Elizabeth II Becomes the Queen
In 1952, following the passing of her father, King George VI, Elizabeth was promoted from Princess to Queen. When her father passed away, she was visiting Kenya with her husband, Prince Philip at the time. The couple quickly returned to England so that Elizabeth could carry out her royal duties.
Elizabeth II was just 25 years old when she ascended to the throne. In this picture, taken in 1952, you can see a young Elizabeth alongside her children, Charles and Anne. The picture was taken in Scotland when the family visited Bamoral Castle.
The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
While Elizabeth II became Queen on February 6, 1952, her coronation was not held for more than a year. Traditionally, the people of England are given the time to mourn the previous monarch’s death before a new coronation is held. The delay also provides ample time to prepare for the festivities.
Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation took place on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey. During the events, on-goers watched as Elizabeth took oath. An estimated 8,000 guests watched as Elizabeth was crowned and anointed with oil.
Queen Elizabeth II Visits Ghana
In 1961, Queen Elizabeth II visited Ghana, a British colony that had gained its independence in 1957. At the time of the trip, the visit was a controversial one. The colony’s new head of state, President Kwame Khrumah, had been targeted for assassination, making the visit a dangerous one.
Thankfully, the trip was a strong success. While she was there, Elizabeth even danced with President Khrumah at a banquet. The visit was seen as an example of the Queen’s dedication to the commonwealth.
The Queen Continues to Travel
During the visit, Elizabeth II and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, appeared in a procession throughout Tokyo.
The couple also dined at the British Embassy with Japan’s Emperor and Empress. This trip helped strengthen relations between England and Japan.
The Queen Cracks Up the President
In 1983, the Queen traveled to San Francisco, where she attended a banquet in her honor. Elizabeth II’s sense of humor made a mark on everyone in attendance. In this image, you can see President Reagan laughing uproariously at one of her jokes. The joke apparently had something to do with the poor weather in California.
While the Queen often looks solemn, she’s been consistently praised for her wit. Her sense of humor has been described as dry and subversive. She’s especially well known for her one-liners.
An Unique Friendship
When the Queen met Nelson Mandela, who served as South Africa’s president from 1994 to 1999, the pair quickly became close. Mandela often referred to the Queen by her first name, calling her ‘Elizabeth’ and ‘Lizzie.’ Apparently, the two of them were known for having lively discussions.
In this picture, you can see the Queen sharing a carriage with Mandela during a state visit in 1996. The pair also wrote each other letters regularly. When signing those letters, the Queen addressed Mandela as “My Sincere Friend.”
The Queen Meets the Spice Girls
Reigning as Queen has given Elizabeth II the chance to meet with many heads of state, but it’s also given her the chance to meet a number of celebrities. In 1997, the Queen met the Spice Girls, who were topping the charts at the time of the meeting.
Surprisingly, the British Royal Family has continued to have a relationship with the Spice Girls since this image was taken. The Spice Girls were even invited to the wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle.
A Queen That Loves to Drive
Although the Queen has been driving for many years, she’s never had to get a driver’s license.
Because she’s sovereign, she’s permitted to drive herself without a license.
Queen Elizabeth II Celebrates Her 90th Birthday
In 2016, Britain’s longest-serving monarch officially celebrated her 90th birthday. To commemorate the event, a number of formal celebrations were held, including a birthday parade and a street party that hosted 10,000 guests. While most guests had to purchase tickets, 1,000 tickets were distributed via a public ballot.
Queen Elizabeth II has always been a very popular royal figure, and the people of England were happy to celebrate this momentous occasion with her. While it wound up raining during the birthday festivities, there was also plenty of sunshine.
Queen Elizabeth II In 2022
Because of her age, Queen Elizabeth II is less active than she used to be. However, she still participates in public events when she can. In this picture, you can see her cutting a cake as she celebrates the 70th anniversary of her coronation.
Although the Queen may be spending more time at home and less time in public, people around her say that she’s as witty as ever. At a recent event, the attendees described the monarch as “sparkling.” It’s clear that the Queen is still enjoying her reign.