The following text is the full biography featured in the back of our new children’s book from Alison Mitchell, highlighting the Christian faith that has underpinned Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable reign. This beautifully illustrated book can be read to young children aged 4-5 and read by children aged 6 or older. Click here to find out more and to download free biography worksheets for kids to fill in.
1926:
Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born on the 21st of April. Although her grandfather was King George V, her father was the king’s younger son, meaning Elizabeth was never expected to become queen.
1936:
Elizabeth’s uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated. Suddenly, Elizabeth’s father became King George VI.
1939:
When Elizabeth was 13, World War II broke out. In 1940, Buckingham Palace was bombed, so Elizabeth and her sister Margaret were evacuated from London. Their parents stayed in Buckingham Palace to show solidarity with those living through the London Blitz.
1944:
Elizabeth joined the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) when she turned 18. She trained to be a driver and mechanic.
1947:
Elizabeth married Prince Philip on the 20th of November. They lived on Malta for two years while Philip served as an officer in the Royal Navy.
1952:
King George VI died on 6th February, and Elizabeth became Queen. Her coronation on the 2nd of June 1953 was attended by 8,000 guests, with crowds of 3 million in the streets, and watched by 20 million people on television. As well as becoming the British Queen, Elizabeth was now the head of the Commonwealth of Nations.
1957:
Elizabeth gave her first televised Christmas message.
1977:
Britain celebrated the Queen’s Silver Jubilee (25 years as monarch). Millions celebrated with street parties across Britain. There have been similar celebrations for her Golden (2002) and Diamond (2012) Jubilees.
2015:
On 9th September 2015, Elizabeth became Britain’s longest-serving monarch. Queen Elizabeth has seen many world-changing events since her coronation in 1953. She has also worked with 14 British Prime Ministers and has met every US President since Harry S. Truman (except for President Lyndon B. Johnson). The Queen’s travels have taken her to over 110 countries across six continents, making her Britain’s best-travelled as well as longest-reigning monarch. During this time she has also been patron to more than 600 charities and organisations across the UK and the Commonwealth.
Alison Mitchell is a Senior Editor at The Good Book Company, where she has worked on a range of products including Bible-reading notes for children and families, and the Christianity Explored range of resources. She is the best-selling author of The Christmas Promise and the award-winning Jesus and the Lions' Den.
