Unique! Queen Elizabeth II has been the head of the British royal family since 1952 — and her devotion to her country has become an inspiration for her loved ones through the years.
Elizabeth, then 25 years old, took over the throne from King George VI in 1952. The following year, she was coronated. The queen was one of the longest-reigning monarchs in history. She became the first British monarch ever to attain a Sapphire Jubilee. This was in 2017, after 65 years as the leader and chief of the Commonwealth.
Elizabeth was accompanied by Prince Philip for many decades of her reign. The duo exchanged vows in November 1947 and went on to become the longest-married royal couple until the Duke of Edinburgh’s death in April 2021.
Elizabeth and her husband shared four children — Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Prince EdwardAnd Princess Anne — along with eight grandchildrenAnd 10 great-grandchildren. Charles’ sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, have always been fond of their grandmother, as has Andrew’s youngest daughter, Princess Eugenie. Following Philip’s death, Eugenie promised to “look after” her beloved “Granny” in a heartfelt tribute to her late grandfather.
Harry left his senior royal duties in March 2020 to move to California with his wife. Meghan MarkleArchie, Archie’s son, was born in May 2019. Although it was shocking for many in the palace, the couple tried their best to keep good relations with the monarch.
“They have kept a great relationship with Philip and the queen,” royal expert Omid ScobieTelled Entertainment TonightMarch 2021, as the Sussexes prepare for their CBS tell all.
When the sit-down interview aired, Harry reiterated that he’ll “always” love his grandmother no matter how many miles are between them.
“I’ve spoken more to my grandmother in the last year than I have done for many, many years,” he said at the time, adding that he and Elizabeth have been able to reach “an understanding” since his royal exit.
Since Harry and Meghan decided to depart from their palace roles, the queen has had many a “heart-to-heart” with her grandson. “The last thing Elizabeth wants is for Harry to feel estranged from his family,” a source previously told Us Weekly exclusively.
Keep scrolling for a look back at some of the royal family’s sweetest quotes about their matriarch:
