History of Elizabeth II in Timeline
Queen Elizabeth II reigned over the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms for 70 years and 214 days, making her the longest-reigning British monarch and the second-longest of any sovereign state. She ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952, and held the title of queen regnant of 32 sovereign states throughout her lifetime. At the time of her death in 2022, she remained the monarch of 15 realms. Her reign witnessed significant historical events and transformations within the Commonwealth and globally.
1922: No Relevant Events Found
No significant events related to Elizabeth II are found in the provided text for the year 1922. This year predates her reign and likely references the formation of the 1922 Committee, a group of backbench Conservative MPs in the UK Parliament.
April 1926: Birth of Elizabeth II
Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born in April 1926.
April 1926: Birth and Christening of Princess Elizabeth
Princess Elizabeth was born and christened in April 1926, receiving the names Elizabeth, Alexandra, and Mary.
1926: First Official Portrait Photograph
The first official portrait photograph of Princess Elizabeth was taken by Marcus Adams in 1926.
1927: Royal Tour of Australia and New Zealand
Elizabeth's parents toured Australia and New Zealand in 1927; Elizabeth remained in Britain.
1929: Elizabeth's Visits to George V
Young Princess Elizabeth's regular visits to her ailing grandfather, George V, in 1929, were believed to have bolstered his spirits.
1930: Birth of Princess Margaret
Princess Margaret, the only sibling of Princess Elizabeth, was born in 1930.
1933: Elizabeth's First Corgi
In 1933, Princess Elizabeth's lifelong love of corgis began with Dookie, the first of many royal corgis.
1934: First Meeting with Prince Philip
Princess Elizabeth first met Prince Philip in 1934.
1936: Elizabeth Becomes Heir Presumptive
Following her uncle's abdication and her father's ascension as King George VI in 1936, Princess Elizabeth became the heir presumptive.
1936: Edward VIII's Abdication
The abdication of Edward VIII in 1936 placed Elizabeth's father on the throne and made Elizabeth heir presumptive.
1937: Second Meeting with Prince Philip
Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip met for a second time in 1937.
July 1939: Meeting Prince Philip
In July 1939, Princess Elizabeth met Prince Philip at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth for a third time, after which, they began exchanging letters.
September 1939: Britain Enters World War II
Britain's entry into World War II in September 1939 led to Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret staying at various royal residences for safety.
1939: Royal Tour of Canada and the United States
Elizabeth's parents toured Canada and the United States in 1939, while Elizabeth remained in Britain.
May 1940: Princesses Relocate to Windsor Castle
Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret moved to Windsor Castle in May 1940, where they lived for a significant portion of the war.
1943: First Solo Public Appearance
In 1943, Princess Elizabeth made her first solo public appearance during a visit to the Grenadier Guards.
April 1944: Grant of Arms to Princess Elizabeth
From April 1944 until her accession, Princess Elizabeth was granted a coat of arms.
July 1944: Counsellor of State
In July 1944, Princess Elizabeth was appointed as one of five Counsellors of State, allowing her to act on behalf of her father, King George VI, in case of his incapacity or absence abroad.
February 1945: Military Service
In February 1945, Princess Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, training as a driver and mechanic. She was later given the honorary rank of junior commander.
1945: VE Day Broadcast (King George VI)
On VE Day in 1945, King George VI addressed the nation in a broadcast.
1946: Induction into the Gorsedd of Bards
In 1946, Princess Elizabeth was inducted into the Gorsedd of Bards at the National Eisteddfod of Wales.
July 1947: Engagement Announcement
The engagement of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip was officially announced in July 1947.
November 1947: Marriage of Elizabeth II to Philip Mountbatten
Princess Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten in November 1947.
November 1947: Marriage to Prince Philip
Princess Elizabeth married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at Westminster Abbey in November 1947.
1947: Commitment to Public Service
In 1947, Elizabeth made her initial commitment to a lifetime of public service.
1947: First Overseas Tour
Princess Elizabeth embarked on her first overseas tour in 1947, accompanying her parents on a trip through southern Africa.
November 1948: Birth of Prince Charles
Princess Elizabeth gave birth to her first child, Prince Charles, in November 1948.
July 1949: Move to Clarence House
In July 1949, Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip moved into Clarence House in London.
August 1950: Birth of Princess Anne
Princess Elizabeth's second child, Princess Anne, was born in August 1950.
1950: Publication of "The Little Princesses"
Marion Crawford, governess to Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, published "The Little Princesses" in 1950, a biography of their childhood.
October 1951: Visit to Canada and the US
In October 1951, Princess Elizabeth visited Canada and met with US President Harry S. Truman in Washington, DC.
1951: Residence in Malta
Between 1949 and 1951, Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip lived intermittently in Malta while Philip was stationed there as a Royal Navy officer.
February 1952: Elizabeth II's Accession to the Throne
Elizabeth ascended to the throne in February 1952, becoming Queen of seven independent Commonwealth countries.
February 1952: Start of Elizabeth II's Reign
Elizabeth II officially began her reign as a constitutional monarch in February 1952.
April 1952: Royal House Name Declaration
In April 1952, Queen Elizabeth II issued a declaration confirming that the royal house would remain the House of Windsor.
1952: Accession to the Throne
In 1952, while in Kenya, Princess Elizabeth learned of her father's death and acceded to the throne, becoming Queen Elizabeth II.
1952: Accession to the Throne
In 1952, Elizabeth became Queen upon the death of her father, King George VI. This marked the beginning of her reign as the monarch of the United Kingdom and several other Commonwealth realms.
March 1953: Death of Queen Mary
Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth II's grandmother, died in March 1953.
1953: Coronation and World Tour
Elizabeth's coronation took place in 1953, followed by a seven-month world tour, during which she visited various Commonwealth countries including Australia and New Zealand, becoming the first reigning monarch to do so.
1953: Coronation of Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in a ceremony in 1953.
November 1956: Suez Crisis and Political Upheaval
November 1956 marked the Suez Crisis where Britain and France attempted to capture the Suez Canal and the Queen reportedly opposed to the invasion. This was followed by the Prime Minister's resignation.
1957: Address to the UN and Canadian Parliament
In 1957, Elizabeth addressed the United Nations and opened the Canadian Parliament, a historical first for a Canadian monarch.
1957: Criticism and Prime Minister Appointment
In 1957, Elizabeth faced criticism for her handling of the Suez Crisis and her role in appointing Harold Macmillan as Prime Minister.
1957: Criticism from Lord Altrincham
In 1957, Lord Altrincham criticized Queen Elizabeth's speeches, saying they sounded like those of a "priggish schoolgirl".
1959: Absence from State Opening (Pregnancy)
Queen Elizabeth II did not attend the State Opening of Parliament in 1959 due to her pregnancy with Prince Andrew.
February 1960: Birth of Prince Andrew
Prince Andrew, Elizabeth's third child, was born in February 1960.
1960: Princess Margaret's Marriage
Princess Margaret married Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960. He was later created Earl of Snowdon.
1960: Mountbatten-Windsor Surname Adoption
The surname Mountbatten-Windsor was adopted in 1960 for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's male-line descendants without royal titles.
1961: Commonwealth Tours and Visit to Ghana
Elizabeth embarked on a tour of various Commonwealth countries including Cyprus, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Iran in 1961, and notably visited Ghana despite security concerns.
1963: Further Prime Minister Appointment
Elizabeth again appointed a Prime Minister in 1963, Alec Douglas-Home, facing renewed criticism for her involvement in the political process.
1963: Absence from State Opening (Pregnancy)
Queen Elizabeth II was absent from the State Opening of Parliament in 1963 due to her pregnancy with Prince Edward.
March 1964: Birth of Prince Edward
Prince Edward, Elizabeth's fourth child, was born in March 1964.
1964: Quebec Tour
In 1964, Elizabeth toured Quebec amidst security concerns and a separatist movement.
1965: Conservative Party Reforms
The Conservatives established a formal leadership selection process in 1965, reducing the monarch's direct involvement in appointing Prime Ministers.
1965: Rhodesian Unilateral Declaration of Independence
The Rhodesian Prime Minister declared independence in 1965, a move that Elizabeth formally rejected.
1966: Aberfan Mining Disaster
Elizabeth visited Aberfan eight days after the mining disaster in 1966, a delay that drew criticism.
1970: First Royal Walkabout
Queen Elizabeth II conducted her first royal walkabout, meeting ordinary members of the public, during a tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1970.
October 1972: Visit to Yugoslavia
In October 1972, Elizabeth visited Yugoslavia, marking the first visit by a British monarch to a communist country.
1973: Britain Joins the European Community
Britain joined the European Community in 1973.
February 1974: General Election and Change of Government
A general election was called in February 1974 during Elizabeth's tour, leading to a hung parliament and the appointment of Harold Wilson as Prime Minister.
1975: Australian Constitutional Crisis
In 1975, the Australian constitutional crisis occurred, involving the dismissal of the Australian Prime Minister, and Elizabeth declined to intervene.
1977: Silver Jubilee Celebrations
Elizabeth celebrated her Silver Jubilee in 1977, marking 25 years on the throne.
1977: Trudeau's Antics at Buckingham Palace
In 1977, Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau's behavior at Buckingham Palace, including sliding down banisters and pirouetting behind the Queen, was perceived as disrespectful and raised concerns about his views on the monarchy.
1977: Silver Jubilee Celebrations
Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Silver Jubilee in 1977 with enthusiastic crowds and celebrations.
1978: State Visit from Romanian Leader
Nicolae Ceaușescu, the Romanian leader, paid a state visit to the UK in 1978.
1978: Princess Margaret's Divorce
Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones divorced in 1978.
1980: Patriation of the Canadian Constitution
During discussions in 1980 regarding the patriation of the Canadian constitution, Queen Elizabeth impressed Canadian politicians with her in-depth knowledge of the matter, surpassing that of British officials.
1981: Assassination Attempts and the Trooping the Colour
In 1981, Queen Elizabeth faced two assassination attempts. During the Trooping the Colour ceremony, blank shots were fired at her. Later, during a visit to New Zealand, another attempt was made. In both instances, she maintained composure and control, earning public praise.
September 1982: Falklands War and Security Breach
In September 1982, Queen Elizabeth's son, Prince Andrew, served in the Falklands War, causing her a mix of anxiety and pride. Also in 1982, a security breach at Buckingham Palace occurred when an intruder entered her bedroom.
1983: Displeasure with US Invasion of Grenada
In 1983, after hosting and visiting US President Ronald Reagan, Queen Elizabeth expressed anger over the US invasion of Grenada, a Caribbean realm, without prior consultation.
1984: Mulroney's Term as Canadian Prime Minister
Brian Mulroney served as Canadian Prime Minister from 1984 to 1993, during which time he described Queen Elizabeth as a significant influence in ending apartheid.
1984: Miners' Strike Comment
During the miners' strike of 1984-85, Queen Elizabeth II made a comment about the strike being "all about one man" in reference to Arthur Scargill.
1985: Victory in Europe Day Recollection
In a 1985 interview, Queen Elizabeth II recalled celebrating Victory in Europe Day incognito among the crowds in London with her sister, Princess Margaret.
July 1986: Rumors of Royal Discontent
In July 1986, rumors surfaced about Queen Elizabeth's alleged disapproval of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's policies, further fueling media speculation about their relationship.
September 1986: Media Scrutiny and Thatcher's Policies
Increased media interest in the royal family in September 1986 led to sensational stories and blurred lines between fact and fiction. Reports emerged suggesting Queen Elizabeth's concern over Margaret Thatcher's economic policies and their social impact.
1986: State Visit to China
In 1986, Queen Elizabeth made a historic state visit to China, the first by a British monarch. The visit included significant cultural sites and symbolized the impending transfer of Hong Kong's sovereignty back to China.
1986: State Visit to China
Queen Elizabeth II undertook a significant state visit to China in 1986.
1987: Satire, Constitutional Amendments, and Fijian Coup
1987 saw increasing satire targeting the royal family, particularly after the "It's a Royal Knockout" game show. Elizabeth's support for Canadian constitutional amendments drew criticism, and Fiji declared itself a republic after a military coup.
May 1991: Address to US Congress
Following the Gulf War, Queen Elizabeth became the first British monarch to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress in May 1991.
November 1992: Annus Horribilis and Royal Family Troubles
In November 1992, Queen Elizabeth referred to the year as her "annus horribilis" due to several events: family separations and divorce, public scrutiny, a fire at Windsor Castle, and increased republican sentiment.
1992: Annus Horribilis
The Queen referred to 1992 as her "annus horribilis", marked by various difficulties, including marital issues within her family.
1993: End of Mulroney's Term and Royal Honors for Thatcher
In 1993, Brian Mulroney's term as Canadian Prime Minister ended. Despite reported tensions, Queen Elizabeth bestowed honors upon Margaret Thatcher after her time as prime minister.
1993: Royal Financial Reforms and Legal Action
In 1993, plans for royal financial reforms, including the Queen paying income tax, were announced. Elizabeth also successfully sued The Sun newspaper for breach of copyright.
January 1994: Broken Scaphoid Bone
In January 1994, Queen Elizabeth II broke her left wrist's scaphoid bone after falling from her horse at Sandringham.
October 1994: First British Monarch to Visit Russia
In October 1994, Elizabeth II became the first reigning British monarch to visit Russia.
1994: State Visit to Russia
Queen Elizabeth II visited Russia on a state visit in 1994.
October 1995: Hoax Call
In October 1995, Queen Elizabeth II was tricked into a hoax phone call by a Montreal radio host who impersonated Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. During the call, she expressed support for Canadian unity.
December 1995: Advice on Divorce
Following continued public revelations about the troubled marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II advised them to divorce in a letter written in December 1995.
August 1997: Death of Princess Diana
Following the death of Princess Diana in August 1997, Queen Elizabeth II faced public criticism for the royal family's initial silence and seclusion. She later addressed the nation in a televised broadcast.
October 1997: Visit to India
During a state visit to India in October 1997, Queen Elizabeth II visited the Jallianwala Bagh massacre site, a controversial move that sparked protests.
1997: Death of Diana, Princess of Wales
Diana, Princess of Wales, and former daughter-in-law of Queen Elizabeth II, died in 1997.
1997: Handover of Hong Kong to China
Hong Kong was transferred from British to Chinese rule in 1997.
November 1999: Australian Referendum on the Monarchy
In November 1999, a referendum in Australia resulted in the retention of the monarchy, with many crediting Queen Elizabeth's personal popularity for the outcome.
1999: Devolution in the United Kingdom
In 1999, as part of the devolution process, Queen Elizabeth II opened new legislatures in Wales and Scotland.
2000: Christmas Message on Faith
In her 2000 Christmas Message to the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II made a personal reflection about her faith.
2002: Golden Jubilee
Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years of her reign, in 2002. This followed the deaths of her sister and mother earlier in the year.
2002: Reiteration of Non-Abdication Stance
In 2002, Queen Elizabeth II reaffirmed her commitment to not abdicating the throne during a meeting with the Canadian Governor General.
2003: Keyhole surgeries and lawsuit
Queen Elizabeth II underwent keyhole surgeries on both knees and sued the Daily Mirror for breach of confidence in 2003.
October 2006: Missed Emirates Stadium Opening
In October 2006, a strained back muscle prevented Queen Elizabeth from attending the opening of the Emirates Stadium.
2006: Strong Public Support for the Monarchy
Polls in Britain in 2006 revealed strong support for the monarchy.
May 2007: Reported Frustration with Tony Blair
In May 2007, reports surfaced suggesting Queen Elizabeth's frustration with Tony Blair's policies, particularly concerning the British Armed Forces.
November 2007: Diamond Wedding Anniversary
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in November 2007.
December 2007: Longest-Lived British Monarch
In December 2007, Elizabeth II became the longest-lived British monarch, surpassing Queen Victoria.
2007: Continued Strong Public Support for the Monarchy
Polls in Britain in 2007 showed continued strong support for the monarchy.
March 2008: First Maundy Service Outside England and Wales
In March 2008, Queen Elizabeth attended the first Maundy service held outside of England and Wales, specifically at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh, Northern Ireland.
2008: Tuvalu Referendum on the Monarchy
In 2008, Tuvalu held a referendum in which voters rejected a proposal to become a republic.
2009: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Referendum on the Monarchy
In 2009, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines held a referendum in which voters rejected a proposal to become a republic.
2010: Australian Prime Minister Acknowledges Affection for Queen Elizabeth
In 2010, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard noted the "deep affection" for Queen Elizabeth in Australia.
2010: Address to UN and 9/11 Memorial
In 2010, Queen Elizabeth addressed the UN General Assembly for the second time and opened a memorial garden in New York for British victims of the 9/11 attacks.
May 2011: First State Visit to Ireland
In May 2011, Elizabeth II made the first state visit to the Republic of Ireland by a British monarch.
October 2011: Visit to Australia
Queen Elizabeth made her 16th visit to Australia in October 2011.
2011: State Visit to the Republic of Ireland
Queen Elizabeth II made a historic state visit to the Republic of Ireland in 2011.
2012: Diamond Jubilee and High Approval Ratings
In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee year, her approval ratings reached 90 percent.
2012: Diamond Jubilee and First Cabinet Meeting Attendance
In 2012, Queen Elizabeth celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years since her accession. In December of that year, she became the first British sovereign to attend a peacetime Cabinet meeting since 1781.
2012: London Olympics and Paralympics Opening
Queen Elizabeth II opened both the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, making her the first head of state to open two Olympics in different countries.
March 2013: Hospital Stay and Commonwealth Charter
In March 2013, Queen Elizabeth stayed overnight at King Edward VII's Hospital for gastroenteritis and signed the new Commonwealth Charter.
April 2013: BAFTA Award
Queen Elizabeth received an honorary BAFTA award for her support of the film industry in April 2013.
2014: Scottish Independence Referendum
Following the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, it was reported that Queen Elizabeth II was pleased with the outcome. She had earlier publicly encouraged people to think carefully about their vote.
January 2015: Oldest Living Monarch
Following the death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia in January 2015, Queen Elizabeth II became the oldest living monarch.
September 2015: Longest-Reigning Monarch
In September 2015, Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning British monarch and the longest-reigning queen regnant and female head of state in the world.
October 2016: Longest-Reigning Current Monarch
After the death of King Bhumibol of Thailand in October 2016, Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning current monarch and longest-serving current head of state.
February 2017: Sapphire Jubilee
Elizabeth II celebrated her Sapphire Jubilee in February 2017, marking 65 years on the throne, the first such jubilee for a British monarch.
August 2017: Prince Philip's Retirement
In August 2017, Prince Philip retired from his official duties as the Queen's consort.
November 2017: Oldest Current Head of State, Platinum Wedding Anniversary
With the resignation of Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe in November 2017, Elizabeth II became the oldest current head of state. That same month, she and Prince Philip celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary, a first for a British monarch.
April 2018: Charles to Succeed as Head of Commonwealth
In April 2018, it was announced that Prince Charles would succeed Queen Elizabeth as Head of the Commonwealth.
May 2018: Cataract Surgery
Queen Elizabeth II underwent cataract surgery in May 2018.
March 2019: Gives Up Driving
In March 2019, Queen Elizabeth gave up driving on public roads following a car accident involving Prince Philip.
March 2020: Relocation to Windsor Castle due to COVID-19
In March 2020, Queen Elizabeth II moved to Windsor Castle and began sequestering there as a precaution due to the COVID-19 pandemic hitting the United Kingdom. Public engagements were cancelled, and the castle operated under strict safety protocols.
April 2021: Death of Prince Philip
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, died in April 2021, after 73 years of marriage to Queen Elizabeth II. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Queen sat alone at his funeral.
October 2021: Hospitalization and Security Incident
In October 2021, Queen Elizabeth II canceled a trip and stayed overnight at King Edward VII's Hospital for preliminary investigations. Later that year, on Christmas Day, an intruder was apprehended attempting to enter Windsor Castle.
2021: Queen Elizabeth Remains Highly Admired
As of 2021, Queen Elizabeth remained the third most admired woman in the world according to the annual Gallup poll.
2021: Malcolm Turnbull on Queen Elizabeth's Legacy
In 2021, former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull praised Queen Elizabeth II as an "extraordinary head of state".
2021: Death of Philip Mountbatten
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, passed away in 2021.
2021: COVID-19 Vaccination and VE Day Address
Queen Elizabeth II received her first and second COVID-19 vaccinations in 2021. On the 75th anniversary of VE Day, she delivered a televised address echoing the time her father had broadcast in 1945.
February 2022: Platinum Jubilee Begins
Celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee commenced in February 2022, marking 70 years since her accession to the throne.
June 2022: Meeting with Archbishop of Canterbury
Queen Elizabeth II met with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, in June 2022.
September 2022: Death of Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully in September 2022 at Balmoral Castle at the age of 96. Her death certificate listed "old age" as the cause.
September 2022: Death of Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022, marking the end of her reign.
2023: Intruder Pleads Guilty
In 2023, the intruder who attempted to enter Windsor Castle on Christmas Day 2021 pleaded guilty.