Queen Elizabeth II at a Glance
Queen Elizabeth II was born on 21 April 1926 and became Queen on 6 February 1952. She was 25 years old at accession. Her coronation took place on 2 June 1953. She served as Head of State of 15 Commonwealth countries besides the United Kingdom. She died on 8 September 2022 at Balmoral Castle, Scotland. This profile provides a clear, verified timeline of her life and reign for long-term reference.
Key Dates and Ages
The timeline below highlights the main dates, ages, and events. All ages are calculated using UK convention (advance a year on the birthday in the relevant year where applicable).
| Date or Period | Event | Age at Time | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 April 1926 | Born in London | 0 days | Birth record |
| 6 February 1952 | Accession (became Queen) | 25 years | Official proclamation |
| 2 June 1953 | Coronation at Westminster Abbey | 27 years | Coronation record |
| 1977 | Silver Jubilee (25th anniversary) | 51 years | Official celebrations |
| 1992 | Ruby Jubilee (40th anniversary) | 66 years | Official record |
| 2012 | Diamond Jubilee (60th anniversary) | 86 years | Official ceremonies |
| 9 September 2015 | Longest-reigning British monarch | 89 years | Official record |
| 8 September 2022 | Died at Balmoral Castle | 96 years | Official announcement |
Defining Her Reign
Elizabeth II’s reign spanned 70 years and 214 days, from 6 February 1952 to 8 September 2022. It began in the post-war era and continued through significant social, technological, and constitutional changes. Her longevity offered stability and continuity for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She modernized aspects of the monarchy while maintaining traditional ceremonial duties.
Accession Context
She became Queen while in Kenya on a royal tour, following the death of her father, King George VI. Her accession was formally declared in the United Kingdom and across her realms. At 25, she was the youngest reigning monarch at the time of her accession among current Commonwealth realms.
Coronation and Public Role
The coronation on 2 June 1953 was the first to be televised in the United Kingdom, significantly expanding public engagement. The ceremony combined ancient tradition with modern broadcast, reinforcing the monarchy’s visibility. Throughout her reign, she carried out thousands of engagements and supported a vast range of charities and organizations.
Milestones and Records
Elizabeth II marked several historic milestones. She became the longest-reigning British monarch in 2015, surpassing Queen Victoria. Her decades of public service included numerous state visits, Commonwealth summits, and addresses to Parliament. The table above summarizes key dates, ages, and events that shaped her enduring public role.
Relationship to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth
As Queen of the United Kingdom, Elizabeth II was also separately Queen of 14 other Commonwealth realms. Each realm retained its own constitution and laws. Her role in the UK was largely ceremonial, with constitutional duties carried out on the advice of elected ministers. She remained politically neutral, focusing on national service and soft diplomacy.
Commonly Asked Questions
- When was Queen Elizabeth II born? She was born on 21 April 1926.
- How old was she when she became Queen? She was 25 years old at accession on 6 February 1952.
- When was her coronation? Her coronation took place on 2 June 1953.
- How long did she reign? Her reign lasted 70 years and 214 days, from 6 February 1952 to 8 September 2022.
- What record did she set in 2015? She became the longest-reigning British monarch, surpassing Queen Victoria.
- Where did she die? She died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on 8 September 2022.
Comparative Overview
Compared with other long-reigning British monarchs, Elizabeth II’s reign was the longest by a significant margin. Her sustained public role, adaptation to changing media landscapes, and steady presence through global shifts distinguish her era. The table and list above highlight how her age and dates align with major constitutional and cultural moments.