Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, in London, England, as the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth).
Elizabeth's early life was spent primarily in the care of governesses and tutors. In 1936, her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne, and Elizabeth's father became King George VI. Elizabeth became heir presumptive to the throne, and her education included learning about the duties and responsibilities that came with the monarchy.
During World War II, Elizabeth and her sister, Princess Margaret, were evacuated to Windsor Castle for their safety. Elizabeth joined the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she trained as a mechanic and driver. She also made her first radio broadcast to the children of the Commonwealth during this time.
In 1947, Elizabeth married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. They have four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.
Elizabeth ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952, following the death of her father. Her coronation was held the following year on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey. Since then, she has become the longest-reigning monarch in British history, surpassing Queen Victoria's record in 2015.
During her reign, Elizabeth has seen many changes in the world, including the end of the British Empire and the rise of the Commonwealth of Nations. She has also witnessed many political and social changes within the United Kingdom, including the devolution of power to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and the introduction of same-sex marriage.
Despite her ceremonial role, Elizabeth has played a significant role in shaping the monarchy and its relationship with the public. She is known for her dedication to duty and her commitment to serving the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She has traveled extensively throughout her reign, visiting more than 120 countries and meeting with countless world leaders.
Elizabeth is also known for her love of horses and horse racing, and she is a passionate supporter of the arts and sciences. She is the patron of many charitable organizations and has received numerous honors and awards for her service to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
In recent years, Elizabeth has begun to scale back her official duties, passing many of them on to her children and grandchildren. However, she continues to be a beloved and respected figure in the United Kingdom and around the world.