Elizabeth II's Milestones

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning British monarch, serving from 1952 to 2022, and became a global symbol of stability, continuity, and dedication to public service.
1926

Birth

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in London to the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth).

Family April 21, 1926
1932

Early education

Privately educated at home, studying history, languages, and constitutional law.

Education January 1, 1932 - January 1, 1940
1936

Became heir presumptive

Became heir presumptive after her father became King George VI following the abdication of Edward VIII.

Achievement December 11, 1936
1940

First public broadcast

Gave her first public radio broadcast during WWII, addressing children evacuated from cities.

Achievement October 13, 1940
1945

WWII service

Joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II, training as a driver and mechanic.

Achievement February 24, 1945 - July 31, 1945
1947

Marriage to Prince Philip

Married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at Westminster Abbey.

Relationship November 20, 1947
1948

Birth of Prince Charles

Gave birth to her first child, Prince Charles.

Family November 14, 1948
1950

Birth of Princess Anne

Gave birth to her second child, Princess Anne.

Family August 15, 1950
1952

Became Queen

Ascended the throne as Queen Elizabeth II upon her father's death.

Achievement February 6, 1952
1953

Coronation

Crowned in Westminster Abbey in the first televised coronation ceremony.

Achievement June 2, 1953

First Commonwealth tour

Embarked on a six-month Commonwealth tour, visiting 13 countries.

Achievement November 23, 1953 - May 15, 1954
1957

First televised Christmas message

Delivered the first televised Royal Christmas Message.

Achievement December 25, 1957
1960

Birth of Prince Andrew

Gave birth to her third child, Prince Andrew.

Family February 19, 1960
1964

Birth of Prince Edward

Gave birth to her fourth child, Prince Edward.

Family March 10, 1964
1977

Silver Jubilee

Celebrated 25 years on the throne with nationwide festivities.

Achievement June 7, 1977
2002

Golden Jubilee

Celebrated 50 years as Queen with events across the UK and Commonwealth.

Achievement June 3, 2002
2012

Diamond Jubilee

Celebrated 60 years as Queen, becoming the second British monarch to do so.

Achievement June 2, 2012
2022

Platinum Jubilee

Marked 70 years on the throne, the first British monarch to reach this milestone.

Achievement February 6, 2022

Death

Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle at 15:10 BST, ending the longest reign of any British monarch.

Other September 8, 2022