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Elizabeth is Born
Prince Albert, Duke of York and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon become parents to a baby girl named Elizabeth Alexandra Mary. -
King Edward VIII Abdicates the Throne
After only one year on the throne, King Edward VIII willingly abdicated the throne in order to marry Wallis Warfield Simpson, twice divorced. Prince Albert, Duke of York then became King George VI, making Elizabeth his successor. -
England Declares War
On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland. England issued a warning, giving Germany two days to evacuate troops or a state of war would be declared. On September 3, England declares war on Germany, entering WWII. -
Elizabeth Joins the ATS
Moved by a call to serve, Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1945 as Honorary Second Subaltern. She was a mechanic and a driver. By the end of the war, Elizabeth had been promoted to Honorary Junior Commander. -
Elizabeth Marries Philip Mountbatten
After becoming engaged in July 1947, the couple married at Westminster Abbey. The ceremony was broadcasted on BBC radio, with over two million people listening in worldwide. -
Birth of Charles, Prince of Wales
Elizabeth gives birth to a baby born, names Charles Philip Arthur George, at Buckingham Palace. -
Birth of Anne, Princess Royal
Elizabeth and Philip welcome a baby girl, Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise, born at Clarence House. -
King George VI Dies
Due to complications from lung cancer, King George VI died in his sleep. Elizabeth, in Kenya at this time, did not hear of the event until the following day and had to be flown home. As his successor, this also meant Elizabeth was now queen. -
The Coronation
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was held at Westminster Abbey, more than one year after the passing of King George VI. She was 25. The event was televised and watched by millions worldwide. -
Princess Margaret's Public Statement Declining to Marry Peter Townsend
Princess Margaret had maintained a relationship with Phillip Townsend for many years. Because he was a divorcee, both parliament and the church disapproved of a marriage between the two. If Margaret married Peter, she would have to give up her title and allowance. In her statement, Margaret's deciding factors were the duties to the commonwealth and the church's teachings. -
Birth of Andrew, Duke of York
Queen Elizabeth gives birth to her third child, Andrew Albert Christian Edward, at Buckingham Palace. -
Birth of Edward, Earl of Essex
Queen Elizabeth welcomes her fourth child, Edward Antony Richard Louis, also born at Buckingham Palace. -
Prince Charles weds Lady Diana Spencer
Prince Charles and Diana married after announcing their engagement on February 24, 1981. The couple married at St. Paul's Cathedral instead of Westminster Abbey in order to seat more guests. -
Prince Charles and Diana Divorce
Following a four year separation, the couple formally announced their divorce. They had two children together, Prince William on June 21, 1982 and Prince Harry on September 15, 1984. -
Death to Diana, Princess of Wales
Diana died due to injuries sustained during a car crash. The driver was intoxicated. Her funeral was held on September 6, 1997. -
Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles Wed
After a long affair, one that likely caused the divorce between Charles and Diana, the couple finally tie the knot at Windsor Guildhall. -
Sapphire Jubilee
The Sapphire Jubilee celebrated Elizabeth's sixty five year reign as monarch. She is the longest reigning monarch in British history. -
Platinum Anniversary
Queen Elizabeth and King Philip celebrated their 70 wedding anniversary.
