Elizabeth Alexandra Mary (born April 21, 1926) is the
current Queen of the British commonwealth and its 16 sovereign states. She became Queen
in 1952 following the death of her father, King George VI (previously, Prince Albert,
Duke of York). Her reign (58 years) is one of the longest in British history. She
married Phillip, Duke of Edinborough, in 1947; upon her ascendancy to the throne, he
became Prince Phillip. They have four children.
Elizabeth
was named after her mother (Elizabeth), great-grandmother (Queen Alexandra) and
grandmother (Queen Mary). Her family nickname was "Lilibet." She has one sister,
Princess Margaret (born 1930). Elizabeth was originally third in line for the throne,
and was not considered a likely candidate to become Queen. However, after her uncle,
King Edward, abdicated, she became first in line after her father. She served in the
Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II and was trained as a
mechanic.
She has maintained a high degree of popularity
with the British (and world) populace during her reign, with her low points coming in
1992 following a disastrous fire at Windsor Castle and the divorce and separation of two
of her children; and in 1997, following the death of Princess
Diana.
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