Timeline Of Queen Elizabeth II – The Longest Reigning British Monarch

The 95 year old Queen of the United Kingdom and 15 other Commonwealth realms has a unique and very interesting story behind her rise to throne. Born in 1926, Queen Elizabeth II is the longest reigning British Monarch in history. She is also the longest-serving female head of a state in the world.

Her birth ignited a lot of controversy and debate in the UK as the general public was not convinced whether a female would be given the throne / made a Queen of the state. Elizabeth defied all odds and has set an example for the women of the world. Let’s have a look at the early life and subsequent rise to throne of Queen Elizabeth II.

Early Life

Elizabeth was born in Mayfair, London to the Duke and Duchess of York. She was 25-years-old at the time she became the female monarch of the UK.

Queen Elizabeth II: See Colorized Photos of a Young Queen | Time
Queen Elizabeth II during her childhood. She was born in London, Mayfair to the Duke and Duchess of York.

Elizabeth did not go to a school outside her home. She is homeschooled and also undertook public duties during the Second World War. Queen Elizabeth II served in the Auxilliary Territorial Service at that time.

First In The Line Of Succession

Elizabeth was third in the line of succession during her grandfather’s reign. The first in line of succession was Elizabeth’s uncle Edward and the second was her father Edward. However, if Edward would marry and have children, they would have preceded Elizabeth in the line of succession. But destiny had different plans for this young lady.

After the death of Elizabeth’s grandfather, her uncle Edward became the reigning monarch of the UK. But due to personal life and constitutional crisis, King Edward VIII abdicated and the reign was now in the hands of Elizabeth’s father. Now, Elizabeth was first in the line of succession.

Marriage To Prince Philip

Elizabeth’s engagement to Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark happened at the age of 21. Elizabeth gave birth to her first child, Prince Charles, on 14 November 1948

Queen Elizabeth's Wedding - Queen Elizabeth II Wedding to Prince Philip  Story & Photos
Snapshot from the marriage function of Elizabeth and Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark. The young Elizabeth was soon going to become a Queen at this point.

Meanwhile, the health of Elizabeth’s father George VI was on the decline. This prompted concerns among the royal house members and the general public. During this time, Elizabeth had already begun substituting her father on royal tours and invitations.

Elizabeth Becomes The Queen

On 6th February 1952 after Elizabeth returned to her Kenyan home, the news arrived that her father who was the reigning monarch has passed away. This prompted Elizabeth’s accession to the royal throne. Here we mark the beginning of Queen Elizabeth II.

The coronation of Elizabeth II took place on 2 June 1953 at Westminster Abbey in London. Elizabeth II acceded to the throne at the age of 25 upon the death of her father, George VI, on 6 February 1952.

Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Anniversary: Five Weird Facts About the  Historic Event
Picture from the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and her rise to the royal throne.

Queen Elizabeth II: 1950 – 1990 Major Events Timeline

Queen Elizabeth II has selflessly served the public and continues to do so until now. Here is a brief timeline of the most important royal events, tours, controversies, and initiatives that Queen Elizabeth II has been involved in:

  • 1953: Queen Elizabeth II and husband Prince Philip embarked on a seven-months long world tour. During this tour, the couple visited many head of states and discussed a lot of topics. Queen Elizabeth II is the most widely travelled head of state in history.
  • 1956: Britain and France encounter a failed attempt of trying to invade Egypt and capture the Suez Canal. Queen Elizabeth was against this invasion, as per sources inside the Royal ministries.
  • 1957: Queen Elizabeth visits the United Nations General Assembly and speaks on behalf of the Commonwealth.
  • 1961: Queen Elizabeth undertakes tour to India, Pakistan, Nepal, Iran, and Cyprus.
  • 1977: Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne of the United Kingdom.
  • 1981: Six shots were fired at the Queen in an attempt to assassinate her.
A teenager tried to shoot and kill the Queen during a visit to New Zealand in 1981

Queen Elizabeth II: 1991 – 2021 Major Events Timeline

  • 1991: Queen Elizabeth II becomes the first ever Monarch to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress
  • 1997: Visit to India at the famous Jallianwala Bagh massacre spot where protesters gathered and yelled “Killer Queen, go back”
  • 2002: Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth’s rise to throne.
  • 2012:  Queen Elizabeth completes 60 years on the throne, aka Diamond Jubilee.
Queen Elizabeth II: A Diamond Jubilee Souvenir Album: Roberts, Jane:  0787721850182: Amazon.com: Books
Marking the sixtieth anniversary of her accession to the throne, the Diamond Jubilee places Queen Elizabeth II in the company of very few other monarchs—among them Queen Victoria—to have achieved such a long reign. This album is available on Amazon Books.
  • 2018: Queen Elizabeth undergoes a cataract surgery
  • 2019: The Queen decides to give up driving on public roads as a result of a car crash involving her husband two months prior
  • 2020: As the coronavirus pandemic wreaked havoc around the world, Queen Elizabeth moved to Windsor Castle and quarantined there as a precaution.
  • 2021: Queen Elizabeth left widowed as Prince Philip died on 9 April
  • 2021: Queen Elizabeth awarded the George Cross to “recognise all NHS staff, past and present, across all disciplines and all four nations”.

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