Queen Elizabeth II was born Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on April 21, 1926, in London. She became heir presumptive when her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated in 1936 and her father became King George VI. During World War II, she served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, training as a driver and mechanic. In 1947, she married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and they had four children. Elizabeth became queen in 1952 at the age of 25 and was crowned in Westminster Abbey in 1953. Her reign lasted 70 years, making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history. She guided the monarchy through major social, political, and technological changes while serving as a symbol of continuity and stability. Queen Elizabeth II worked with fifteen British prime ministers and carried out thousands of official engagements worldwide. She died on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III.
Designed by Baxter & Bailey, printed by Cartor Security Printers, and issued 21 April 2026
Great Britain