On September 8, 2022, after hours of restless waiting around the world, news of Queen Elizabeth’s death at age 96 was made official. The announcement was not surprising, but still shocking. The modern world will need time to adjust to life without the Queen’s steady, dignified presence. But solace comes from the words of Her Majesty herself, as she looked toward the future during one of her annual Christmas addresses, in 1999: “I have no doubt at all that the one certainty is change—and the pace of that change will only seem to increase,” she said. “The sheer rate of change seems to be sweeping away so much that is familiar and comforting. But I do not think we should be overanxious. We can make sense of this future—it we understand the lessons of the past.” In words and pictures, this is the story of Queen Elizabeth's historic life.
Her Majesty The Queen • Throughout seven historic decades on the British throne, Queen Elizabeth II remained a steady presence—in times of peace, tumult and profound social change
Heir to The Throne • Princess Elizabeth enjoyed a rather normal, if sheltered, childhood for the first decade of her young life. Then King Edward VIII, her uncle, abdicated the throne and altered the course of her life forever
A Few of Her Favorite Things
THE CORONATION: Little Known Fun Facts • Queen Elizabeth II’s televised coronation ceremony, which marks the formal investiture of a monarch with regal power, took place on June 2, 1953, and was watched by 27 million people in the U.K. and millions more across the world. Here, a few fun tidbits about the day:
A Royal Love Story • It wasn’t always smooth-sailing for Elizabeth and Philip. But their 70-plus-year marriage was proof that love could be everlasting
Family Matters • How did a reigning monarch balance royal responsibilities and motherhood? Carefully. Despite mounting obligations, Elizabeth and Philip made sure to carve out time with their family
All In the Family • Who are Elizabeth and Philip’s four children? Get to know them below.
Windsor Family Tree
Serving Her Country • From historic overseas tours and state visits to comforting Christmas addresses, Elizabeth II spent a lifetime dedicated to public service
A Monarch of Many Hats • What exactly did the Queen’s job entail? Here’s a quick primer.
Grace Under Fire • In the face of public tragedies, global crises and personal sorrow, the Queen displayed time and again her ability to provide a reassuring voice and calming presence
Her Legacy • For more than 70 years, Elizabeth served as a constant for Britain through its highs and its lows. Now, her son Charles leads the country as King
Queen Elizabeth II
