Queen Elizabeth II Facts for Kids
In 2022, Queen Elizabeth II will be celebrating her Platinum Jubilee, meaning she has spent an incredible 70 years on the British throne. This makes her the longest-reigning British monarch and head of state in history, smashing the record set by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria! Read on to find out about her life and reign as Queen of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth.
When was Queen Elizabeth II born?
Queen Elizabeth II was born on 21st April 1926. Her full name is Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor. She was named after her mother, Lady Elizabeth but became known as Lilibet which was how she pronounced her own name as a child. She had one younger sister, Margaret. When she was born, Princess Elizabeth was not expected to ever become queen. Her father, Albert, was the Duke of York and it was his older brother, Edward VIII, who was king. However, when Edward abdicated (gave up) the throne in 1936, Elizabeth’s father became King George VI. Princess Elizabeth then became heir to the throne.
Is Queen Elizabeth II married?
Princess Elizabeth was married to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten on 20th November 1947. They were married in Westminster Abbey in London. Upon their marriage, they became the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Elizabeth and Philip had four children together: Prince Charles (1948), Princess Anne (1950), Prince Andrew (1960) and Prince Edward (1964). By the end of 2021, Queen Elizabeth II had eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren!
Elizabeth and Philip had a long relationship, celebrating their Platinum wedding anniversary (70 years!) in 2017 before Prince Philip sadly passed away in 2021.
When was the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II?
Sadly, King George VI, passed away on 6th February 1952 and Elizabeth immediately became Queen. She was crowned on the 2nd June 1953 when she was 25 years old. Her coronation happened at Westminster Abbey and was the first coronation to be televised.
During her early reign, Queen Elizabeth and her husband travelled around the world to different Commonwealth countries and territories. Throughout her reign, she has undertaken many tours around the world, making her one of the most well-travelled heads of state.
Where does Queen Elizabeth II live?
Throughout most of her reign, Queen Elizabeth II has lived in Buckingham Palace in London.
During WW2, Elizabeth and her sister were sent away to avoid the bombings by the Luftwaffe on London. They stayed at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, Sandringham House in Norfolk, and Windsor Castle.
The Queen and her family still enjoy weekends and Easter at Windsor Castle which has been a royal residence for 900 years and is the largest occupied castle in the world!
What happens at a Jubilee?
A jubilee is a special anniversary of the current reigning monarch’s ascension to the throne. Queen Elizabeth II is the first British monarch ever to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne.
In 2022, there will be an extra bank holiday, as well as another bank holiday being moved from the end of May to create a special four-day weekend from 2nd-5th of June. This will allow for many special celebrations to take place.
Lots of people will celebrate the jubilee by holding a street party in their community. Big tables will be set up in closed streets where people from the local area will join together to listen to music, eat party food and play games.
Download a FREE Platinum Jubilee Activity Pack
Commonwealth countries around the world, that have Queen Elizabeth II as their head of state, will also hold events to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee.
If you want to find out more about Queen Elizabeth II, her family and her role as Queen and Head of the Commonwealth, download our ready-to-teach lesson pack here!
Five fun facts about Queen Elizabeth II:
- During WW2, when she was 19 years old, Princess Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service where she was trained as a driver and mechanic
- Because Britain was still recovering from WW2, Elizabeth had to collect ration coupons to buy material for her wedding gown.
- The Queen has owned over 30 corgis.
- Balmoral Castle was purchased by Queen Victoria and is one of Queen Elizabeth’s favourite places to spend the summer.
- There have been 14 Prime Ministers running the government during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.
