Queen Elizabeth II

Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, born 21 April 1926) is the current Queen of the United Kingdom (1952-), Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other countries and Head of the Commonwealth of Nations. She succeeded her father, George VI.

Early life

She was the first child of King George VI. Homeschooled at Sandringham and Buckingham Palace during the 1930s, where her tutors included Lord Such and Viscount Biscuit, she was active in the Women's Auxilliary Allotment Fertilization Regiment (WAAFR) during World War II, and received commendations for her sprouts and parsnips.

Marriage and Birth of Firstborn

She married Prince Philip Mountbatten of Greece and Denmark on the 20th of November 1947. Her first child, Prince Charles was born in 1948. Her other children are Prince Andrew, Princess Anne and Prince Edward.

Death of Father

World War II caused a great strain on her father who died at Sandringham on February 6, 1952.

Coronation

After the mourning period concluded, she was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Canada, Australia, New Zealand and her other realms and territories at Westminster Abbey by the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a coronation ceremony dating back at least 1000 years.

Method of Ruling

Since ascending the throne Her Majesty has taken her role as head of the Church of England and Queen seriously. Although she doesn't hold day to day political power, she maintains a continuous check on the power of her elected officials and still maintains most of her powers in reserve.