The Elizabeths of England

Elizabeth II

Now I want to go into the life of the last Queen. Queen Elizabeth II. 

Elizabeth II

A Life of Duty

From the young Elizabeth, it was quite some promise, a promise she would keep. Leaving her home on what will be the greatest day of her life. Queen Elizabeth to her coronation through decades of incessant change, she was to be a constant. Proceeded by her guards and escorted by her cavalry she drives through cheering crowds down the decorated avenue. 

June 2nd, 1953

Queen Elizabeth's coronation day

Sted fast ever present. Reassuring queen who's devotion and respect for the world. A much-loved woman, a remarkable reign. The monarch of our times. 

Elizabeth Alexandria Mary Windsor was born in the most extraordinary life. Her early life was a life of a normal, relatively family. A family that wanted to be away from the eyes of the cameras. Princess Elizabeth's father was the shy, unassuming, Duke of York. The Duck and Duchess of York haven't had to do very much or nearly very much of members of the royal family. They were a closed and loving family. Princess Elizabeth and her sister Margaret would spend much of their childhood in Scotland. Scotland from that age where the fun kids, you could go and be wild. Princess Elizabeth was the serious minded one. She looked after her little sister. They were always with their parents. More so perhaps then other children from the same class. Of course, it was very different in those days. 

Elizabeth was third in line to the throne in the succession. She had a public side as well as a private side even at a young age. That was the way you behave. She had restrictions that she had to accept were necessary. 

The line of succession was never supposed to pass through her father. He was the king younger brother and second in line to the throne. Within months of his coronation Princess Elizabeth's Uncle, Edward VIII was faced with a choice. Either to marry the woman he loves or remaining as king. 

January 28th, 1936

King Edward VIII's abdication speech

King Edward abdicated. 

The country and family felt like he let everyone down. I disagree and I'm glad I am an outsider in on this. I'm glad he chose love and to be happy with the woman he loves.  Plus, it also gave Elizabeth a chance to become Queen. I think that was a good decision. 

And it was a decision that will have dramatic consequences for the young Elizabeth. The fact that it was also going to affect her too and how her life would come out was probably too difficult to comprehend for one so young. But it did change her life and his decision as King Edward VIII would leave would ensure that she will one day be Queen. 

May 12th, 1937

King George VI's coronation

When Princess Elizabeth watched her father's coronation, it was more than an exciting spatial. At 10 years old she now knew that it was her destiny. She knew she would one day be Queen. It nationally completely changed their lives. This young Elizabeth whose life was set to be one of living a relatively comfortable life, suddenly was to have the ultimate job of responsibility but also a job of course she had no choice over. Realizing her path was predaine she made a decision. A life in public duty involves great personal sacrificed, one she was more than prepared to make. 

She had seen the impact her uncle abdication has had on her and her father. To turn your back on not only an obligation but on something in the presence of coronation, you are anointed to do. Knowing that she will succeed him, the Princess observed her father closely. The apprenticeship intensive as the second world war started. She needed to grow into her role in heir quickly and she did.