Elizabeth II: the queen who redefined an era

What made Elizabeth II such an enduring figure? In episode one of her HistoryExtra Academy series on royal women, historian Kate Williams explores the life of a queen who took on the crown in a new age of technology and progress

Published: April 21, 2026 at 8:01 AM

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How did Queen Elizabeth II balance tradition with change throughout her long reign? And what is her lasting impact on the monarchy today?

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In the first episode of her HistoryExtra Academy series, Kate Williams traces the extraordinary life of Elizabeth II, a monarch whose reign spanned generations.

From moments of national celebration to periods of crisis and criticism, discover how she navigated the challenges of modern monarchy while remaining a symbol of continuity and stability.

Enjoyed episode one? Find more in episode two. Discover more episodes of the academy series on royal women, and explore our previous series on royal residences

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Professor Kate Williams is a historian, presenter the author of several books including Regina :A New History of Women and Power (June 2026)

Authors

Professor Kate Williams

Professor Kate Williams is a historian, author, and broadcaster, and professor of Modern History at Reading University

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