Key dates in the life of Britain's Queen Elizabeth
STORY: Key dates in the life of Britain's Queen Elizabeth
April 21, 1926
Elizabeth was born at 2:40 a.m. at 17 Bruton Street, London
She was later christened in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace
December 11, 1936
She became heir apparent, aged 10
when her uncle Edward VIII abdicated and her father became King George VI
"I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and to the service of our great imperial family."
November 20, 1947
She married Philip Mountbatten at London's Westminster Abbey
They had four children: King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward
February 6, 1952
She ascended the throne on the death of her father
She was crowned on June 2, 1953 at Westminster Abbey
It was the first ever coronation to be televised
During her reign, she was served by 15 British prime ministers
August 31, 1997
Diana was killed in a car crash in Paris
The Queen and the royal family were criticized for their reserved response
"First I want to pay tribute to Diana myself. She was an exceptional and gifted human being."
September 9, 2015
She became Britain's longest-reigning monarch
surpassing the 63 years, 7 months and 2 days
that her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria spent on the throne
2022
The Queen celebrated her Platinum Jubilee – the 70th anniversary of her accession