15 Interesting Facts About Queen Elizabeth

Introduction:

Queen Elizabeth is not only one of the most popular women in the world, but she is also one of the longest reigning monarchs of all time. Her life has spanned more than 90 years and she’s a giant of history in almost every way. Here are 15 facts about her awe-inspiring life and times.

Fact 1: She Was Born into The British Royal Family

Queen Elizabeth was born on 21st April 1926 in Mayfair, London. She is the daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, born after the first World War, and was christened in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace. Her reign began when she was 25 years old and succeeded her father’s throne as Queen of the United Kingdom in 1952.

Fact 2: She is the World’s Longest-Reigning Monarch

Immensely popular, Queen Elizabeth II is the longest reigning monarch in the world today. She has been in power for over 68 years, since 1952, and is the longest reigning British monarch in history.

Fact 3: She is the Head of 15 Commonwealth Countries

The incredible Queen Elizabeth is in dominion over 15 countries, with a total population of over 140 million people. She is the head of the Commonwealth Realm, which consists of countries with strong ties to the United Kingdom—countries such as Canada, South Africa, Australia, India, Pakistan, Brunei, and New Zealand.

Fact 4: She is Supreme Governor of the Church of England

Queen Elizabeth is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England and was seen as the Defender of the Faith—a title given to her in 1953. As such, she also heads the Anglican Church, which means she is in charge of the Church of England’s governing body and is the church’s supreme earthly leader.

Fact 5: She has a Secret Service Codename

The Queen is given the highest level of protection by the United Kingdom’s law enforcement. To protect her identity and whereabouts she has her own codename, Lillibet, which is derived from her own nickname as a child.

Fact 6: She Met with 12 British Prime Ministers

The Queen has met 12 British Prime Ministers since her accession to the throne. She has had the opportunity to host each of them at one point or another and is known to keep the same formality and professional demeanor for each of them.

Fact 7: She Celebrates Two Birthdays

According to British tradition, Queen Elizabeth celebrates two official birthdays—her real birthday in April, followed by the second one a few weeks later in June, in a ceremony known as Trooping the Color. The Queen also has the distinction of being the only person in the United Kingdom to get two birthdays!

Fact 8: She Is an Animal Lover

The Queen is well known to be fond of animals and has owned over 30 corgis since the 1950s. Her horses are a particular favourite and she owns numerous horses and ponies each year, many of which participate in special equestrian events.

Fact 9: She has Owned over 30 Different Homes

The Queen has owned over 30 different homes since her days as the heir to the throne. These include a castle and several palaces located in the United Kingdom as well as an official residence in Windsor Castle.

Fact 10: She Inaugurated Imperial State Crown

As a sign of global power and authority, the Queen has been seen wearing the Imperial State Crown during ceremonies of coronation. This crown was specifically designed by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, and is one of the most significant symbols of the British monarchy.

Fact 11: She is the Mother of Four Children

Queen Elizabeth has four children with her husband, Prince Philip. Charles is the oldest and the heir apparent to the throne, followed by Anne, Andrew, and Edward. She is also a grandmother to seven grandchildren, of which William and Harry are the most popular across the world.

Fact 12: She is Great-Great-Grandmother of Eight

Queen Elizabeth II is the great-great-grandmother of eight. Her great-grandchildren are: Prince George (born 2013), Princess Charlotte (born 2015), and Prince Louis (born 2018); Savannah Phillips (born 2010), Isla Phillips (born 2012), and Mia Tindall (born 2014); and Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor (born 2019) and Lena Tindall (born 2018).

Fact 13: She Gave a Christmas Speech Every Year

Ever since she was crowned in 1952, Queen Elizabeth has been giving a televised Christmas speech to the people of the United Kingdom. This speech is broadcast in the UK and the Commonwealth realms at 3 pm, on Christmas Day, and is made from the comfort of Buckingham Palace.

Fact 14: She has Received Over 150,000 Gifts From the Public

Queen Elizabeth has received more stories, letters, and gifts from the public than any other monarch. Since 1953, she has received an estimated 150,000 gifts, which include a staggering variety of objects, such as a lemon squeezer made from a baby’s shoes and a book of poems written entirely in braille.

Fact 15: She is the World’s Last Remaining Head of State From World War II

At the time of her reign, Queen Elizabeth was the last monarch and head of state who was alive during the troubling times of World War II. She was only 28 years old when the war ended, but said in her Christmas Message that year: “The horrors of war could not erase the deep gratitude for the way the people of this country united together.”

Conclusion:

Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most remarkable women in human history. To Queen Elizabeth belongs the record of being the longest reigning monarch in the United Kingdom, and she continues to be an extraordinary symbol of stability, strength, and continuity. In her 68 years of service to the British Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth has proven a remarkable example of perseverance and dedication to her country and people.