Queen Elizabeth II

Family background

Elizabeth II’s father and mother were known as the Duke and Duchess of
York. Her father, Prince Albert, Duke of York, was the second son
of Queen Mary and King George V. Her mother was Lady Elizabeth
Bowes-Lyon. 

Elizabeth had ties with most of the monarchs in Europe. Her British
ancestors include Queen Victoria (ruled 1837 to 1901) and King George
III (ruled 1760 to 1820).

Achievement

SHE GUIDED THE TRANSFORMATION TO A COMMONWEALTH

THE STABILITY SHE BROUGHT

HER SERVICE IN WORLD WAR II

As the war dragged on, Elizabeth felt a keen sense of duty. According to Biography, she
wanted to enlist as soon as she came of age in 1944, but the royal family couldn't allow the heir to
the throne to be put in danger. But Elizabeth refused to take no for an answer and kept pushing. In
1945, when she was 18, Elizabeth was given permission to join the military effort.

SHE MODERNIZED THE MONARCHY

While King George VI provided a period of stability that forestalled any thought of
abolishing the monarchy, Queen Elizabeth was the one who truly saved it.

Education
Queen Elizabeth II was educated at home, but had some prominent teachers. After her
father succeeded to the throne in 1936 and she became his heir, she began studying
constitutional history and law, and was taught by Henry Marten, the vice provost of Eton
College. She also took lessons in religion from the Archbishop of Canterbury, and
learned French from various governesses. She holds no degrees.

Early life
Queen Elizabeth II was born Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on April
21, 1926, in London, to Prince Albert, Duke of York (later known as King
George VI), and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon.
At the time of her birth, most people did not realize Elizabeth would
someday become the queen of Great Britain. Elizabeth, nicknamed Lilibet,
got to enjoy the first decade of her life with all the privileges of being a royal
without the pressures of being the heir apparent.

Elizabeth’s father and mother divided their time between a home in London
and Royal Lodge, the family's home on the grounds of Windsor Great Park.
Elizabeth and her younger sister Margaret were educated at home by
tutors. Academic courses included French, mathematics and history, along
with dancing, singing and art lessons.

With the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Elizabeth and her sister largely
stayed out of London, having been relocated to Windsor Castle. From there
she made the first of her famous radio broadcasts in 1940, with this
particular speech reassuring the children of Britain who had been
evacuated from their homes and families. The 14-year-old princess,
showing her calm and firm personality, told them "that in the end, all will be
well; for God will care for us and give us victory and peace."

Elizabeth soon started taking on other public duties. Appointed colonel-in-

chief of the Grenadier Guards by her father, Elizabeth made her first public
appearance inspecting the troops in 1942. She also began to accompany
her parents on official visits within Britain.

In 1945, Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service to help in the war
effort. She trained side-by-side with other British women to be an expert
driver and mechanic. While her volunteer work only lasted a few months, it
offered Elizabeth a glimpse into a different, non-royal world. She had
another vivid experience outside of the monarchy when she and Margaret
were allowed to mingle anonymously among the citizenry on Victory in
Europe Day.