Born on 21 April 1926 in London, Elizabeth II became queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on 6 February 1952 following the death of her father, King George VI (1895–1952). She is known for her efforts to modernise the institution of monarchy – and for her love of corgis. Elizabeth celebrated her Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and died on 8 September 2022.
Below, browse expert articles and podcast episodes on Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II's life and reign
From silver to platinum: a history of Queen Elizabeth II's jubilees. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
Queen Elizabeth II50+ facts about her life and reign
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Britain's golden jubilees: from George III to Elizabeth II. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
Queen Elizabeth II: the constant face of a changing Britain. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
The young Elizabeth II: life before she was Queen. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
Becoming Queen: Elizabeth II’s coronation
7 memorable moments in the history of Buckingham Palace
Elizabeth II: the queen who saved the royals. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
Queen Elizabeth II's marriage
Queen Elizabeth was married to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, from until his death in April 2021
‘Two steps behind’: male royal consorts through history. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip: 8 milestones in their marriage
Daily Quiz24 October. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
Queen Elizabeth II's family
Elizabeth II was never meant to be queen, but following the abdication in 1936 of her uncle Edward VIII, who gave up the crown to marry the American divorcee Wallis Simpson, Elizabeth’s father became George VI and Elizabeth became heir to the throne
The Queen's "rebel sister": 13 facts about Princess Margaret
In profile: Princess Anne, daughter of Queen Elizabeth II
King Charles IIIThe life of the reigning king
What was Queen Elizabeth II like as a mother?. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
A brief guide to the British royal family, by The Crown’s historian Robert Lacey
The death of King George VI: what happened?
Queen Elizabeth, politics and prime ministers
