Overview
Timelines
Historic Visits and Diplomacy
Modernization of the Monarchy
Overview and main events
Legacy and Death
Major World Events and Crises
Health and Later Life
Commonwealth and Global Engagements
Accession and Early Reign
Jubilees and Celebrations
Personal Life and Relationships
Challenges and Controversies
Chronicle
Articles
Elizabeth II. Overview and main events
Overview and main events
Queen Elizabeth II, born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on April 21, 1926, was the longest-reigning monarch in British history, serving as the Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from February 6, 1952, until her death on September 8, 2022. Her reign spanned over seven decades, marked by significant historical events, personal milestones, and the evolution of the British monarchy. Here is a timeline of some of the most notable events in her life and reign.
April 21, 1926
Birth of Princess Elizabeth
Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born at 2:40 AM at her parents' home, 17 Bruton Street, Mayfair, London. She was the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
December 11, 1936
Accession of King George VI
Elizabeth's father, King George VI, ascended to the throne after his older brother, King Edward VIII, abdicated. This made Princess Elizabeth the heiress presumptive at the age of 10.
November 20, 1947
Marriage to Prince Philip
Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten, a former prince of Greece and Denmark, at Westminster Abbey. This marked the beginning of a long and enduring marriage that would last 70 years.
February 6, 1952
Accession to the Throne
Upon the death of her father, King George VI, Princess Elizabeth succeeded to the throne at the age of 25. She and her husband, Prince Philip, immediately returned to the United Kingdom from a tour of Kenya to ascend to the throne.
June 2, 1953
Coronation
Queen Elizabeth II was crowned at Westminster Abbey in the first televised coronation service. This event marked a significant moment in her reign, symbolizing her role as the Head of the Commonwealth and Queen of Canada.
1977
Silver Jubilee
The Queen celebrated her 25th anniversary on the throne with extensive celebrations across the Commonwealth. This included a public holiday, a thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral, and street parties throughout the country.
2012
Diamond Jubilee
Marking 60 years on the throne, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee was celebrated with a weekend of festivities outside Buckingham Palace. This period also saw the London 2012 Summer Olympics, further highlighting the Queen's enduring presence.
September 9, 2015
Longest-Reigning Monarch
Queen Elizabeth II surpassed Queen Victoria to become the longest-reigning monarch in British history, having reigned for 23,226 days, 16 hours, and approximately 30 minutes.
June 2-5, 2022
Platinum Jubilee
The Queen celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne with a four-day celebration across the country. This included various events, the lighting of over 1,500 beacons, and celebrations in Commonwealth countries.
September 8, 2022
Death of Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at the age of 96. Her death marked the end of an era, and her son Charles automatically ascended to the throne as King Charles III.
