royal parade in Dunedin, New Zealand. He hid in a toilet cubicle on the fifth floor of a building from where he fired a shot with a .22 long rifle but missed hitting the Queen. Lewis was arrested and sent to prison for 3 years for possessing and using a weapon illegally but was never charged with attempted murder or treason. When he was in prison, he was moved to a psychiatric hospital from where he tried to escape with a plan to assassinate King Charles, who was on a visit to New Zealand with his wife, Diana, and son Prince William. On 23 September 1997, he committed suicide in his prison cell at Mt Eden prison in Auckland, New Zealand.
Christopher John Lewis
Legal Actions
Sued The Sun
In 1988, the paper published a photo of Sarah, Duchess of York and her daughter, Princess Beatrice, without authorization. The photograph was supposed to be used by the royal family on their Christmas card that year. The Queen sued The Sun for breach of copyright. Later, the paper reached out to the royal family for an out-of-court settlement. In 1993, the paper again breached the royal family’s privacy after a leaked text of the Queen’s Christmas broadcast was published by the paper. When the paper paid £200,000 to charity for an extrajudicial settlement with the royal family, the Queen sued the tabloid for the second time.
Sued Daily Mirror
In 2003, Ryan Parry, a reporter for Daily Mirror, disguised as a footman, a male domestic worker, worked at Buckingham Palace for a two-month investigation. She sued the Daily Mirror for privacy invasion and prevented the news agency from publishing information gathered by the reporter. The tabloid paid £25,000 towards Queen’s legal costs for the settlement.
Controversy
Killer Queen, go back!
In October 1997, the Queen and her husband, Philip, had a trip to India. During their trip, they visited the site of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre to honour the people who died there, but the visit backfired. Many Indians protested against her for the massacre done by British troops in 1919. Protesters were chanting “Killer Queen, go back,” and they wanted her to apologise. Protesters waited for about four hours before the arrival of Queen Elizabeth and Philip paid their tributes by laying a wreath and stood in a moment of silence for 30 seconds, which made Indian groups call off their protests.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at the Jallianwala Bagh massacre site in 1997
Awards (Film)
- On 4 April 2013, won an honorary BAFTA for her patronage of the film industry
Queen Elizabeth while receiving a BAFTA Award in 2013
Titles & Styles
- 21 April 1926-11 December 1936: Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth of York
- 11 December 1936-20 November 1947: Her Royal Highness The Princess Elizabeth
- 20 November 1947-6 February 1952: Her Royal Highness The Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh
- 6 February 1952-8 September 2022: Her Majesty The Queen
Car Collection
- 1953 Land Rover Series I
Queen Elizabeth II with Prince Charles riding on Land Rover Series I
- 2009 Jaguar X-Type Sportwagon V6 Sovereign
Queen Elizabeth II driving Jaguar X-Type Sportwagon V6 Sovereign
- Range Rover
Queen Elizabeth II driving a Range Rover at the Royal Windsor Horse Show
- Rolls Royce Phantom IV State Landaulette
Queen Elizabeth II getting out of Rolls Royce Phantom IV State Landaulette
- Rolls Royce Phantom V State Landaulette
- Rolls Royce Phantom VI State Landaulette
- Jaguar Daimler V8 Super LWB
Queen Elizabeth in Jaguar Daimler V8 Super LWB car with her husband, Prince Philip, driving the car
- 2000 Land Rover Defender 110
Queen Elizabeth II driving a 2000 Land Rover Defender 110
Net Worth
In 2021, according to Forbes, her total net worth was valued at $500 million.
Properties/Assets
Personal
- In 2021, her personal assets/properties were valued at $500 million, which included her investments, art, jewels, and real estates including Sandringham House and Balmoral Castle.
Sandringham House in England
Balmoral Castle in Scotland
- According to sources, her mother, Elizabeth, left property/valuables worth £70 million for her including many artworks.
- Reportedly, her late husband, Prince Philip, left an estate worth about £10 million, a collection of paintings by Edward Seago, and 3,000 books
- According to some business magazines, she had a Royal Philatelic Collection worth £100 million, which consisted of UK and Commonwealth stamps.
- In 2015, she bought a three-bedroom apartment of 3,000 square feet, priced at $7.9 million, situated near the United Nations headquarters in New York City. Its architecture and interiors are designed by the British architect Norman Foster.
Queen Elizabeth II’s apartment in New York
The Royal Family
- The Crown Estate ($19.5 billion),
- The Buckingham Palace (est. $4.9 billion)
- The Duchy of Cornwall ($1.3 billion)
- The Duchy of Lancaster ($748 million)
- Kensington Palace (est. $630 million)
- The Crown Estate Scotland ($592 million)
Note: The given details of her properties and assets are as per reported by Cosmopolitan and Forbes.
Queen and her Ailments
Keyhole surgery
In 2003, Elizabeth went through keyhole surgery on both knees.
Strained back muscle
Her visit to the opening of the new Emirates Stadium in October 2006 in Holloway, London, England had to be cancelled due to her strained back muscle.
Gastroenteritis
On 3 March 2013, after developing symptoms of gastroenteritis, she had to stay for one night at King Edward VII’s Hospital. In 2013, she cancelled to attend the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting for the first time in 40 years; however, her son, Prince Charles, represented her at the summit in Sri Lanka in November.
Cataract surgery
In May 2018, the Queen went through cataract surgery.
COVID-19
In 2022, Elizabeth tested positive for COVID-19 after experiencing “mild cold-like symptoms.” She did not attend two virtual engagements, which were going to be held on 22 February 2022; however, she had a telephonic conversation with the then Prime Minister of the UK, Boris Johnson, to discuss the escalating crisis in Ukraine.
Death
Queen Elizabeth II died on 8 September 2022 at Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire in Scotland. Her funeral plan was named “Operation London Bridge,” and also “Operation Unicorn,” since she died in Scotland. On 19 September 2022, her funeral took place at Westminster Abbey at 11 am (BST). Later that day, in the evening, her last funeral rites were performed, and she was buried together with her late husband, Prince Philip, at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, part of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Queen Elizabeth’s funeral cortege was kept on the State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy and was taken to Windsor Castle
Favourites
- Food: Gaelic steak, potatoes, pasta, Bombe glacée royale
- Drink(s): Bacardi rum, Gordon’s gin, Bulmers cider, Pimm’s liqueur, Gin, and Dubonnet wine
- Film: Flash Gordon (1980)
- Football team: Arsenal Football Club
- Song(s): ‘Oklahoma’ by Howard Keel, ‘Anything You Can Do’ by Dolores Gray and Bill Johnson
Facts/Trivia
- On 21 December 2007, she became the longest-lived British monarch and the longest-reigning British monarch on 9 September 2015, after her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.
- Her coronation ceremony was the first one to be televised in England, which took place in 1953.
- After the demise of the Queen’s husband, Prince Philip, on 9 April 2021, after 73 years of marriage, she became the first British monarch to reign as a widow or widower after Queen Victoria.
- Queen Elizabeth’s close family members used to call her Lilibet.
- Her first name, Elizabeth, was taken from her mother, Queen Elizabeth, her middle name, Alexandra, from her paternal great-grandmother, Alexandra of Denmark, and her last name, Mary, from her paternal grandmother, Mary of Teck.
- Reportedly, her husband, Prince Philip, used to call her by the pet name ‘Cabbage.’ In the 2006 Netflix series “The Crown,” British biographer and historical consultant Robert Lacey mentioned that during the 74-year marriage, Prince used to affectionately call her cabbage.
- She could speak French fluently, which she learned from several native-speaking governesses.
- Elizabeth was the British royal family’s only female member who served in the military.
- In April 1929, she was photographed as a baby for the cover of Time magazine.
A childhood image of Queen Elizabeth II on the cover of TIME magazine
- When Elizabeth turned 6 years old, she was gifted a ‘Y Bwthyn Bach’ (which means ‘Little House’), an adorable thatched wendy house. It was gifted to her by the people of Wales on her birthday. The miniature cottage consisted of miniature radio, a china set, a portrait of the Queen’s mother, books, pots, pans, brooms, and a working telephone.
Queen Elizabeth II inside her royal playhouse, ‘Y Bwthyn Bach’
- The Queen never used a last name. The official title that was given to the Queen was
Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.”
- Elizabeth was served as the Queen by 15 Prime Ministers of the UK, including Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Theresa May, Boris Jhonson, and more.
- During her reign of 70 years, she took about 260 official overseas trips.
- Her favourite dog breed was the corgi, and she had about 30 dogs of the same breed. She created a new breed of dog called dorgi, which is a hybrid of corgi and dachshund. She invented this breed when her corgi mated with a dachshund, which was her sister, Princess Margaret’s dog, Pippin.
Queen Elizabeth with her corgies
- She was the only person in England who could drive in the United Kingdom without a driving license or license plate on her vehicle as all the UK’s driver’s licenses were issued in her name.
- Queen Elizabeth had two birth dates. The First was the 21st of April, which was her real birthday, and the second took place on the second Saturday in June of every year, which was considered to be her official birthday. More than 250 years ago, King George II began this tradition to celebrate an “official” birthday in summers rather than chilling winters.
- Elizabeth loved sweets, and according to her former chef Darren McGrady, her favourite dessert was bombe glacée royale, a rich mint and chocolate ice cream bomb. She always had a chocolate-flavoured cake for her birthday, every year.
- As the Queen, she was privileged to travel around the world without a passport because all the British passports were issued in her name.
- Before going on a tour, the Queen always kept her personal toilet paper, a supply of blood matching her own blood group, and a defibrillator.
- In October 1940, she made her first radio broadcast during the Second World War. She sent her first email in 1976 and posted her first Instagram post in 2019.
- Her hobbies included horse riding, pigeon racing, and watching football matches. She had a flock of 200 pigeons, which she kept at her country estate of Sandringham.
- She had multiple animals, which were gifted to her from different countries including an elephant, two giant turtles, a jaguar, a pair of sloths, and more. All of these animals live in a zoo in London.
- Reportedly, when Elizabeth was about to get married, she bought the cloth for her wedding dress with the clothing ration coupons that were used during the Second World War. Also, the British government gifted her 200 more coupons. Even the girls that were about to get married, gave their own coupons, which they were saving for their own weddings, to Elizabeth; however, since royal family members cannot accept any present from the public, she returned the coupons to the girls. Her wedding gown was made of Chinese silk by Norman Hartnell.
Queen Elizabeth in her wedding gown
- In 1947, on Elizabeth’s wedding day, while getting ready for the ceremony, she wore the diamond-studded crown made in 1919 that belonged to her grandmother, Queen Mary, and it broke two hours before the ceremony. The headpiece was immediately taken to the workshop of the royal jewellery house Garrard for welding under heavy police security.
- The place where Elizabeth was born was, later, turned into a famous Cantonese restaurant called Hakkasan. She was born at a townhouse at 17 Bruton Street in London, which was the home of her maternal grandparents.
- Reportedly, all the unmarked swans in Britain’s waterways belonged to the Queen. Also, all the dolphins and whales in British waters were owned by her and were called the “fishes royal.”
- When Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip got married in 1947, they received more than 2500 presents. Gifts included 500 tins of pineapple, a necklace of $83 million, 131 pairs of nylon stockings, which were sent by women all around the UK as they were available in a limited supply at that time, and more.
- Queen always wore bright-coloured outfits with matching hats. The reason behind this was her short height. She always wore dresses in bright shades of pink, yellow, and green to stand out in the crowd. It was easier to see her when she wore neon and pastel shades during public interaction.
Queen in bright-coloured dresses on different occasions
- Elizabeth had a daily routine to take a gin cocktail in the morning to start her day, a glass of wine with lunch, a dry martini in the evening, and a glass of champagne at night. Reportedly, in October 2021, her doctors advised her to stop drinking alcohol and start drinking water and juice.
Queen Elizabeth having a cocktail drink
- During her stay at Balmoral castle, bagpipers used to be played under her window for 15 minutes to wake her up at 7:30 every morning.
- Elizabeth wore only one shade of nail polish since 1989 called Ballet Slippers by Essie, which is in a shade of palest pearly pink. Her hairdresser introduced the Queen to this colour for the first time. Surprisingly, it just costs $7.
- The shoes worn by Queen Elizabeth II were handmade by Anello & Davide.
- Since the 1950s, she had been carrying handbags made by London’s luxurious brand, Launer, which had been making bags for the royal family members since the 1940s. Queen generally carried three different handbags made by the brand, which included the leather ‘Diva’ bag, the ‘Traviata,’ and also a custom-made one.
Queen Elizabeth carrying her signature Launer handbag
- According to a report in 2020, it was revealed that the Queen could send hidden signals to her staff using her handbag. If she wanted an event to end in the next five minutes, she would place her handbag on the table, and if the bag is kept on the floor, it means she would like someone to interrupt her ongoing conversation and save her from it.
- Reportedly, she never carried cash in her purse as her face was imprinted on notes in about 33 countries; however, she always kept an ironed and folded bank note for church-service collections. She also kept a small camera, a suction-mounted bag hook to hang her purse anywhere, a crossword clipped from a newspaper, mints, a spare pair of gloves, a mirror, a pen, reading glasses, a handkerchief, and a cellphone for contacting her family members. She also kept her signature pink lipstick by Elizabeth Arden or Clarins.
- She was provided with a private ATM at Buckingham Palace by Coutts, which is one of the most trustworthy banks in Britain.
- Queen didn’t need to pay any kind of income or capital gains taxes; however, according to the royal family’s website, she had been paying the taxes, willingly, since 1993.
- In 1969, before the landing of Apollo 11, the American spaceflight, many world leaders were asked to write “messages of goodwill” that were taken to the moon on a silicon disk. According to NASA, the disk was placed by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin under the American flag, which was planted where Apollo 11 landed. In her message to the moon, the Queen wrote,
On behalf of the British people I salute the skill and courage which have brought man to the moon. May this endeavor increase the knowledge and wellbeing of mankind.”
- During her reign, the Queen posed for 150 portraits. On the occasion of her diamond jubilee in 2012, a holographic portrait of her named ‘Equanimity’ was created by Chris Levine and Rob Munday. They created a three-dimensional image by layering 1000 images one over the other. Later, they repurposed it and called it “The Diamond Queen.”
- In 2004, she hosted an event in which only women were invited for the first time at Buckingham Palace. Multiple celebrities including Kate Moss, Charlotte Church, JK Rowling, and Twiggy were invited to the event named ‘Women of Achievement.’
- For the 2012 London Olympics, a 007-centric skit was prepared for the opening ceremony. The director of the skit requested the Queen to use her resemblance in a clip, but the Queen wanted to appear in a speaking role with actor Daniel Craig, who played James Bond. Her dresser Angela Kelly revealed that the Queen memorised her dialogue “Good evening, Mr Bond,” flawlessly. For her appearance in the skit, she was called “the most memorable Bond girl yet” at the BAFTA award ceremony in 2013.
- The Queen’s character has been portrayed in about 100 movies and TV shows.
- On 8 May 1945, Elizabeth and her sister, Margaret, took their parents’ permission to go out on the streets and join the people crowded outside to celebrate the end of the Second World War. She considered that evening one of the most memorable moments of her life. According to an Instagram post by the royal family, she recalled that evening in 1985 and said,
I remember lines of unknown people linking arms and walking down Whitehall, all of us just swept along on a tide of happiness and relief.”
Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret in 1945
- The Queen was popular for her sense of humour and had a knack for mimicry. The Queen’s chaplain Bishop Michael Mann once said,
The Queen imitating the Concorde landing is one of the funniest things you could see.”
Her former security guard once revealed an incident when the Queen was roaming in public wearing a headscarf and a group of tourists at Balmoral Estate did not recognize her and asked her if she had ever met the Queen. The Queen replied,
No, But he has,” while pointing at the policeman standing nearby.
- The Queen appointed a poet laureate, a poet appointed as an officer of the royal household, who write poems in celebration of court and national events. As of 2022, a poet laureate is paid about £5,750 (about $7,000) with a barrel of sherry. In 2019, she appointed Simon Armitage as the next poet laureate for the next 10 years.
- The Queen could not be accused or forced to give evidence in court. According to the royal family website, there is a statement that reads,
Although civil and criminal proceedings cannot be taken against the Sovereign […] the Queen is careful to ensure that all her activities in her personal capacity are carried out in strict accordance with the law.”
- In 2022, on the occasion of the Queen’s birthday and her 70 years on the throne, Mattel, an American toy manufacturing and entertainment company, created a royal doll with Elizabeth’s image. In an Interview, Lisa Mcknight, Executive Vice President of Mattel, said,
The Queen is the perfect addition to the Barbie Tribute Collection, intended to honour women whose contributions have had a great impact. We’re proud to celebrate her historic milestone and encourage kids to learn more about her legacy.”
A barbie doll with the image of Queen Elizabeth II
- Since the Queen never used a last name, she always signed her letters and documents with the name “Elizabeth R.” in which R stands for “Regina,” which is a Latin word for “Queen.”
Accession Day message given by the Queen on her Platinum Jubilee
- In November 2007, she became the first British monarch to celebrate a diamond wedding anniversary.
- Reportedly, the Queen considered the word ‘pregnancy’ as vulgar. Instead of using the word itself, she asked people to use it as ‘in the family way,’ an old-fashioned phrase. Also, Elizabeth always kept her pregnancies shielded from the public and never talked about them openly. She hid under loose-fitting blouses and boxy coats. She did not like to make public appearances during the last few months of her pregnancy. In 1948, a few months before King Charles was born, Buckingham Palace announced,
Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth will undertake no public engagements after the end of June.”
- On 28 April 1969, a black RCMP Police Service Horse (PSH) mare named Burmese was gifted to Elizabeth by Staff Sergeant Ralph Cave. He presented the mare to the Queen when members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police came to the UK to perform in the Royal Windsor Horse Show. For 18 consecutive years, the Queen rode the horse for the Trooping the Colour ceremony from 1969 to 1986. After Burmese retired, she was put out to pasture at the park of Windsor Castle. Later, she died in 1990. After many years, when Queen was asked about her favourite horse, she would instantly reply “Burmese.”
Queen riding on her horse, Burmese, for the Trooping the Colour ceremony
- There are multiple awards that are named after Queen Elizabeth II. Some awards include Queen Elizabeth Stakes (ATC) and Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Queen Elizabeth II Cup and Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup in Hong Kong, Queen Elizabeth II Cup, Royal Calcutta Turf Club in India, Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes in the USA, and more.
- Some of the geographical locations that are named after the Queen are Queen Elizabeth II Island in Australia, Queen Elizabeth Park in New South Wales, Queen Elizabeth II Gardens in Canada, Villa Reina Isabel II in Chile, Queenstown in Singapore, Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, and more.
- Several buildings were named after the Queen such as Queen Elizabeth II Hall, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST) in Ghana, Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Hong Kong, Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre & Memorial Hall in New Zealand, Princess Elizabeth Centre, Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago, and others.
- According to reports, Queen had a bit of a crush on Tomasz Schafernaker, a BBC meteorologist. She liked to watch him forecasting on TV.
- There are some well-known monuments around the world that are named after the Queen like a statue of Queen Elizabeth II at Government House in South Australia, a statue of Queen Elizabeth II on her horse Burmese in Canada, a portrait bust of a young crowned Queen Elizabeth II in Papua New Guinea, a high relief portrait with Dedication Speech on the Bicentennial Bell Memorial Wall in Philadelphia, United States, and many others.
- In September 2023, a London court found five former metropolitan officers guilty of making racist slurs and derogatory remarks against Queen Elizabeth II, Rishi Sunak, and others. The charges were based on their involvement in sending racist messages on WhatsApp between the years 2020 and 2022.
Categories: Biography
Source: HIS Education