The Biography of the Queen

Early life

Queen Elizabeth II was born in London on April 21, 1926.

Her Majesty was the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York, who became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1936.

Princess Elizabeth was educated at home with Princess Margaret, her younger sister. During that time, the future queen learned French.

As a teenager, Princess Elizabeth began to take part in public life. Her Majesty gave her first radio address at age 14 as bombs dropped on London during the Second World War.

Five years later, Her Majesty learned how to drive a car and obtained the rank of Junior Commander in the women's branch of the British Army.

Marriage and family

After the war, Princess Elizabeth's marriage caught the world's attention. On November 20, 1947, Princess Elizabeth married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten.

The Queen and Lieutenant Mountbatten, now Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh have four children and eight grandchildren. Prince Charles, now The Prince of Wales, Heir to the Throne, was born in 1948. Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, was born two years later. Prince Andrew, now The Duke of York was born in 1960, and Prince Edward, now The Earl of Wessex arrived in 1964.

Elizabeth becomes Queen

On February 6, 1952, the 25-year-old received news of her father's sudden death. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953.

Millions watched the first televised British coronation, and others listened by radio. Canadian guests at the coronation included Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent and Saskatchewan Premier Tommy Douglas.

In 1953, a Canadian law, the Royal Style and Titles Act, formally conferred upon Elizabeth II the title of Queen of Canada.

Charitable work and military appointments

Although the Queen celebrated her 80th birthday in 2006, she continues to champion public and voluntary service around the world. She is patron of more than 600 charities and organizations.

Her Majesty uses her patronage and prestige to raise awareness about issues in Canada ranging from health care to multiculturalism. She is patron of more than 30 charitable and military organizations in Canada.

The Queen, who is Head of the British Armed Forces, continues to highlight the critical role of the Canadian Forces by serving as Colonel in Chief of more than a dozen regiments across Canada.

Visits to Canada

Over the years, Her Majesty has maintained close ties with Canada. She has made more than 20 visits to Canada - more than any other Commonwealth country.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh first toured Canada in the fall of 1951. An estimated 500,000 people greeted them in Toronto. Almost 50 years later, Canadians turned out in record numbers to greet The Queen during Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002.

In 2012, the Queen will celebrate her Diamond Jubilee - her 60th anniversary as Queen of Canada.

Canadian Heritage Resources

A Crown of Maples: Constitutional Monarchy in Canada
Official Royal Portrait
Royal Symbols

Other Resources

CBC News Online
CBC Digital Archives: A Royal Stamp (for teachers)
The official website of the British Monarchy

Archived Web Sites

Golden Jubilee: A Canadian Celebration