Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning monarch in British history. She is known for her sense of duty and her devotion to a life of service, turning her over the years into a respected figure across the globe.
Born in 1926 in London, she made her first public speech at the age of 14 in a live radio broadcast. She sent a message during the BBC's children's program, lifting up the spirit of children across the nation.
With the outbreak of World War II, despite her young age, she was already eager to contribute to helping her people. Showing bravery in the face of adversity, she served as a mechanic and then a truck driver in the women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service.
In 1952, following the sudden death of her father, King George VI, she ascended the throne at just age 25, and after a mourning period, was crowned Queen in 1953. She was the sixth female to ascend the British throne and has now surpassed the record for longest-reigning monarch, set by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.
“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong,” she said.
The Queen has seen World War II, the Cold War, the Falkland Islands War, and more recently, the Brexit crisis, always showing nerves of steel while supporting her country through difficult situations. As a constitutional monarch, she reigns but does not rule.
She has arguably spent more time helping others than any other monarch in history. She has links with over 600 charities, associations, and organizations. The list of names illustrates her diverse interests, covering opportunities for young people, sport, the military, the environment, and wildlife preservation.
During her reign, she has embarked on many overseas visits, including several historical trips. For example, she was the first British sovereign to travel to the Middle East following her trip at the end of the 1970s. Soon, 2022 will mark her 70 years of service to the throne with events across the United Kingdom to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee.