How Elizabeth II became queen
Learn more about how Elizabeth II became queen of the United Kingdom.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Women don't even want to vote, right?
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Iranian protesters in 2026 are flying a flag that hasn't been official since 1979.Media Editor: Lauren Sims
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.FIRE. 401(k). Social Security. Does retirement have to be so complicated?Media Editor: Miranda Chabot
-
© UK Parliament Education Service (A Britannica Publishing Partner)Learn how general elections work in the United Kingdom in the early 21st century.
-
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz; Thumbnail © David Clarke/Dreamstime.comTake a video tour of London.
-
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Learn more about the life of Charles III.
-
Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, Mainz; Thumbnail Photos.com/Getty ImagesProfile of Richard I.
News •
Buckingham Palace to display over 300 royal jewels next year
• Oct. 22, 2026, 9:06 AM ET (BBC)
Transcript
Did You Know?
Queen Elizabeth II
Elizabeth II was the queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from February 6, 1952 until her death on September 8, 2022.
Her full title was the lengthy Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of her other realms and territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.
Born the eldest daughter of Prince Albert, duke of York, Elizabeth wasn’t expected to become queen.
It was only when Albert’s elder brother, King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson that Elizabeth’s father became King George VI and Elizabeth became the heir presumptive.
After George VI’s death in 1952, Elizabeth was declared queen. Her official coronation took place June 2, 1953, after a period of mourning for her father had passed.
In some ways, Queen Elizabeth II attempted to modernize the British monarchy: she allowed the royal family’s life to be televised, condoned the divorce of her younger sister, Margaret, and preferred court life to be kept as simple as possible.
On September 9, 2015, Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning monarch in British history, surpassing Queen Victoria’s record of 63 years and 216 days.
Queen Elizabeth II
Elizabeth II was the queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from February 6, 1952 until her death on September 8, 2022.
Her full title was the lengthy Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of her other realms and territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.
Born the eldest daughter of Prince Albert, duke of York, Elizabeth wasn’t expected to become queen.
It was only when Albert’s elder brother, King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson that Elizabeth’s father became King George VI and Elizabeth became the heir presumptive.
After George VI’s death in 1952, Elizabeth was declared queen. Her official coronation took place June 2, 1953, after a period of mourning for her father had passed.
In some ways, Queen Elizabeth II attempted to modernize the British monarchy: she allowed the royal family’s life to be televised, condoned the divorce of her younger sister, Margaret, and preferred court life to be kept as simple as possible.
On September 9, 2015, Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning monarch in British history, surpassing Queen Victoria’s record of 63 years and 216 days.
Last Modification: