Queen Elizabeth Birth Date: Key Facts
Queen Elizabeth was born on 21 April 1926 at 2:40 am at 17 Bruton Street, London, United Kingdom. She was the first child of Prince Albert, Duke of York (later King George VI), and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. Her birth registered the date and location with the Metropolitan Police, establishing the factual baseline used by official record-keepers and biographical references. This verified timeline anchors her position in succession history and clarifies ambiguities in public records.
Why the Birth Date Matters
Her birth date situates her within a precise historical and legal context. As the firstborn of the future king, her arrival reshaped the line of succession and informed constitutional expectations around monarchy and stability. Contemporary documentation from police registers and hospital reports, combined with later official records, support the widely accepted date and enable consistent reporting across authoritative sources. The date is leveraged in timelines, biographies, and event sequencing that define her public role.
Verified Birth Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name at birth | Elizabeth Alexandra Mary | Official birth register |
| Date of birth | 21 April 1926 | Police and civil registration records |
| Time of birth | 02:40 (local time) | Family and staff records |
| Place of birth | 17 Bruton Street, London | Metropolitan Police and property records |
| Parents | Prince Albert, Duke of York; Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon | Royal household and biographical sources |
Immediate Context After Birth
In the 1920s, the British monarchy operated under established protocols for recording royal births, including police notification and registration with local authorities. At 17 Bruton Street, a private residence in Mayfair, the event was managed discreetly yet documented thoroughly. The presence of staff, medical professionals, and household officials ensured the birth followed tradition and left a paper trail later used by genealogists and archivists. These records have remained consistent across retellings, reinforcing the reliability of the date.
Distinguishing Individuals with Similar Names
Because the title "Queen Elizabeth" applies to multiple figures—most notably Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II—specifying the birth date clarifies identity. Elizabeth I was born 7 September 1533; Elizabeth II was born 21 April 1926. Contemporary usage of Queen Elizabeth commonly refers to Elizabeth II in discussions after 1952. Including the date eliminates confusion in historical, legal, and journalistic contexts, supporting precision in research and public communication.
Lineage and Succession Implications
As the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, her birth established an heir presumptive once her uncle Edward VIII abdicated in December 1936. This succession shift placed her directly in the line to the throne, altering the trajectory of the monarchy. Her birth date thus becomes a structural element in understanding modern British royal history and the timing of key institutional events, including coronations and jubilees.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
- Some confuse her birth year with later public milestones, but records confirm 1926 as the year of birth.
- Geographic confusion arises because later-life events occurred elsewhere; her birthplace remains 17 Bruton Street, London.
- The time of day (02:40) is recorded in staff and family notes, though public reports often focus on the date alone.
Long-Term Record Stability
Over decades, biographical and official accounts have maintained alignment around her birth date. Changes in how information is stored—from police logs to digital archives—have not altered the core fact. This stability reflects coordinated record-keeping and the significance of the event within constitutional and historical documentation. As a result, the date continues to anchor reliable timelines in academic, media, and institutional references.
Public Reception and Legacy Anchors
Her birth date is a fixed reference point used in anniversary planning, ceremonial observances, and educational materials. By providing a consistent identifier, it supports accurate portrayals in media and scholarship. The date is incorporated into royal protocols, succession law analyses, and cultural narratives that assess the monarchy’s continuity. Clear sourcing and transparent documentation reinforce trust in biographical reporting across generations.
How to Use This Information Responsibly
When citing Queen Elizabeth’s birth details, prefer primary records such as birth certificates, police registers, and royal household documentation. Cross-reference biographies with official archives to minimize errors. Present the date in context, acknowledging both the factual baseline and the broader historical significance. Responsible use of these facts supports clarity, reduces misinformation, and maintains accuracy in ongoing discourse about the monarchy.