On September 8, 2022, the world was overcome with sadness and grief as the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing was announced. What came as a shock was also a reminder of a long and truly memorable life lived by a woman whose name will go down in history as exemplary and admirable, to name but two of countless positive adjectives that are synonymous with her name and life as a whole.
While the SweepSouth family mourns the loss of such an inspirational person, we would also like to take a trip down memory lane in remembrance and celebration of Queen Elizabeth II. Read on to find out more about the powerful leader and beloved family woman.
Where It All Began
Queen Elizabeth II was born as the elder daughter of Prince Albert, duke of York (later known as King George VI), and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, later known as King George VI and Queen Mother Queen Elizabeth. She was born Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on April 21, 1926, in London, England.
Early Life Of The Queen
As a young Princess, Elizabeth had little prospect of assuming the throne one day, but that all changed when her uncle, Edward VIII, abdicated in favour of his brother, Elizabeth’s father. She and her younger sister, Princess Margaret, spent much of their early lives living in their parents’ home in London, as well as the Royal Lodge – the family’s home situated in Windsor Great Park.
Queen Elizabeth’s mother ensured that her daughters received a good education at home under the supervision of a governess and educator named Marion Crawford. She also had tutors and visiting teachers instruct them in music, art, dance lessons, and languages such as French.
Becoming Queen And Getting Married
After the death of her father on February 6, 1952, Elizabeth took on the responsibilities of the ruling Monarch. At the age of 25, Princess Elizabeth was crowned Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, 1953. Her coronation took place at Westminster Abbey.
Before assuming the throne, Elizabeth married her distant cousin Phillip Mountbatten on November 20, 1947. The pair had met when Elizabeth was only 13 years old, and even at that tender age, it was said that she was in love with him from day 1. On the eve of their wedding, Elizabeth’s father granted Phillip the titles of duke of Edinburgh, earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich. Phillip lived to the age of 99 and died on April 9, 2021.
Children And Grandchildren
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip had four children. Below are the names and some interesting facts about their children:
- Their first-born son, Charles, arrived in the world in 1948. In 1969, he was made his mother’s successor by being granted the title of Prince of Wales. Charles married Diana Spencer (more commonly known as Princess Diana) in 1981. Charles and Diana had two boys of their own – William, born in 1982, and Harry, born in 1984.
- Their second-born child was their only daughter, Anne, who was born in the year 1950. Princess Anne had two children from her first marriage with Captain Mark Phillips. Their first child, Peter, was born in 1977, and their second, Zara, was born in 1981.
- Andrew was their third child who was born in 1960. Prince Andrew married Sarah Ferguson in 1986, and the couple had two daughters together before getting divorced. Their first child, Beatrice, was born in 1988, and their second, Eugenie, was born in 1990.
- Born in 1964, Edward was the last child that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had. After getting married to Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Forfar, the couple welcomed two children into the world. Their first, Lady Louise, was born in 2003. Her brother, James Viscount Severn was born in 2007.
Fun And Interesting Facts About Queen Elizabeth
As much as Queen Elizabeth was an inspirational leader who walked an impressive journey in that part of her life, there were many facets to her that made her the beloved person she was. Here are some interesting facts about the former Queen:
- Her favourite dogs were Corgis – she owned over 30 in her lifetime.
- Some of her favourite hobbies included horse riding, football, and pigeon racing.
- Before she became Queen, she volunteered as a truck driver and mechanic during World War II.
- She saw the world all over and travelled to over 100 countries.
- She was the only person in the UK who didn’t need a driver’s licence to be on the roads.
The SweepSouth family shares the sentiment of so many others in the world regarding Queen Elizabeth II – her life shared with her family and the rest of the world is worth celebrating and looking back on with a loving fondness.