Queen Elizabeth II Would Have Turned 100 Today
Photo: The Royal Household
Today marks 100 years since the birth of Queen Elizabeth II. She reigned for 70 years and lived a life of service to the nation and the Commonwealth.
Today, 21 April 2026, marks exactly 100 years since the birth of Queen Elizabeth II. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born on 21 April 1926 in London, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York, later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
Princess Elizabeth as a young girl, c. 1928. Photo: The British Royal Family
When her father became King in 1936, the 10-year-old Princess Elizabeth became heir to the throne. During the Second World War, she and her sister Princess Margaret were evacuated to Windsor, and in 1945 Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she learned to drive and maintain vehicles.
Princess Elizabeth in 1943. Photo: The British Royal Family
In 1947, she married Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark at Westminster Abbey. They had four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward. When King George VI died on 6 February 1952, Elizabeth became Queen at just 25 years old.
The christening of Prince Charles in 1948. Photo: The British Royal Family
The coronation took place on 2 June 1953 at Westminster Abbey, and was the first coronation ceremony to be televised. Queen Elizabeth II reigned for 70 years and served under 15 British prime ministers, from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the Coronation in 1953. Photo: The British Royal Family
Over the decades, she marked Silver, Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilees. In 2015, she became the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
Queen Elizabeth II with five former prime ministers at the Golden Jubilee dinner in 2002. Photo: The British Royal Family
Queen Elizabeth II on an engagement. Photo: The British Royal Family
Prince Philip, her husband of 73 years, died on 9 April 2021. Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle on 8 September 2022, at the age of 96. She left behind a legacy as one of the most respected and longest-serving monarchs in world history.
Queen Elizabeth II on an engagement in her later years. Photo: The British Royal Family