Description

Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 1926–2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and of 14 other Commonwealth realms. Her reign, which began on February 6, 1952, lasted for 70 years and seven months, making it the longest of any British monarch in history. At the age of 25, she became queen regnant of seven independent Commonwealth countries after her father's death in February 1952. These countries were the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and she also served as Head of the Commonwealth.

Throughout her reign, Elizabeth acted as a constitutional monarch and oversaw significant political changes, such as the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the decolonization of Africa, and the United Kingdom's accession to and withdrawal from the European Communities. The number of her realms changed over time as territories gained independence and some became republics.

Elizabeth experienced many personal milestones during her reign, including the births and marriages of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was crowned in 1953, and her Silver, Golden, Diamond, and Platinum jubilees were celebrated in 1977, 2002, 2012, and 2022, respectively.

Engraver: Ian Rank-Broadley