Born in April 1926, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been a symbol of status, strength, and grace for the United Kingdom. Her air of hidden majesty and regal presence has shrouded the Queen in glamorous mystery, but the exploits of Her Majesty whilst she was still only a Princess, and the life she led before becoming the Queen we all know and love is one of such expanse that it is a shame to leave it unspoken.
Princess Elizabeth and her family had lived a some-what quiet life throughout her childhood, with her father’s elder Brother, King Edward VIII, known to be taking the throne once her grandfather, King George V, had passed. Before the year was up on King Edward VIII’s first year on the throne, however, he abdicated in favour of marrying an American Divorcée Mrs Wallis Simpson. Her father’s coronation took place in May 1937, where she was thrust into the public’s interest as the first in line to the throne.
World War II broke out when then Princess Elizabeth was only 13, and at 14 she gave her first public speech, addressing the other children of the war and bidding them good night with her younger sister, Princess Margaret. Many recall this moment as “a beacon of hope”, giving high praise for the young princess and her eloquent speech.
“And when peace comes, remember it will be for us, the children of today, to make the world of tomorrow a better and happier place.”
Once she turned 18, the Queen insisted on joining the war effort, training with the Auxiliary Territorial Service as a Mechanic and Driver. Despite going against her father’s wishes, the Princess’ service in the military had had the public crown her as Princess Auto Mechanic, and the first Female Monarch to join the military Full-Time. Many other women hearing of the Princess joining the effort felt inspired, responding with “If she could do it, why can’t I?”.
In 1952, after losing her father King George VI to lung cancer, Elizabeth ascended the throne at only 25 years of age, making her the 6th woman in history to ascend the British throne.
With many regarding her as the nation’s grandmother, either owed to her lavish dress sense, her articulate manner of speech, or simply because she’s old and rarely leaves the house, the loss of Her Majesty the Queen has come as a shock to all.
