Born on 21 April 1926 in London, Elizabeth II became queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on 6 February 1952 following the death of her father, King George VI (1895–1952). She is known for her efforts to modernise the institution of monarchy – and for her love of corgis. Elizabeth celebrated her Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and died on 8 September 2022.

Below, browse expert articles and podcast episodes on Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II's family

Elizabeth II was never meant to be queen, but following the abdication in 1936 of her uncle Edward VIII, who gave up the crown to marry the American divorcee Wallis Simpson, Elizabeth’s father became George VI and Elizabeth became heir to the throne