Queen Elizabeth II: A life in pictures

Queen Elizabeth II smiles as she visits Cyfarthfa High School and Castle on April 26, 2012

Chris Jackson WPA – Pool | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II was admired at home and around the world during her reign — the longest in British and world history.

Having ascended to the throne in 1952 at age 25, Elizabeth became the U.K.’s longest reigning monarch in September 2015 when she surpassed Queen Victoria’s record of nearly 64 years. Elizabeth became the world’s longest-reigning monarch and head of state when Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej died in October 2016 after he spent 70 years on the throne.

During her life, the queen was a patron to hundreds of charities and organizations and was one of the most traveled world leaders.

CNBC looks back at some of the British monarch’s most memorable moments.

A portrait of Princess Elizabeth (L) | Princess Elizabeth with two corgi dogs at her home (R)

Getty Images: Picture Post / Lisa Sheridan | Hulton Royals Collection

Elizabeth was born April 21, 1926, the first child of the then-Duke and Duchess of York. In 1930, Elizabeth’s parents gave birth to her sister, Princess Margaret Rose.

“Lilibet” ascended to the throne sooner than anyone had expected. Her uncle, childless King Edward VIII abdicated in December 1936 over his romance with divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson. Elizabeth’s father became King George VI, putting her next in the succession.

Princess on duty

Falling in love

Motherhood

Queen Elizabeth II begins her reign

Charities

Attending royal events

Tradition

An ever-expanding family

International relations

Beloved by many

Celebrating 50 years as queen

Staying strong in times of trouble

The queen’s speech

A love for animals

A new generation

A sad farewell

Platinum Jubilee

15 prime ministers

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/08/queen-elizabeth-ii-a-life-in-pictures.html