01of 10
1926
Future King and Queen, George, Duke of York (1895–1952) and Elizabeth, Duchess of York (1900–2002), holding their first child, future monarch Princess Elizabeth at her christening ceremony.Central Press/Getty
02of 101927Picture Post/Hulton Archive/GettyPrincess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary has a name full of familial connotations (just likeanotherprincess). She shared the name Elizabeth with her mother, the Duchess of York (later the Queen Mum), while Alexandra was in honor of George V’s mother, her great-grandmother, and Mary for her paternal grandmother.
02of 10
1927
Picture Post/Hulton Archive/Getty
Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary has a name full of familial connotations (just likeanotherprincess). She shared the name Elizabeth with her mother, the Duchess of York (later the Queen Mum), while Alexandra was in honor of George V’s mother, her great-grandmother, and Mary for her paternal grandmother.
03of 10
1933
Princess Margaret (left) and Princess Elizabeth in 1933.AFP/Getty
04of 101936Lisa Sheridan/Studio Lisa/Hulton Archive/GettyAt home at 10 years old, Elizabeth poses with two of her beloved corgis. Decades later, the Queen’s love of her pet corgis remained: she cared for more than 30 throughout her lifetime.
04of 10
1936
Lisa Sheridan/Studio Lisa/Hulton Archive/Getty
At home at 10 years old, Elizabeth poses with two of her beloved corgis. Decades later, the Queen’s love of her pet corgis remained: she cared for more than 30 throughout her lifetime.
05of 101944Lisa Sheridan/Studio Lisa/GettyThe tiara-wearing pair of Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret appeared in a royal production ofOld Mother Red Riding Bootsat Windsor Castle during the height of World War II.
05of 10
1944
Lisa Sheridan/Studio Lisa/Getty
The tiara-wearing pair of Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret appeared in a royal production ofOld Mother Red Riding Bootsat Windsor Castle during the height of World War II.
06of 101945Popperfoto/GettyHer position as a Princess – and a future Queen – didn’t stop Elizabeth from rolling up her sleeves and getting to work. Here, she trains as a mechanic in 1945. Despite urgings that Elizabeth and Margaret should flee to Canada during wartime for their own protection, the royal family remained in England, and Elizabeth took on a post at the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service as both a driver and a mechanic.
06of 10
1945
Popperfoto/Getty
Her position as a Princess – and a future Queen – didn’t stop Elizabeth from rolling up her sleeves and getting to work. Here, she trains as a mechanic in 1945. Despite urgings that Elizabeth and Margaret should flee to Canada during wartime for their own protection, the royal family remained in England, and Elizabeth took on a post at the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service as both a driver and a mechanic.
07of 101947Paul Popper/Popperfoto/GettyDuring her family’s trip to South Africa, Elizabeth goofs off on deck with the crew of the HMS Vanguard. During the trip, Elizabeth celebrated her 21st birthday, and addressed the citizens of the Commonwealth in what is now remembered as one of her iconic speeches. In it, she spoke of her dedication to her role: “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”
07of 10
1947
Paul Popper/Popperfoto/Getty
During her family’s trip to South Africa, Elizabeth goofs off on deck with the crew of the HMS Vanguard. During the trip, Elizabeth celebrated her 21st birthday, and addressed the citizens of the Commonwealth in what is now remembered as one of her iconic speeches. In it, she spoke of her dedication to her role: “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”
08of 101947Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and her then-fiancé Philip Mountbatten at Buckingham Palace after their engagement was announced on July 10, 1947.Topical Press Agency/Hulton Archive/GettyJust after their engagement was announced, Elizabeth shares a smile with her fiancéPrince Philip, then Philip Mountbatten. The pair fell for each other early on – after a meeting when Elizabeth was just 13 years old.
08of 10
Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and her then-fiancé Philip Mountbatten at Buckingham Palace after their engagement was announced on July 10, 1947.Topical Press Agency/Hulton Archive/Getty
Just after their engagement was announced, Elizabeth shares a smile with her fiancéPrince Philip, then Philip Mountbatten. The pair fell for each other early on – after a meeting when Elizabeth was just 13 years old.
09of 101947Then-Princess Elizabeth and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh (styled Prince Philip) on their wedding day in 1957.Hulton Archive/GettyPrincess Elizabeth andPrince Philipleave Westminster Abbey after their wedding. In the aftermath of World War II, no one was exempt from the rationing restrictions placed on Britons – not even a future Queen. To get the material for her satin dress, Elizbaethused ration coupons.
09of 10
Then-Princess Elizabeth and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh (styled Prince Philip) on their wedding day in 1957.Hulton Archive/Getty
Princess Elizabeth andPrince Philipleave Westminster Abbey after their wedding. In the aftermath of World War II, no one was exempt from the rationing restrictions placed on Britons – not even a future Queen. To get the material for her satin dress, Elizbaethused ration coupons.
10of 101951Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip with children Princess Anne and Prince Charles.GettyIn an intimate family shot, Elizabeth holds her young daughter, Princess Anne, as she stands with husband, who holdsPrince Charles. Less than a year later, her father would die and she would succeed him as Queen.
10of 10
1951
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip with children Princess Anne and Prince Charles.Getty
In an intimate family shot, Elizabeth holds her young daughter, Princess Anne, as she stands with husband, who holdsPrince Charles. Less than a year later, her father would die and she would succeed him as Queen.
source: people.com
