The sudden death of King George VI, on February 6, 1952, saw Queen Elizabeth II ascend to the throne at the tender age of 25. Yet it was some time before that, on her 21st birthday, when she made perhaps her most notable speech, committing her “whole life” to service. This is the enduring philosophy that she upheld right until her final days, continuing with her public engagements well into her 90s.
One of her most notorious comments was "I have to be seen to be believed," and throughout her reign she travelled the length and breadth of the United Kingdom as well as to 117 countries. She consistently demonstrated that she understood the importance of being able to relate to her people by sharing their experiences, proudly joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II.
Here, a look back at Queen Elizabeth's devotion to her role for an extraordinary seven decades.
A Princess is Born – May 29, 1926
Five-week-old Princess Elizabeth sleeps in her mother’s arms following her christening in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace. She was born on April 21, 1926, at 17 Bruton Street in London’s Mayfair, the home of her maternal grandparents. She was christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary. At the time of her birth, her grandfather was King George V and she was third in line to the throne behind her uncle Edward, whom the family referred to as David, and then her father, Albert. It was not expected that she would become queen, as the line of succession was expected to remain with Edward’s side of the family. Her Uncle David ascended to the throne in January 1936 and became King Edward VIII. On his sudden abdication that same year, his younger brother—Elizabeth’s father—became king.
A New King And a New Heir – May 12, 1937
King George VI with his family on his coronation day. Life changed dramatically for Princess Elizabeth when her uncle abdicated on December 11, 1936, a mere 11 months after he had become king, in order to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson. Her father was crowned in his place and took the name King George VI. The family moved into Buckingham Palace and, at the age of 10, Elizabeth became heir to the throne. She took on the role of heir presumptive rather than heir apparent as, at the time, the line of succession favored males. If her parents were to have had a son, he would have overtaken her position.
Broadcasting to Children of World War II – October 13, 1940
Princess Elizabeth, with Princess Margaret by her side, gives her first official radio broadcast during World War II. Elizabeth was 14 when she addressed Britain’s evacuated children on BBC’s Children’s Hour. “And when peace comes, remember it will be for us, the children of today, to make the world of tomorrow a better and happier place,” the princess said. Elizabeth and Margaret spent most of the war years at Windsor Castle, 26 miles outside of London, while their parents stayed in the city. Buckingham Palace was bombed in 1940 while their parents were in residence, and their mother, Queen Elizabeth said, “It makes me feel I can look the East End in the face.” With its concentration of docklands, London’s East End had suffered heavy bombings and Queen Elizabeth inspired loyalty with the many visits she made there.
First Public Engagement – April 21, 1942
The royal family stands at attention on Princess Elizabeth’s 16th birthday, as she carries out her first official public engagement. Elizabeth was appointed colonel of the Grenadier Guards and inspected the regiment in Windsor. The moment marks her introduction to a lifetime of formal public appearances. It also highlights the significant relationship between the royals and the military. The sovereign is head of the Armed Forces and many members of the royal family have served in the military and hold honorary military appointments.
Joining The War Effort – April 1945
Princess Elizabeth demonstrates her role in the Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II. When she was 18 years old, Elizabeth trained as a driver and mechanic with the ATS, becoming the first female royal to become a full-time member of the armed forces. By the end of the war, she had reached the rank of junior commander.
Devoting Her "Whole Life" to Duty – April 21, 1947
Princess Elizabeth prepares to make what has become perhaps her most iconic speech, on her 21st birthday. Elizabeth was on an official tour with her parents and sister in Cape Town, South Africa, when she turned 21. On that occasion she delivered a radio broadcast dedicating her life to the service of the Commonwealth. The speech, in which she said she would devote her “whole life” to “your service,” was cited throughout her reign to support the view that she would never abdicate.
Royal Travels – 1951
En route to Victoria, British Columbia, Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip look out from on board a Royal Navy ship. The couple made their first official visit to Canada in 1951 on a trip that began on October 8 and lasted for just over a month. Canada remains one of 14 countries outside the United Kingdom that are known as Commonwealth realms, where the British monarch head of state. The other 13 are Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu. The Queen visited these countries often throughout her reign.
Becoming Queen – February 5, 1952
Princess Elizabeth views the scenery at Treetops Hotel in Kenya the day before her father died and she became queen. King George VI passed away in his sleep in the early hours of February 6, 1952; he had served as Britain’s monarch for 15 years. Elizabeth spent the night that he died at the Treetops Hotel. She did not hear of her father’s death until the afternoon of February 6, by which time she had relocated to nearby Sagana Lodge. It was Prince Philip who delivered the news to his wife after being informed by an aide. At 25 years old, Elizabeth was now queen. She was asked by her private secretary what name she wanted to take as sovereign. Some previous royals, including her father, had not used their given first names, but Elizabeth replied, “My own, of course.” She cut her trip short to return home immediately.
Returning Home as Queen – February 7, 1952
Elizabeth returns to the United Kingdom as monarch. On February 8, she was formally proclaimed Queen Elizabeth II at St. James’s Palace. She said, “My heart is too full for me to say more to you today than I shall always work, as my father did throughout his reign, to advance the happiness and prosperity of my peoples, spread as they are all the world over.”
King George VI Funeral – February 15, 1952
The new Queen Elizabeth II with her her grandmother, Queen Mary and her mother, now the Queen Mother, mourn their father, son, and husband respectively, at the funeral of King George VI. His coffin lay in state in Westminster Hall, in London, where more than 300,000 people came to pay their respects. The funeral service was held at St. George’s Chapel, in Windsor, where the king’s body was laid to rest.
Coronation Parade – June 2, 1953
Soldiers march down the Mall, in London, for the Queen's coronation parade. There were 16 months between Elizabeth’s accession 15 and coronation. She was crowned before 8,251 guests at Westminster Abbey, where coronations have been held for 900 years. Hers was the first in the world to be televised and was watched by more than 20 million people. Many people watched television for the first time in their lives that day. Almost 30,000 people took part in the Queen’s procession through London including members of the British army, the Royal Navy, and the Royal Air Force.
A New Queen Crowned – June 2, 1953
The Queen appears on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following her coronation ceremony. The Archbishop of Canterbury conducted the three-hour service, which was composed of six parts: the recognition, the oath, the anointing, the investiture (which includes the crowning), the enthronement, and the homage. The Archbishop asked the Queen whether she was willing to take the coronation oath, to which she replied, “I am willing.” The Archbishop then asked three more questions about upholding her new position and the Queen assented to each one. She then laid her right hand on the Bible and said, “The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep. So help me God.”
Investitures – April 1954
The Queen knights Air Marshal Claude Pelly during a public investiture ceremony held during a visit to Aden, Yemen. There are approximately 25 investiture ceremonies every year in the United Kingdom as well as occasional ceremonies overseas. The British sovereign's role in administering them is an important duty. A government committee decides who receives the honors for exceptional achievement or service in their fields of endeavor.
Meeting Her People – June 20, 1958
Dressed in a protective suit and hard hat, the Queen prepares to go down a mine shaft at Rothes Colliery in Fife, Scotland. Although her position often called for tiaras and ball gowns, Elizabeth made hundreds of visits each year to meet ordinary working people in their homes and 17 communities. Here, she officially declared the coal mine open.
Red Boxes – January 1959
The Queen sits down to work with one of the red despatch boxes containing government documents she receives daily. The boxes, which are made by the British leather goods company Barrow Hepburn & Gale, contain documents about government business some of which require the Queen’s signature as a matter of formality. These boxes were an iconic part of her role, and so she chose to be photographed with one to mark becoming Britain’s longest reigning monarch, in September 2015.
Launching the QE2 – September 20, 1967
The majestic cruise liner Queen Elizabeth 2 towers above the Queen. Approximately 30,000 people lined the streets of Clydebank, Scotland, to see Elizabeth launch the ship. Designed for the transatlantic service from Southampton, England, to New York, the QE2 set sail for her maiden voyage two years later, on May 2, 1969.
Royal Walkabout – 1977
Huge crowds gather to meet the Queen as she conducts a walkabout in London for her Silver Jubilee, the 25th anniversary of her reign. The walkabout is often one of the most popular parts of royal visits, allowing the royals to personally greet as many members of the public as possible when touring a city or country. King George VI and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, conducted the first known walkabout during a visit to Canada in 1939 when they entered the crowd to greet assembled veterans. However, it wasn't until 1970 when the Queen and Prince Philip greeted well-wishers during an official tour of Australia and New Zealand that the walkabout started to become a regular feature of royal visits.
Order of the Garter – June 16, 1980
The Queen holds on to her hat during a windy day at the Order of the Garter service in Windsor. The annual service honors the Knights of the Garter, members of Britain’s oldest and most senior order of chivalry, founded by Edward III in 1348. Dressed in their distinctive plumed hats and velvet robes, the knights gather each year at St. George’s Chapel, in Windsor, for a procession. Historically, members belonged to the aristocracy, but now they are chosen in recognition of their public service. Today, the order includes the British monarch, who is Sovereign of the Order of the Garter, several members of the royal family, selected foreign monarchs, and 24 knights.
Flowers for a Queen – July 12, 1986
The Queen receives a posy from a small child during a visit to Welshpool, Wales. Traveling the length and breadth of the United Kingdom to greet people forms the backbone of her public duties. Young children often presented her with flowers, which she usually passed to a lady-in-waiting.
Death of Princess Diana – September 5, 1997
The Queen and Prince Philip view the floral tributes left by members of the public after Princess Diana died. Diana’s sudden death rocked Britain and the world, sparking an outpouring of grief. At the time of the Princess's death, the Queen was at Balmoral Castle in Scotland with Princes William and Harry, where she remained for several days. However, it soon became clear that many members of the public believed she should return to London and be more visible at this time of national mourning. There was also controversy that no flag was being flown at half-mast from the palace to honor Diana. The flagpole was empty, as tradition dictated that the Royal Standard be flown only when the monarch is in residence. This was virtually the only moment during the Queen’s reign when her actions were out of step with the sentiment of her people. In the end, Elizabeth bent to their will, came back to London and addressed the nation. The Queen also agreed that the Union Jack would be flown at half-mast over the palace on the day of the Princess's funeral. Since then, the Union Jack is flown from the palace when the sovereign is away and has been flown at half-mast on occasions of mourning, such as royal deaths and terror attacks. The Royal Standard is never flown at half-mast because when a king or queen dies, they are immediately succeeded by an heir and there is always a sovereign.
Tree Planting – October 14, 2002
The Queen plants an oak tree at Rideau Hall, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Tree planting is an integral part of royal visits and marks the occasion with a permanent memento. While there is no official tally, the Queen likely planted thousands of trees throughout her reign. In 2019, at age 93, she was offered the opportunity to allow someone else do the honors at an event. She responded, “No, no, I can still plant a tree.”
State Banquet – May 2011
The Queen smiles warmly as she hosts United States President Barack Obama during a state visit. An important part of the sovereign’s role as head of state involves hosting overseas dignitaries. A formal ceremonial military welcome is traditionally followed by a lavish state banquet that evening in the Buckingham Palace ballroom. The Queen approved and personally inspected every element of the banquet, from the menus to the seating plan.
State Opening of Parliament – June 4, 2014
The Queen proceeds through the splendid Royal Gallery at the state opening of Parliament. One of the monarch’s most important ceremonial functions is to formally open Parliament, which involves traveling to the Palace of Westminster by coach and processing through the Royal Gallery to the House of Lords. In the United Kingdom's constitutional monarchy, the sovereign has no political power, but according to parliamentary guidelines, can "advise, encourage and warn ministers in private."
Online Monarch – October 24, 2014
Proving she truly is a queen for the modern era, Queen Elizabeth sends her first tweet. During her engagement at the Science Museum, in London, The Queen posted this online message, which read, “It is a pleasure to open the Information Age exhibition today.” The tweet was signed “Elizabeth R.” The R stands for Regina, which means “queen” in Latin. The Queen’s presence online reflected the fact that she presided over the royal family’s embrace of the internet. All members of the royal family use social media to promote their work, and they now employ staff to manage and provide content for their online platforms.
Longest Reign – September 9, 2015
Peering out of the window of a steam train, the Queen views the crowds on the historic day she becomes the longest-reigning British monarch, surpassing her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years, seven months, and two days. It may have been a milestone moment for the Queen and country, but it was also a working day for her, like any other: The Queen had opened the new Borders Railway, in Scotland. Elizabeth said in a speech that she had “never aspired” to the record.
Showing Solidarity – May 22, 2017
The Queen stands at the bedside of 12-year-old Amy Barlow, who was injured during a terror attack in the city of Manchester. It is important to Elizabeth to show solidarity and empathy with her people during times of distress. As well as issuing messages of condolences she has often met directly with the victims of tragic events to express her sorrow personally. She also referred to this terror attack in her Christmas broadcast that year, saying, “The patients I met were an example to us all, showing extraordinary bravery and resilience.”
Hearst Home Town & Country: The Queen: A Life in Pictures
Christmas Broadcast – December 2017
Perched at a desk in the 1844 Room at Buckingham Palace, the Queen delivers her annual Christmas broadcast. Originally recorded for radio, the broadcasts became televised in 1957. They are taped in advance and aired in the United Kingdom at 3 p.m. on Christmas Day annually.
COVID Pandemic Address – April 5, 2020
The Queen gives a televised address to the nation and Commonwealth amid the coronavirus pandemic. Offering reassurance and hope, the monarch said, “We will succeed—and that success will belong to every one of us. We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: We will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.” She also thanked all frontline workers battling the virus. Outside of her annual Christmas broadcasts, the four-minute message was only the fifth time in her reign the Queen addressed her people in a televised broadcast. The other four were during the Gulf War, in 1991; after Princess Diana’s death, in 1997; on the death of the Queen Mother, in 2002; and during her Diamond Jubilee, in 2012. The coronavirus message, described as “deeply personal” by palace aides, was the first time the Queen gave such an address during a global crisis.
Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures, released in 2021.
