View source for Elizabeth II

{{Short description|Queen of the United Kingdom from 1952 to 2022}}
{{Redirect|Elizabeth of the United Kingdom||Elizabeth&nbsp;II (disambiguation)|and|Elizabeth of the United Kingdom (disambiguation)}}
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{{Use British English|date=September 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox royalty
<!--The current layout of the infobox has been agreed to via consensus. Please do not change it without prior discussion on the talk page.-->
| title         = [[Head of the Commonwealth]]
| image         = Queen Elizabeth II official portrait for 1959 tour (retouched) (cropped) (3-to-4 aspect ratio).jpg<!--Image has been chosen via consensus. Do not change unless a consensus to do so has been reached on the talk page.-->
| alt           = Elizabeth facing right in a half-length portrait photograph
| caption       = Formal portrait, 1959<!--Photo taken in 1958, but published in 1959. See talk page for more info.-->
| succession    = {{Br separated entries|[[Queen of the United Kingdom]]|and other [[Commonwealth realm]]s}}
| moretext      = {{nowrap|([[List of sovereign states headed by Elizabeth II|full list]])}}
| reign         = 6&nbsp;February 1952{{Sndash}}{{Avoid wrap|8&nbsp;September 2022}}
| cor-type      = [[Coronation of Elizabeth II|Coronation]]
| coronation    = 2&nbsp;June 1953
| predecessor   = [[George&nbsp;VI]]
| successor     = [[Charles&nbsp;III]]
| birth_name    = Princess Elizabeth of York
| birth_date    = {{Birth date|df=yes|1926|04|21}}
| birth_place   = [[Mayfair]], London, England
| death_date    = {{Death date and age|2022|09|08|1926|04|21|df=yes}}
| death_place   = [[Balmoral Castle]], Aberdeenshire, Scotland
| burial_date   = 19&nbsp;September 2022
| burial_place  = [[King George VI Memorial Chapel]], St&nbsp;George's Chapel, Windsor&nbsp;Castle
| spouse        = {{Marriage|[[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]]|20 November 1947|9 April 2021|reason=d<!--Please do not link; see [[WP:OVERLINK]]-->}}
| issue-link    = #Issue
| issue         = {{Plainlist|
* [[Charles&nbsp;III]]
* [[Anne, Princess Royal]]
* [[Prince Andrew, Duke of York]]
* [[Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh]]
}}
| full name     = Elizabeth Alexandra Mary
| house         = [[House of Windsor|Windsor]]
| father        = [[George&nbsp;VI]]
| mother        = [[Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon]]
| religion      = [[Protestantism in the United Kingdom|Protestant]]{{Efn|name=religion|As monarch, Elizabeth was [[Supreme Governor of the Church of England]]. She was also a member of the [[Church of Scotland]].}}
| signature     = Elizabeth II signature 1952.svg
| signature_alt = Elizabeth's signature in black ink
| module        = {{Listen voice
| filename      = Elizabeth II Coronation speech.ogg
| description   = [[Special address by the British monarch#Elizabeth II|Coronation Day speech]]
| name          = Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II
| recorded      = 2&nbsp;June 1953}}
}}

'''Elizabeth&nbsp;II''' (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 21&nbsp;April 1926{{Sndash}}8&nbsp;September 2022) was <!-- please don't add "the" -->[[Queen of the United Kingdom]] and other [[Commonwealth realm]]s from 6&nbsp;February 1952 until [[Death and state funeral of Elizabeth II|her death]] in 2022. She had been [[queen regnant]] of [[List of sovereign states headed by Elizabeth II|32 sovereign states]] during her lifetime and was the monarch of 15 realms at her death. Her reign of 70 years and 214 days is the [[List of monarchs in Britain by length of reign|longest of any British monarch]], the [[List of longest-reigning monarchs|second-longest of any sovereign state]], and the [[List of female monarchs|longest of any queen regnant in history]].

Elizabeth was born in [[Mayfair]], London, during the reign of her paternal grandfather, [[King George&nbsp;V]]. She was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York (later [[King George&nbsp;VI]] and [[Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother]]). Her father acceded to the throne in 1936 upon [[Abdication of Edward VIII|the abdication]] of his brother [[Edward&nbsp;VIII]], making the ten-year-old Princess Elizabeth the [[heir presumptive]]. She was educated privately at home and began to undertake public duties during the [[Second World War]], serving in the [[Auxiliary Territorial Service]]. In November 1947, [[Wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten|she married]] [[Philip Mountbatten]], a former [[prince of Greece and Denmark]]. Their marriage lasted 73 years until [[Death and funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|his death in 2021]]. They had four children: [[Charles III|Charles]], [[Anne, Princess Royal|Anne]], [[Prince Andrew, Duke of York|Andrew]], and [[Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh|Edward]].

When [[Death and state funeral of George VI|her father died]] in February 1952, Elizabeth, then 25 years old, became queen of seven independent Commonwealth countries: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, [[Union of South Africa|South Africa]], [[Dominion of Pakistan|Pakistan]], and [[Dominion of Ceylon|Ceylon]], as well as [[head of the Commonwealth]]. Elizabeth reigned as a [[constitutional monarch]] through major political changes such as [[the Troubles]] in Northern Ireland, [[devolution in the United Kingdom]], the [[decolonisation of Africa]], and the [[United Kingdom's accession to the European Communities]] as well as its [[Brexit|subsequent withdrawal]]. The number of her realms varied over time as territories gained independence and some realms [[Republics in the Commonwealth of Nations|became republics]]. As queen, Elizabeth was served by [[List of prime ministers of Elizabeth II|more than 170 prime ministers]] across her realms. Her many historic visits and meetings included [[List of state visits made by Elizabeth II|state visits]] to China in 1986, [[State visit by Elizabeth II to Russia|to Russia]] in 1994, and [[State visit by Elizabeth II to the Republic of Ireland|to the Republic of Ireland]] in 2011, and meetings with five popes and fourteen US presidents.

Significant events included [[Coronation of Elizabeth II|Elizabeth's coronation]] in 1953 and the celebrations of her [[Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Silver]], [[Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Golden]], [[Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Diamond]], and [[Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Platinum]] [[jubilee]]s. Although there was occasional [[Republicanism in the United Kingdom|republican]] sentiment and media criticism of her family—particularly after the breakdowns of her children's marriages, her ''[[annus horribilis#Elizabeth II|annus horribilis]]'' in 1992, and [[Death of Diana, Princess of Wales|the death]] in 1997 of her former daughter-in-law [[Diana, Princess of Wales|Diana]]—support for the monarchy and her personal popularity in the United Kingdom remained consistently high. Elizabeth died aged 96 at [[Balmoral Castle]], and was succeeded by her eldest son, Charles&nbsp;III.<!--Charles already has a wikilink in the 2nd paragraph of the lead. Please don't link again without checking-->

== Early life ==
Elizabeth was born on 21&nbsp;April 1926, the first child of [[Prince Albert, Duke of York]] (later King George&nbsp;VI), and his wife, [[Elizabeth, Duchess of York]] (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother). Her father was the second son of [[King George&nbsp;V]] and [[Mary of Teck|Queen Mary]], and her mother was the youngest daughter of Scottish aristocrat [[Claude Bowes-Lyon, 14th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne]]. She was delivered at 02:40 ([[GMT]])<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=33153 |date=21 April 1926 |page=1 |mode=cs2}}</ref> by [[Caesarean section]] at her maternal grandfather's London home, 17 [[Bruton Street]] in [[Mayfair]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bradford|2012|1p=22|Brandreth|2004|2p=103|Marr|2011|3p=76|Pimlott|2001|4pp=2–3|Lacey|2002|5pp=75–76|Roberts|2000|6p=74}} The [[Anglican]] [[Archbishop of York]], [[Cosmo Gordon Lang]], [[baptised]] her in the private chapel of [[Buckingham Palace]] on 29&nbsp;May,{{Sfn|ps=none|Hoey|2002|p=40}}{{Efn|name=baptism|Her godparents were: King George&nbsp;V and Queen Mary; Lord Strathmore; [[Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn]] (her paternal great-granduncle); [[Princess Mary, Viscountess Lascelles]] (her paternal aunt); and [[Mary Elphinstone, Lady Elphinstone|Lady Elphinstone]] (her maternal aunt).{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1p=103|Hoey|2002|2p=40}}}} and she was named Elizabeth after her mother; Alexandra after [[Alexandra of Denmark|her paternal great-grandmother]], who had [[Death and funeral of Alexandra of Denmark|died six months earlier]]; and Mary after her paternal grandmother.{{Sfn|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|p=103}} She was called "Lilibet" by her close family,{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=12}} based on what she called herself at first.{{Sfn|ps=none|Williamson|1987|p=205}} She was cherished by her grandfather George&nbsp;V, whom she affectionately called "Grandpa England",{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=15}} and her regular visits during his serious illness in 1929 were credited in the popular press and by later biographers with raising his spirits and aiding his recovery.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Lacey|2002|1p=56|Nicolson|1952|2p=433|Pimlott|2001|3pp=14–16}}
{{Multiple image
| total_width       = 320
| image1            = Princess Elizabeth on TIME Magazine, April 29, 1929.jpg
| alt1              = Elizabeth as a thoughtful-looking toddler with curly, fair hair
| caption1          = On the [[1929 Time magazine covers|cover]] of [[Time (magazine)|''Time'']], April 1929
| image2            = Philip de László - Princess Elizabeth of York - 1933.jpg
| alt2              = Elizabeth as a rosy-cheeked young girl with blue eyes and fair hair
| caption2          = Portrait by [[Philip de László]], 1933
}}
Elizabeth's only sibling, [[Princess Margaret]], was born in 1930. The two princesses were educated at home under the supervision of their mother and their [[governess]], [[Marion Crawford]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Crawford|1950|1p=26|Pimlott|2001|2p=20|Shawcross|2002|3p=21}} Lessons concentrated on history, language, literature, and music.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1p=124|Lacey|2002|2pp=62–63|Pimlott|2001|3pp=24, 69}} Crawford published a biography of Elizabeth and Margaret's childhood years entitled ''[[The Little Princesses]]'' in 1950, much to the dismay of the [[British royal family|royal family]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1pp=108–110|Lacey|2002|2pp=159–161|Pimlott|2001|3pp=20, 163}} The book describes Elizabeth's love of horses and dogs, her orderliness, and her attitude of responsibility.{{Sfn|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|pp=108–110}} Others echoed such observations: [[Winston Churchill]] described Elizabeth when she was two as "a character. She has an air of authority and reflectiveness astonishing in an infant."{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1p=105|Lacey|2002|2p=81|Shawcross|2002|3pp=21–22}} Her cousin [[Margaret Rhodes]] described her as "a jolly little girl, but fundamentally sensible and well-behaved".{{Sfn|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|pp=105–106}} Elizabeth's early life was spent primarily at the Yorks' residences at [[145 Piccadilly]] (their [[town house]] in London) and [[Royal Lodge]] in Windsor.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Crawford|1950|1pp=14–34|Heald|2007|2pp=7–8|Warwick|2002|3pp=35–39}}

== Heir presumptive ==
During her grandfather's reign, Elizabeth was third in the [[line of succession to the British throne]], behind her uncle [[Edward VIII|Edward, Prince of Wales]], and her father. Although her birth generated public interest, she was not expected to become queen, as Edward was still young and likely to marry and have children of his own, who would precede Elizabeth in the line of succession.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=8|Lacey|2002|2p=76|Pimlott|2001|3p=3}} When [[Death and state funeral of George V|her grandfather died]] in 1936 and her uncle succeeded as Edward&nbsp;VIII, she became second in line to the throne, after her father. Later that year, [[Abdication of Edward VIII|Edward abdicated]], after his proposed marriage to divorced American socialite [[Wallis Simpson]] provoked a [[constitutional crisis]].{{Sfn|ps=none|Lacey|2002|pp=97–98}} Consequently, Elizabeth's father became king, taking the [[regnal name]] George&nbsp;VI. Since Elizabeth had no brothers, she became [[heir presumptive]]. If her parents had subsequently had a son, he would have been [[heir apparent]] and above her in the line of succession, which was determined by the [[male-preference primogeniture]] in effect at the time.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Marr|2011|1pp=78, 85|Pimlott|2001|2pp=71–73}}

Elizabeth received private tuition in [[constitutional history]] from [[Henry Marten (educator)|Henry Marten]], [[List of provosts of Eton College|Vice-Provost]] of [[Eton College]],{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1p=124|Crawford|1950|2p=85|Lacey|2002|3p=112|Marr|2011|4p=88|Pimlott|2001|5p=51|Shawcross|2002|6p=25}} and learned French from a succession of native-speaking governesses.<ref name="Edu">{{Cite web |date=29 December 2015 |title=Her Majesty The Queen: Early life and education |url=https://www.royal.uk/her-majesty-the-queen?ch=5 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507231247/https://www.royal.uk/her-majesty-the-queen?ch=5 |archive-date=7 May 2016 |access-date=18 April 2016 |website=The Royal Family |publisher=The Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref> A [[Girl Guides]] company, the [[1st Buckingham Palace Company]], was formed specifically so she could socialise with girls her age.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Marr|2011|1p=84|Pimlott|2001|2p=47}} Later, she was enrolled as a [[Ranger (Girl Guide)|Sea Ranger]].<ref name="Edu" />

In 1939, Elizabeth's parents [[1939 royal tour of Canada|toured Canada]] and the United States. As in 1927, when they had [[Royal tours of Australia|toured Australia]] and [[Royal visits to New Zealand#1951–2000|New Zealand]], Elizabeth remained in Britain since her father thought she was too young to undertake public tours.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=54}} She "looked tearful" as her parents departed.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=55}} They corresponded regularly,{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=55}} and she and her parents made the first royal [[transatlantic telephone]] call on 18&nbsp;May.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=54}}

=== Second World War ===
[[File:Hrh Princess Elizabeth in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, April 1945 TR2832.jpg|thumb|right|In [[Auxiliary Territorial Service]] uniform, April 1945]]
In September 1939, [[United Kingdom declaration of war on Germany (1939)|Britain entered the Second World War]]. [[Douglas Hogg, 1st Viscount Hailsham|Lord Hailsham]] suggested that Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret should be [[Evacuations of civilians in Britain during World War II|evacuated]] to Canada to avoid the frequent [[Aerial bombing of cities|aerial bombings]] of London by the ''[[Luftwaffe]]''.{{Sfn|ps=none|Warwick|2002|page=102}} This was rejected by their mother, who declared, "The children won't go without me. I won't leave without the King. And the King will never leave."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goodey |first=Emma |date=21 December 2015 |title=Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother |url=https://www.royal.uk/queen-elizabeth-queen-mother |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507183311/https://www.royal.uk/queen-elizabeth-queen-mother |archive-date=7 May 2016 |access-date=18 April 2016 |work=The Royal Family |publisher=The Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref> The princesses stayed at [[Balmoral Castle]], Scotland, until Christmas 1939, when they moved to [[Sandringham House]], Norfolk.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Crawford|1950|1pp=104–114|Pimlott|2001|2pp=56–57}} From February to May 1940, they lived at Royal Lodge, Windsor, until moving to [[Windsor Castle]], where they lived for most of the next five years.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Crawford|1950|1pp=114–119|Pimlott|2001|2p=57}} At Windsor, [[Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret's Christmas pantomimes|the princesses staged pantomimes]] at Christmas in aid of the Queen's Wool Fund, which bought [[yarn]] to knit into military garments.{{Sfn|ps=none|Crawford|1950|pp=137–141}} In 1940, the 14-year-old Elizabeth made her first radio broadcast during the [[BBC]]'s ''[[Children's Hour]]'', addressing other children who had been evacuated from the cities.<ref name="CH">{{Cite web |date=13 October 1940 |title=Children's Hour: Princess Elizabeth |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/childrens-hour--princess-elizabeth/z7wm92p |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127053143/https://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/childrens-hour--princess-elizabeth/z7wm92p |archive-date=27 November 2019 |access-date=22 July 2009 |website=BBC Archive |mode=cs2}}</ref> She stated: "We are trying to do all we can to help our gallant sailors, soldiers, and airmen, and we are trying, too, to bear our own share of the danger and sadness of war. We know, every one of us, that in the end all will be well."<ref name="CH" />

In 1943, Elizabeth undertook her first solo public appearance on a visit to the [[Grenadier Guards]], of which she had been appointed [[colonel]] the previous year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Early public life |url=https://www.royal.gov.uk/HMTheQueen/Publiclife/EarlyPublicLife/Earlypubliclife.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328170101/https://www.royal.gov.uk/HMTheQueen/Publiclife/EarlyPublicLife/Earlypubliclife.aspx |archive-date=28 March 2010 |access-date=20 April 2010 |publisher=The Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref> As she approached her 18th birthday, Parliament changed the law so that she could act as one of five [[counsellors of state]] in the event of her father's incapacity or absence abroad, such as his visit to Italy in July 1944.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=71}} In February 1945, she was appointed an honorary [[Auxiliary Territorial Service#Ranks|second subaltern]] in the Auxiliary Territorial Service with the [[service number]] 230873.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=36973 |date=6 March 1945 |page=1315 |supp=y |nolink=y |mode=cs2}}</ref> She trained as a driver and mechanic and was given the rank of honorary junior commander (female equivalent of [[Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)|captain]] at the time) five months later.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Harvnb|Bradford|2012|p=45}}; {{Harvnb|Lacey|2002|pp=136–137}}; {{Harvnb|Marr|2011|p=100}}; {{Harvnb|Pimlott|2001|p=75}}; | {{London Gazette |issue=37205 |date=31 July 1945 |page=3972 |supp=y |nolink=y |ref=none |mode=cs2}} }}</ref>

[[File:Special Film Project 186 - Buckingham Palace 2.jpg|thumb|Elizabeth (far left) on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with her family and Winston Churchill, [[8&nbsp;May 1945]]]]
At the end of the war in Europe, on [[Victory in Europe Day]], Elizabeth and Margaret mingled incognito with the celebrating crowds in the streets of London. In 1985, Elizabeth recalled in a rare interview, "...&nbsp;we asked my parents if we could go out and see for ourselves. I remember we were terrified of being recognised&nbsp;... I remember lines of unknown people linking arms and walking down [[Whitehall]], all of us just swept along on a tide of happiness and relief."{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=10|Pimlott|2001|2p=79}}<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite interview |interviewer=[[Godfrey Talbot]] |title=The Queen Remembers VE Day 1945 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t2rAYE7K-o |access-date=4 April 2024 |work=The Way We Were |publisher=[[BBC Radio 4]] |via=YouTube |date=8 May 1985 |mode=cs2}}; | {{BBC Genome prog|50ae7646017f471ab1dd365d82bc35fa|The Way We Were}} }}</ref>

During the war, plans were drawn to quell [[Welsh nationalism]] by affiliating Elizabeth more closely with Wales. Proposals, such as appointing her Constable of [[Caernarfon Castle]] or a patron of [[Urdd Gobaith Cymru]] (the Welsh League of Youth), were abandoned for several reasons, including fear of associating Elizabeth with [[conscientious objector]]s in the Urdd at a time when Britain was at war.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 March 2005 |title=Royal plans to beat nationalism |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/4329001.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208181209/https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/4329001.stm |archive-date=8 February 2012 |access-date=15 June 2010 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> Welsh politicians suggested she be made [[Princess of Wales]] on her 18th birthday. Home Secretary [[Herbert Morrison]] supported the idea, but the King rejected it because he felt such a title belonged solely to the wife of a [[Prince of Wales]] and the Prince of Wales had always been the heir apparent.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|pp=71–73}} In 1946, she was inducted into [[the Gorsedd of Bards]] at the [[National Eisteddfod of Wales]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gorsedd of the Bards |url=https://www.museumwales.ac.uk/911 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518203811/https://www.museumwales.ac.uk/911 |archive-date=18 May 2014 |access-date=17 December 2009 |publisher=National Museum of Wales |mode=cs2}}</ref>

Elizabeth went on her first overseas tour in 1947, accompanying her parents through southern Africa. During the tour, in [[21st birthday speech of Princess Elizabeth|a broadcast]] to the [[British Commonwealth]] on her 21st birthday, she made the following pledge:<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fisher |first=Connie |date=20 April 1947 |title=A speech by the Queen on her 21st Birthday, 1947 |url=https://www.royal.uk/21st-birthday-speech-21-april-1947 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103191402/https://www.royal.uk/21st-birthday-speech-21-april-1947 |archive-date=3 January 2017 |access-date=18 April 2016 |work=The Royal Family |publisher=The Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref>{{Efn|The oft-quoted speech was written by [[Dermot Morrah]], a journalist for ''[[The Times]]''.<ref name="Oldie">{{Cite web |last=Utley |first=Charles |date=June 2017 |title=My grandfather wrote the Princess's speech |url=https://www.theoldie.co.uk/article/my-grandfather-wrote-the-princesss-speech |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531074419/https://www.theoldie.co.uk/article/my-grandfather-wrote-the-princesss-speech |archive-date=31 May 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |website=The Oldie |mode=cs2}}</ref>}}

{{blockquote|I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong. But I shall not have strength to carry out this resolution alone unless you join in it with me, as I now invite you to do: I know that your support will be unfailingly given. God help me to make good my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share in it.}}

=== Marriage ===
{{Main|Wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten}}
Elizabeth met her future husband, [[Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark]], in 1934 and again in 1937.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1pp=132–139|Lacey|2002|2pp=124–125|Pimlott|2001|3p=86}} They were [[Cousin#Cousin chart|second cousins once removed]] through [[King Christian&nbsp;IX of Denmark]] and third cousins through [[Queen Victoria]]. After meeting for the third time at the [[Britannia Royal Naval College|Royal Naval College]] in [[Dartmouth, Devon|Dartmouth]] in July 1939, Elizabeth—though only 13 years old—said she fell in love with Philip, who was 18, and they began to exchange letters.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=10|Brandreth|2004|2pp=132–136, 166–169|Lacey|2002|3pp=119, 126, 135}} She was 21 when their engagement was officially announced on 9&nbsp;July 1947.{{Sfn|ps=none|Heald|2007|p=77}}

The engagement attracted some controversy. Philip had no financial standing, was foreign-born (though a [[British subject]] who had served in the [[Royal Navy]] throughout the Second World War), and had sisters who had married German noblemen with [[Nazi]] links.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Phil |date=31 October 2000 |title=The Real Prince Philip |url=https://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/R/real_lives/prince_philip_t.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209095416/https://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/R/real_lives/prince_philip_t.html |archive-date=9 February 2010 |access-date=23 September 2009 |publisher=[[Channel 4]] |mode=cs2}}</ref> Marion Crawford wrote, "Some of the King's advisors did not think him good enough for her. He was a prince without a home or kingdom. Some of the papers played long and loud tunes on the string of Philip's foreign origin."{{Sfn|ps=none|Crawford|1950|p=180}} Later biographies reported that Elizabeth's mother had reservations about the union initially and teased Philip as "[[Hun (pejorative)|the Hun]]".<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Caroline |date=20 April 2006 |title=Philip, the one constant through her life |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1400208/Philip-the-one-constant-through-her-life.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220109050110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1400208/Philip-the-one-constant-through-her-life.html |archive-date=9 January 2022 |access-date=23 September 2009 |work=The Telegraph |location=London |ref=none |mode=cs2}};{{Cbignore}} | {{Harvnb|Brandreth|2004|p=314}}}}</ref> In later life, however, she told the biographer [[Tim Heald]] that Philip was "an English gentleman".{{Sfn|ps=none|Heald|2007|p=xviii}}

[[File:Huwelijk Prinses Elisabeth, Bestanddeelnr 902-4693 (cropped).jpg|thumb|At Buckingham Palace with Philip after their wedding, 1947]]
Before the marriage, Philip renounced his Greek and Danish titles, officially converted from [[Greek Orthodoxy]] to [[Anglicanism]], and adopted the style ''Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten'', taking [[Mountbatten family|the surname of his mother's British family]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Hoey|2002|1pp=55–56|Pimlott|2001|2pp=101, 137}} Shortly before the wedding, he was created [[Duke of Edinburgh]] and granted the style ''His Royal Highness''.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=38128 |date=21 November 1947 |page=5495 |nolink=y |mode=cs2}}</ref> Elizabeth and Philip were married on 20&nbsp;November 1947 at [[Westminster Abbey]]. They received 2,500 wedding gifts from around the world.<ref name="news1">{{Cite web |date=18 November 2007 |title=60 Diamond Wedding anniversary facts |url=https://www.royal.gov.uk/LatestNewsandDiary/Factfiles/60diamondweddinganniversaryfacts.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203033258/https://www.royal.gov.uk/LatestNewsandDiary/Factfiles/60diamondweddinganniversaryfacts.aspx |archive-date=3 December 2010 |access-date=20 June 2010 |publisher=The Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref> Elizabeth required [[Rationing in the United Kingdom|ration coupons]] to buy the material for [[Wedding dress of Princess Elizabeth of the United Kingdom|her gown]] (which was designed by [[Norman Hartnell]]) because Britain had not yet completely recovered from the devastation of the war.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Hoey|2002|1p=58|Pimlott|2001|2pp=133–134}} In [[Post-war Britain (1945–1979)|post-war Britain]], it was not acceptable for Philip's German relations, including his three surviving sisters, to be invited to the wedding.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Hoey|2002|1p=59|Petropoulos|2006|2p=363}} Neither was an invitation extended to the Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward&nbsp;VIII.{{Sfn|ps=none|Bradford|2012|p=61}}

Elizabeth gave birth to her first child, [[Prince Charles]], in November 1948. One month earlier, the King had issued [[Letters patent (United Kingdom)|letters patent]] allowing her children to use the style and title of a royal prince or princess, to which they otherwise would not have been entitled as their father was no longer a royal prince.<ref>{{Multiref|Letters Patent, 22&nbsp;October 1948; | {{Harvnb|Hoey|2002|pp=69–70}}; {{Harvnb|Pimlott|2001|pp=155–156}}}}</ref> A second child, [[Princess Anne]], was born in August 1950.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=163}}

Following their wedding, the couple leased [[Windlesham Moor]], near Windsor Castle, until July 1949,<ref name="news1" /> when they took up residence at [[Clarence House]] in London. At various times between 1949 and 1951, Philip was stationed in the British [[Crown Colony of Malta]] as a serving Royal Navy officer. He and Elizabeth lived intermittently in Malta for several months at a time in the [[Hamlet (place)|hamlet]] of [[Gwardamanġa]], at [[Villa Guardamangia]], the rented home of Philip's uncle [[Lord Mountbatten]]. Their two children remained in Britain.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1pp=226–238|Pimlott|2001|2pp=145, 159–163, 167}}

== Reign ==

=== Accession and coronation ===
{{Main|Coronation of Elizabeth&nbsp;II}}
[[File:Queen Elizabeth II on her Coronation Day.jpg|thumb|alt=Elizabeth is seated and holds an orb and sceptre.|Coronation portrait by [[Cecil Beaton]], 1953]]
As George&nbsp;VI's health declined during 1951, Elizabeth frequently stood in for him at public events. When she visited Canada and [[Harry S. Truman]] in Washington, DC, in October 1951, her private secretary [[Martin Charteris]] carried a draft accession declaration in case the King died while she was on tour.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1pp=240–241|Lacey|2002|2p=166|Pimlott|2001|3pp=169–172}} In early 1952, Elizabeth and Philip set out for a tour of Australia and New Zealand by way of the British colony of [[Kenya Colony|Kenya]]. On 6&nbsp;February, they had just returned to their Kenyan home, [[Sagana Lodge]], after a night spent at [[Treetops Hotel]], when word arrived of [[Death and state funeral of George VI|the death]] of Elizabeth's father. Philip broke the news to the new queen.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1pp=245–247|Lacey|2002|2p=166|Pimlott|2001|3pp=173–176|Shawcross|2002|4p=16}} She chose to retain Elizabeth as her regnal name,{{Sfnm|ps=none|1a1=Bousfield|1a2=Toffoli|1y=2002|1p=72|Bradford|2002|2p=166|Pimlott|2001|3p=179|Shawcross|2002|4p=17}} and was therefore called Elizabeth&nbsp;II. The numeral offended some Scots, as she was the first Elizabeth to rule in Scotland.{{Sfn|ps=none|Mitchell|2003|page=113}} She was [[Proclamation of accession of Elizabeth II|proclaimed queen]] throughout her realms, and the royal party hastily returned to the United Kingdom.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|pp=178–179}} Elizabeth and Philip moved into Buckingham Palace.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|pp=186–187}}

With Elizabeth's accession, it seemed possible that the [[royal house]] would take her husband's name, in line with the custom for married women of the time. Lord Mountbatten advocated for ''House of Mountbatten'', and Philip suggested ''House of Edinburgh'', after his ducal title.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Soames |first=Emma |author-link=Emma Soames |date=1 June 2012 |title=Emma Soames: As Churchills we're proud to do our duty |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/9305749/Emma-Soames-As-Churchills-were-proud-to-do-our-duty.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602100737/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/9305749/Emma-Soames-As-Churchills-were-proud-to-do-our-duty.html |archive-date=2 June 2012 |access-date=12 March 2019 |work=The Telegraph |location=London |mode=cs2}}</ref> The British prime minister, Winston Churchill, and Elizabeth's grandmother Queen Mary favoured the retention of the [[House of Windsor]]. Elizabeth issued a declaration on 9&nbsp;April 1952 that the royal house would continue to be ''Windsor''. Philip complained, "I am the only man in the country not allowed to give his name to his own children."{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bradford|2012|1p=80|Brandreth|2004|2pp=253–254|Lacey|2002|3pp=172–173|Pimlott|2001|4pp=183–185}} In 1960, the surname ''[[Mountbatten-Windsor]]'' was adopted for Philip and Elizabeth's male-line descendants who do not carry royal titles.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|pp=297–298}}<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=41948 |date=5 February 1960 |page=1003 |supp=y |nolink=y |mode=cs2}}</ref>

Amid preparations for the coronation, Princess Margaret told her sister she wished to marry [[Peter Townsend (RAF officer)|Peter Townsend]], a divorcé 16 years Margaret's senior with two sons from his previous marriage. Elizabeth asked them to wait for a year; in the words of her [[Private Secretary to the Sovereign|private secretary]], "the Queen was naturally sympathetic towards the Princess, but I think she thought—she hoped—given time, the affair would peter out."{{Sfn|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|pp=269–271}} Senior politicians were against the match and the [[Church of England]] did not permit [[remarriage]] after divorce. If Margaret had contracted a [[civil marriage]], she would have been expected to renounce her [[right of succession]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1pp=269–271|Lacey|2002|2pp=193–194|Pimlott|2001|3pp=201, 236–238}} Margaret decided to abandon her plans with Townsend.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=22|Brandreth|2004|2p=271|Lacey|2002|3p=194|Pimlott|2001|4p=238|Shawcross|2002|5p=146}} In 1960, she married [[Antony Armstrong-Jones]], who was created [[Earl of Snowdon]] the following year. They divorced in 1978; Margaret did not remarry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Princess Margaret: Marriage and family |url=https://www.royal.gov.uk/HistoryoftheMonarchy/The%20House%20of%20Windsor%20from%201952/HRHPrincessMargaret/Marriageandfamily.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106225052/https://www.royal.gov.uk/HistoryoftheMonarchy/The%20House%20of%20Windsor%20from%201952/HRHPrincessMargaret/Marriageandfamily.aspx |archive-date=6 November 2011 |access-date=8 September 2011 |publisher=The Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref>

Despite [[Death and funeral of Mary of Teck|Queen Mary's death]] on 24&nbsp;March 1953, the coronation went ahead as planned on 2&nbsp;June, as Mary had requested.{{Sfn|ps=none|Bradford|2012|p=82}} The coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey was televised for the first time, with the exception of the [[anointing]] and [[Eucharist|communion]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 May 2003 |title=50 facts about The Queen's Coronation |url=https://www.royal.uk/50-facts-about-queens-coronation-0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207234935/https://www.royal.uk/50-facts-about-queens-coronation-0 |archive-date=7 February 2021 |access-date=18 April 2016 |website=The Royal Family |publisher=The Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref>{{Efn|name=television|Television coverage of the coronation was instrumental in boosting the medium's popularity; the number of [[television licences in the United Kingdom]] doubled to 3{{Spaces}}million,{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=207}} and many of the more than 20{{Spaces}}million British viewers watched television for the first time in the homes of their friends or neighbours.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Briggs|1995|1pp=420&nbsp;{{Wikt-lang|en|ff.}}|Pimlott|2001|2p=207|Roberts|2000|3p=82}} In North America, almost 100{{Spaces}}million viewers watched recorded broadcasts.{{Sfn|ps=none|Lacey|2002|p=182}}}} On Elizabeth's instruction, [[Coronation gown of Elizabeth II|her coronation gown]] was embroidered with the [[floral emblem]]s of Commonwealth countries.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Lacey|2002|1p=190|Pimlott|2001|2pp=247–248}}

=== Early reign ===
{{Further|Commonwealth realm#From the accession of Elizabeth&nbsp;II}}
[[File:British Empire in February 1952.svg|thumb|upright=1.3|[[List of sovereign states headed by Elizabeth II|Elizabeth's realms]] and their territories and [[British protectorate|protectorates]] at the beginning of her reign in 1952:
{{legend|#ff0000|United Kingdom}}
{{legend|#800000|Colonies, protectorates and mandates}}
{{legend|#ff80c0|Dominions/realms}}]]

From Elizabeth's birth onwards, the [[British Empire]] continued its transformation into the [[Commonwealth of Nations]].{{Sfn|ps=none|Marr|2011|p=272}} By the time of her accession in 1952, her role as head of multiple independent states was already established.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=182}} In 1953, Elizabeth and Philip embarked on a seven-month round-the-world tour, visiting 13 countries and covering more than {{Convert|40000|mi|km}} by land, sea and air.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Commonwealth: Gifts to the Queen |url=https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/exhibitions/gifts-to-the-queen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301123708/https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/exhibitions/gifts-to-the-queen |archive-date=1 March 2016 |access-date=20 February 2016 |publisher=[[Royal Collection Trust]] |mode=cs2}}</ref> She became the first reigning [[monarch of Australia]] and [[Monarchy of New Zealand|New Zealand]] to visit those nations.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite web |date=13 October 2015 |title=Australia: Royal visits |url=https://www.royal.uk/australia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201044226/https://www.royal.uk/australia |archive-date=1 February 2019 |access-date=18 April 2016 |website=The Royal Family |publisher=The Royal Household |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |last=Vallance |first=Adam |date=22 December 2015 |title=New Zealand: Royal visits |work=The Royal Family |publisher=The Royal Household |url=https://www.royal.uk/new-zealand |url-status=dead |access-date=18 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322052936/https://www.royal.uk/new-zealand |archive-date=22 March 2019 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}; | {{Harvnb|Marr|2011|p=126}}}}</ref> During the tour, crowds were immense; three-quarters of the population of Australia were estimated to have seen her.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1p=278|Marr|2011|2p=126|Pimlott|2001|3p=224|Shawcross|2002|4p=59}} Throughout her reign, she made hundreds of [[List of state visits made by Elizabeth II|state visits]] to other countries and [[List of Commonwealth visits made by Elizabeth II|tours of the Commonwealth]]; she was the most widely travelled [[head of state]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Campbell |first=Sophie |date=11 May 2012 |title=Queen's Diamond Jubilee: Sixty years of royal tours |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/Queens-Diamond-Jubilee-sixty-years-of-royal-tours |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/ZsXhc |archive-date=10 January 2022 |access-date=20 February 2016 |work=The Telegraph |mode=cs2}}{{Cbignore}}</ref>

In 1956, the British and French prime ministers, [[Sir Anthony Eden]] and [[Guy Mollet]], discussed the possibility of France joining the Commonwealth. The proposal was never accepted, and the following year France signed the [[Treaty of Rome]], which established the [[European Economic Community]], the precursor to the European Union.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thomson |first=Mike |date=15 January 2007 |title=When Britain and France nearly married |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6261885.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123072141/https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6261885.stm |archive-date=23 January 2009 |access-date=14 December 2009 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> In November 1956, Britain and France [[Suez Crisis|invaded Egypt]] in an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to capture the [[Suez Canal]]. Lord Mountbatten said that Elizabeth was opposed to the invasion, though Eden denied it. Eden resigned two months later.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|1p=255|Roberts|2000|2p=84}}
[[File:Queen Elizabeth II and the Prime Ministers of the Commonwealth Nations, at Windsor Castle (1960 Commonwealth Prime Minister's Conference).jpg|thumb|left|alt=A formal group of Elizabeth in tiara and evening dress with eleven politicians in evening dress or national costume|With Commonwealth leaders, at the 1960 [[Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference|Commonwealth Conference]]]]

The governing [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative Party]] had no formal mechanism for choosing a leader, meaning that it fell to Elizabeth to decide whom to [[Kissing hands|commission to form a government]] following Eden's resignation. Eden recommended she consult [[Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 5th Marquess of Salisbury|Lord Salisbury]], the [[lord president of the council]]. Lord Salisbury and [[Lord Kilmuir]], the [[lord chancellor]], consulted the [[British Cabinet]], Churchill, and the chairman of the backbench [[1922 Committee]], resulting in Elizabeth appointing their recommended candidate: [[Harold Macmillan]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Marr|2011|1pp=175–176|Pimlott|2001|2pp=256–260|Roberts|2000|3p=84}}

The Suez crisis and the choice of Eden's successor led, in 1957, to the first major personal criticism of Elizabeth. In a magazine, which he owned and edited,{{Sfnm|ps=none|Lacey|2002|1p=199|Shawcross|2002|2p=75}} [[John Grigg|Lord Altrincham]] accused her of being "out of touch".<ref>{{Multiref| Altrincham in ''[[National Review (London)|National Review]]'', quoted by | {{Harvnb|Brandreth|2004|p=374}}; {{Harvnb|Roberts|2000|p=83}}}}</ref> Altrincham was denounced by public figures and slapped by a member of the public appalled by his comments.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1p=374|Pimlott|2001|2pp=280–281|Shawcross|2002|3p=76}} Six years later, in 1963, Macmillan resigned and advised Elizabeth to appoint [[Alec Douglas-Home]] as the prime minister, advice she followed.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Hardman|2011|1p=22|Pimlott|2001|2pp=324–335|Roberts|2000|3p=84}} Elizabeth again came under criticism for appointing the prime minister on the advice of a small number of ministers or a single minister.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Hardman|2011|1p=22|Pimlott|2001|2pp=324–335|Roberts|2000|3p=84}} In 1965, the Conservatives adopted a formal mechanism for electing a leader, thus relieving the Queen of her involvement.{{Sfn|ps=none|Roberts|2000|p=84}}

[[File:Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip sit on thrones before a full Parliament.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|With Philip, seated on thrones at the [[Canadian parliament]], 1957]]
In 1957, Elizabeth made a state visit to the United States, where she addressed the [[United Nations General Assembly]] on behalf of the Commonwealth. On the same tour, she opened the [[23rd Canadian Parliament]], becoming the first [[monarch of Canada]] to open a parliamentary session.<ref name="Canada">{{Cite web |title=Queen and Canada: Royal visits |url=https://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchAndCommonwealth/Canada/Royalvisits.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100504150511/https://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchAndCommonwealth/Canada/Royalvisits.aspx |archive-date=4 May 2010 |access-date=12 February 2012 |publisher=The Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref> Two years later, solely in her capacity as Queen of Canada, she revisited the United States and toured Canada.<ref name="Canada" />{{Sfn|ps=none|Bradford|2012|p=114}} In 1961, she toured Cyprus, India, Pakistan, [[Kingdom of Nepal|Nepal]], and [[Pahlavi Iran|Iran]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|1p=303|Shawcross|2002|2p=83}} On a visit to Ghana the same year, she dismissed fears for her safety, even though her host, President [[Kwame Nkrumah]], who had replaced her as head of state, was a target for assassins.{{Sfn|ps=none|Macmillan|1972|pp=466–472}} Harold Macmillan wrote, "The Queen has been absolutely determined all through&nbsp;... She is impatient of the attitude towards her to treat her as&nbsp;... a film star&nbsp;... She has indeed '[[Speech to the Troops at Tilbury|the heart and stomach of a man]]'&nbsp;... She loves her duty and means to be a Queen."{{Sfn|ps=none|Macmillan|1972|pp=466–472}} Before her tour through parts of [[Quebec]] in 1964, the press reported that extremists within the [[Quebec separatist movement]] were plotting Elizabeth's assassination.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dubois |first=Paul |date=12 October 1964 |title=Demonstrations Mar Quebec Events Saturday |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1946&dat=19641012&id=3K4tAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YZ8FAAAAIBAJ&pg=6599,2340498 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123163032/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1946&dat=19641012&id=3K4tAAAAIBAJ&sjid=YZ8FAAAAIBAJ&pg=6599,2340498 |archive-date=23 January 2021 |access-date=6 March 2010 |work=[[The Gazette (Montreal)|The Gazette]] |page=1 |mode=cs2}}</ref> No assassination attempt was made, but a riot did break out while she was in [[Montreal]]; her "calmness and courage in the face of the violence" was noted.{{Sfn|ps=none|Bousfield|Toffoli|2002|p=139}}

Elizabeth gave birth to her third child, [[Prince Andrew]], in February 1960; this was the first birth to a reigning British monarch since 1857.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 September 2017 |title=Royal Family tree and line of succession |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-23272491 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311001051/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-23272491 |archive-date=11 March 2021 |access-date=13 May 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> Her fourth child, [[Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh|Prince Edward]], was born in March 1964.<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=43268 |date=11 March 1964 |page=2255 |nolink=y |mode=cs2}}</ref>

=== Political reforms and crises ===
{{Multiple image
| total_width       = 400
| align             = right
| direction         = horizontal
| image1            = Elizabeth II in Queensland, Australia, 1970.jpg
| alt1              = Elizabeth waving from a car
| caption1          = In [[Queensland]], Australia, 1970
| image2            = Stevan Kragujevic, Elizabeth II i Josip Broz Tito,1972, u Beogradu.jpg
| alt2              = 
| caption2          = With [[President Tito]] of [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia]] in Belgrade, 1972
}}

The 1960s and 1970s saw an acceleration in the [[decolonisation of Africa]] and the Caribbean. More than 20 countries gained independence from Britain as part of a planned transition to self-government. In 1965, however, the Rhodesian prime minister, [[Ian Smith]], in opposition to moves towards [[majority rule]], [[Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence|unilaterally declared independence]] while expressing "loyalty and devotion" to Elizabeth. Although Elizabeth formally dismissed him, and the international community applied sanctions against Rhodesia, his regime survived for over a decade.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=66|Pimlott|2001|2pp=345–354}} As Britain's ties to its former empire weakened, the British government sought entry to the [[European Community]], a goal it [[Accession of the United Kingdom to the European Communities|achieved in 1973]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bradford|2012|1pp=123, 154, 176|Pimlott|2001|2pp=301, 315–316, 415–417}}

In 1966, the Queen was criticised for waiting eight days before visiting the village of [[Aberfan]], where [[Aberfan disaster|a mining disaster]] killed 116 children and 28 adults. Martin Charteris said that the delay, made on his advice, was a mistake that she later regretted.<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 September 2022 |title=Aberfan disaster: The Queen's regret after tragedy |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-42101460 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123064943/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-42101460 |archive-date=23 November 2022 |access-date=20 December 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 November 2019 |title=How filming the agony of Aberfan for The Crown revealed a village still in trauma |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/nov/17/television-drama-the-crown-portrays-aberfan-disaster |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221000005/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/nov/17/television-drama-the-crown-portrays-aberfan-disaster |archive-date=21 December 2022 |access-date=20 December 2022 |website=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref>

Elizabeth toured [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia]] in October 1972, becoming the first British monarch to visit a [[communist country]].{{Sfn|ps=none|Hoey|2022|page=58}} She was received at the airport by President [[Josip Broz Tito]], and a crowd of thousands greeted her in [[Belgrade]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 October 1972 |title=Big Crowds in Belgrade Greet Queen Elizabeth |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/10/18/archives/big-crowds-in-belgrade-greet-queen-elizabeth.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606155117/https://www.nytimes.com/1972/10/18/archives/big-crowds-in-belgrade-greet-queen-elizabeth.html |archive-date=6 June 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=The New York Times |mode=cs2}}</ref>

In February 1974, British prime minister [[Edward Heath]] advised Elizabeth to call [[February 1974 United Kingdom general election|a general election]] in the middle of her tour of the [[Austronesia]]n [[Pacific Rim]], requiring her to fly back to Britain.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bradford|2012|1p=181|Pimlott|2001|2p=418}} The election resulted in a [[hung parliament]]; Heath's Conservatives were not the largest party but could stay in office if they formed a coalition with the [[Liberal Party (UK)|Liberals]]. When discussions on forming a coalition foundered, Heath resigned, and Elizabeth asked the [[Leader of the Opposition (United Kingdom)|Leader of the Opposition]], [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]]'s [[Harold Wilson]], to form a government.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bradford|2012|1p=181|Marr|2011|2p=256|Pimlott|2001|3p=419|Shawcross|2002|4pp=109–110}}

A year later, at the height of the [[1975 Australian constitutional crisis]], the Australian prime minister, [[Gough Whitlam]], was dismissed from his post by Governor-General [[Sir John Kerr]], after the Opposition-controlled [[Australian Senate|Senate]] rejected Whitlam's budget proposals.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=96|Marr|2011|2p=257|Pimlott|2001|3p=427|Shawcross|2002|4p=110}} As Whitlam had a majority in the [[Australian House of Representatives|House of Representatives]], Speaker [[Gordon Scholes]] appealed to Elizabeth to reverse Kerr's decision. She declined, saying she would not interfere in decisions reserved by the [[Constitution of Australia]] for the [[Governor-General of Australia|governor-general]].{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|pp=428–429}} The crisis fuelled [[Australian republicanism]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=96|Marr|2011|2p=257|Pimlott|2001|3p=427|Shawcross|2002|4p=110}}

[[File:Jimmy Carter with Queen Elizabeth - NARA - 174724.jpg|thumb|[[3rd G7 summit|Leaders of the G7 states]], members of the royal family and Elizabeth (centre), London, 1977]]
In 1977, Elizabeth marked the [[Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Silver Jubilee]] of her accession. Parties and events took place throughout the Commonwealth, many coinciding with [[List of events during the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II|her associated national and Commonwealth tours]]. The celebrations re-affirmed Elizabeth's popularity, despite virtually coincident negative press coverage of Princess Margaret's separation from her husband, Lord Snowdon.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=449}} In 1978, Elizabeth endured a state visit to the United Kingdom by [[Socialist Republic of Romania|Romania]]'s communist leader, [[Nicolae Ceaușescu]], and his wife, [[Elena Ceaușescu|Elena]],{{Sfnm|ps=none|Hardman|2011|1p=137|Roberts|2000|2pp=88–89|Shawcross|2002|3p=178}} though privately she thought they had "blood on their hands".<ref>Elizabeth to her staff, quoted in {{Harvnb|Shawcross|2002|p=178}}</ref> The following year brought two blows: the unmasking of [[Anthony Blunt]], former [[Surveyor of the Queen's Pictures]], as a communist spy and the [[assassination of Lord Mountbatten]] by the [[Provisional Irish Republican Army]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|1pp=336–337, 470–471|Roberts|2000|2pp=88–89}}

According to [[Paul Martin Sr.]], by the end of the 1970s, Elizabeth was worried [[the Crown]] "had little meaning for" [[Pierre Trudeau]], the Canadian prime minister.<ref name="Post" /> [[Tony Benn]] said Elizabeth found Trudeau "rather disappointing".<ref name="Post">{{Cite news |last=Heinricks |first=Geoff |date=29 September 2000 |title=Trudeau: A drawer monarchist |work=[[National Post]] |location=Toronto |page=B12 |mode=cs2}}</ref> Trudeau's supposed [[Republicanism in Canada|republicanism]] seemed to be confirmed by his antics, such as sliding down banisters at Buckingham Palace and pirouetting behind Elizabeth's back in 1977, and the removal of various [[Canadian royal symbols]] during his term of office.<ref name="Post" /> In 1980, Canadian politicians sent to London to discuss the [[patriation]] of the [[Canadian constitution]] found Elizabeth "better informed&nbsp;... than any of the British politicians or bureaucrats".<ref name="Post" /> She was particularly interested after the failure of Bill C-60, which would have affected her role as head of state.<ref name="Post" />

=== Perils and dissent ===
[[File:ElizabethIItroopingcolour crop.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Elizabeth in red uniform on a black horse|Riding Burmese at the 1986 Trooping the Colour ceremony]]
During the 1981 [[Trooping the Colour]] ceremony, six weeks before the [[wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer]], six shots were fired at Elizabeth from close range as she rode down [[The Mall, London]], on her horse, [[Burmese (horse)|Burmese]]. Police later discovered the shots were blanks. The 17-year-old assailant, [[Marcus Sarjeant]], was sentenced to five years in prison and released after three.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 September 1981 |title=Queen's 'fantasy assassin' jailed |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/september/14/newsid_2516000/2516713.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728131747/https://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/september/14/newsid_2516000/2516713.stm |archive-date=28 July 2011 |access-date=21 June 2010 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> Elizabeth's composure and skill in controlling her mount were widely praised.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Lacey|2002|1p=281|Pimlott|2001|2pp=476–477|Shawcross|2002|3p=192}} That October, Elizabeth was the subject of another attack while on a visit to [[Dunedin]], New Zealand. [[Christopher John Lewis]], who was 17 years old, fired a shot with a [[.22 rifle]] from the fifth floor of a building overlooking the parade but missed.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McNeilly |first=Hamish |date=1 March 2018 |title=Intelligence documents confirm assassination attempt on Queen Elizabeth in New Zealand |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/oceania/intelligence-documents-confirm-assassination-attempt-on-queen-elizabeth-in-new-zealand-20180301-p4z282.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626183822/https://www.smh.com.au/world/oceania/intelligence-documents-confirm-assassination-attempt-on-queen-elizabeth-in-new-zealand-20180301-p4z282.html |archive-date=26 June 2019 |access-date=1 March 2018 |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |mode=cs2}}</ref> Lewis was arrested, but instead of being charged with [[attempted murder]] or [[treason]] was sentenced to three years in jail for unlawful possession and discharge of a firearm. Two years into his sentence, he attempted to escape a [[psychiatric hospital]] with the intention of assassinating Charles, who was visiting the country with [[Diana, Princess of Wales|Diana]] and their son [[Prince William]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ainge Roy |first=Eleanor |date=13 January 2018 |title='Damn&nbsp;... I missed': the incredible story of the day the Queen was nearly shot |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jan/13/queen-elizabeth-assassination-attempt-new-zealand-1981 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301120257/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jan/13/queen-elizabeth-assassination-attempt-new-zealand-1981 |archive-date=1 March 2018 |access-date=1 March 2018 |work=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref>

[[File:President Ronald Reagan riding horses with Queen Elizabeth II during visit to Windsor Castle.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Elizabeth and Ronald Reagan on black horses. He bare-headed; she in a headscarf; both in tweeds, jodhpurs and riding boots.|Riding at Windsor with President Reagan, June 1982]]
From April to September 1982, Elizabeth's son Andrew served with British forces in the [[Falklands War]], for which she reportedly felt anxiety{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=115|Pimlott|2001|2p=487}} and pride.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|1p=487|Shawcross|2002|2p=127}} On 9&nbsp;July, she awoke in her bedroom at Buckingham Palace to find an intruder, [[Michael Fagan]], in the room with her. In a serious lapse of security, assistance only arrived after two calls to the Palace police switchboard.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Lacey|2002|1pp=297–298|Pimlott|2001|2p=491}} After hosting US president [[Ronald Reagan]] at Windsor Castle in 1982 and visiting [[Rancho del Cielo|his California ranch]] in 1983, Elizabeth was angered when [[Presidency of Ronald Reagan|his administration]] ordered the [[invasion of Grenada]], one of her Caribbean realms, without informing her.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=188|Pimlott|2001|2p=497}}

Intense media interest in the opinions and private lives of the royal family during the 1980s led to a series of sensational stories in the press, pioneered by ''[[The Sun (United Kingdom)|The Sun]]'' tabloid.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|pp=488–490}} As [[Kelvin MacKenzie]], editor of ''The Sun'', told his staff: "Give me a Sunday for Monday splash on the Royals. Don't worry if it's not true—so long as there's not too much of a fuss about it afterwards."{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=521}} Newspaper editor [[Donald Trelford]] wrote in ''[[The Observer]]'' of 21&nbsp;September 1986: "The royal soap opera has now reached such a pitch of public interest that the boundary between fact and fiction has been lost sight of&nbsp;... it is not just that some papers don't check their facts or accept denials: they don't care if the stories are true or not." It was reported, most notably in ''[[The Sunday Times]]'' of 20&nbsp;July 1986, that Elizabeth was worried that [[Margaret Thatcher]]'s [[Thatcherism#economicposition|economic policies]] fostered social divisions and was alarmed by high unemployment, [[1981 England riots|a series of riots]], the violence of [[1984–1985 United Kingdom miners' strike|a miners' strike]], and Thatcher's refusal to apply sanctions against the [[apartheid]] regime in South Africa. The sources of the rumours included royal aide [[Michael Shea (diplomat)|Michael Shea]] and Commonwealth secretary-general [[Shridath Ramphal]], but Shea claimed his remarks were taken [[out of context]] and embellished by speculation.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Harvnb|Hardman|2011|pp=216–217}}; {{Harvnb|Pimlott|2001|pp=503–515}}; {{Nowrap|see also}} | {{Harvnb|Neil|1996|pp=195–207}}; {{Harvnb|Shawcross|2002|pp=129–132}}}}</ref> Thatcher reputedly said Elizabeth would vote for the [[Social Democratic Party (UK)|Social Democratic Party]]—Thatcher's political opponents.<ref>{{Multiref|Thatcher to [[Brian Walden]], quoted in {{Harvnb|Neil|1996|pp=207}}; | Neil quoted in {{Harvnb|Wyatt|1999|loc= diary of 26&nbsp;October 1990}}}}</ref> Thatcher's biographer [[John Campbell (biographer)|John Campbell]] claimed "the report was a piece of journalistic mischief-making".{{Sfn|ps=none|Campbell|2003|p=467}} Reports of acrimony between them were exaggerated,{{Sfn|ps=none|Hardman|2011|pp=167, 171–173}} and Elizabeth gave two honours in her personal gift—membership in the [[Order of Merit]] and the [[Order of the Garter]]—to Thatcher after her replacement as prime minister by [[John Major]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Roberts|2000|1p=101|Shawcross|2002|2p=139}} [[Brian Mulroney]], Canadian prime minister between 1984 and 1993, said Elizabeth was a "behind the scenes force" in ending apartheid.<ref name="Geddes">{{Cite magazine |last=Geddes |first=John |year=2012 |title=The day she descended into the fray |magazine=[[Maclean's]] |page=72 |edition=Special Commemorative <!-- Edition: The Diamond Jubilee: Celebrating 60 Remarkable years --> |mode=cs2}}</ref><ref name="MacQueen">{{Cite magazine |last1=MacQueen |first1=Ken |last2=Treble |first2=Patricia |year=2012 |title=The Jewel in the Crown |magazine=Maclean's |pages=43–44 |edition=Special Commemorative <!-- Edition: The Diamond Jubilee: Celebrating 60 Remarkable years --> |mode=cs2}}</ref>

In 1986, Elizabeth paid a six-day state visit to the People's Republic of China, becoming the first British monarch to visit the country.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 October 1986 |title=Queen fulfills a Royal Goal: To visit China |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/10/13/world/queen-fulfills-a-royal-goal-to-visit-china.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606155118/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/10/13/world/queen-fulfills-a-royal-goal-to-visit-china.html |archive-date=6 June 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=The New York Times |mode=cs2}}</ref> The tour included the [[Forbidden City]], the [[Great Wall of China]], and the [[Terracotta Warriors]].{{Sfn|ps=none|BBC Books|1991|page=181}} At a [[state banquet]], Elizabeth joked about the first British emissary to China being lost at sea with [[Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;I]]'s letter to the [[Wanli Emperor]], and remarked, "fortunately postal services have improved since 1602".{{Sfn|ps=none|Hardman|2019|page=437}} Elizabeth's visit also signified the acceptance of both countries that [[Handover of Hong Kong|sovereignty over Hong Kong would be transferred]] from the United Kingdom to China in 1997.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bogert |first=Carroll R. |date=13 October 1986 |title=Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II Arrives In Peking for 6-Day Visit |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1986/10/13/queen-elizabeth-ii-arrives-in-peking-for-6-day-visit/60fd4c89-992c-4399-ae6a-3e38f15f7aad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326033204/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1986/10/13/queen-elizabeth-ii-arrives-in-peking-for-6-day-visit/60fd4c89-992c-4399-ae6a-3e38f15f7aad/ |archive-date=26 March 2023 |access-date=12 October 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |issn=0190-8286 |mode=cs2}}</ref>

By the end of the 1980s, Elizabeth had become the target of satire.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Lacey|2002|1pp=293–294|Pimlott|2001|2p=541}} The involvement of younger members of the royal family in the charity game show ''[[It's a Royal Knockout]]'' in 1987 was ridiculed.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Hardman|2011|1pp=82–83|Lacey|2002|2p=307|Pimlott|2001|3pp=522–526}} In Canada, Elizabeth publicly supported politically divisive [[Meech Lake Accord|constitutional amendments]], prompting criticism from opponents of the proposed changes, including Pierre Trudeau.<ref name=Geddes /> The same year, the elected Fijian government was deposed in [[1987 Fijian coups d'état|a military coup]]. As [[monarch of Fiji]], Elizabeth supported the attempts of Governor-General [[Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau]] to assert executive power and negotiate a settlement. Coup leader [[Sitiveni Rabuka]] deposed Ganilau and declared Fiji a republic.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|pp=515–516}}

=== Turbulent years ===
In the wake of coalition victory in the [[Gulf War]], Elizabeth became the first British monarch to address a [[Joint session of the United States Congress|joint meeting]] of the [[United States Congress]] in May 1991.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=538}}

[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 199-1992-089-19Acropped.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.75|alt=Elizabeth, in formal dress, holds a pair of spectacles to her mouth in a thoughtful pose|With Philip in Germany, October 1992]]
In November 1992, in a speech to mark the [[Ruby Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Ruby Jubilee]] of her accession, Elizabeth called 1992 her {{Lang|la|[[annus horribilis]]}} (a Latin phrase, meaning {{gloss|horrible year}}).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fisher |first=Connie |date=24 November 1992 |title=A speech by The Queen on the 40th Anniversary of her succession (Annus horribilis speech) |url=https://www.royal.uk/annus-horribilis-speech |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103191553/https://www.royal.uk/annus-horribilis-speech |archive-date=3 January 2017 |access-date=18 April 2016 |work=The Royal Family |publisher=The Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref> [[Republican feeling in Britain]] had risen because of press estimates of Elizabeth's private wealth—contradicted by the Palace{{Efn|name=finances|The ''[[Sunday Times Rich List 1989]]'' put her number one on the list with a reported wealth of £5.2&nbsp;billion (approximately £{{Format price|{{Inflation|UK-GDP|5200000000|1989|r=-6}}}} in {{Inflation/year|UK-GDP}}'s value),{{Inflation-fn|UK-GDP|df=y|mode=cs2}} but it included state assets like the [[Royal Collection]] that were not hers personally.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 April 2013 |title=Rich List: Changing face of wealth |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-22188762 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106171208/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-22188762 |archive-date=6 November 2020 |access-date=23 July 2020 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> In 1993, Buckingham Palace called estimates of £100&nbsp;million "grossly overstated".<ref>{{Multiref|[[David Ogilvy, 13th Earl of Airlie|Lord Airlie]], the [[lord chamberlain]], quoted in | {{Harvnb|Hoey|2002|p=225}}; {{Harvnb|Pimlott|2001|p=561}}}}</ref> In 1971, [[Jock Colville]], her former private secretary and a director of her bank, [[Coutts]], estimated her wealth at £2&nbsp;million (equivalent to about £{{Format price|{{Inflation|UK-GDP|2000000|1971|1993|r=-6}}}} in 1993{{Inflation-fn|UK-GDP|df=y|mode=cs2}}).<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=11 June 1971 |title=£2m estimate of the Queen's wealth 'more likely to be accurate' |work=[[The Times]] |page=1 |mode=cs2}}; | {{Harvnb|Pimlott|2001|p=401}}}}</ref>}}—and reports of affairs and strained marriages among her extended family.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|pp=519–534}} In March, her second son, Prince Andrew, separated from his wife, [[Sarah, Duchess of York|Sarah]]; her daughter, Princess Anne, divorced Captain [[Mark Phillips]] in April;{{Sfnm|ps=none|Lacey|2002|1p=319|Marr|2011|2p=315|Pimlott|2001|3pp=550–551}} angry demonstrators in [[Dresden]] threw eggs at Elizabeth during a state visit to Germany in October;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stanglin |first=Douglas |date=18 March 2010 |title=German study concludes 25,000 died in Allied bombing of Dresden |url=https://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2010/03/official-german-study-concludes-25000-died-in-allied-bombing-of-dresden/1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100515131113/https://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2010/03/official-german-study-concludes-25000-died-in-allied-bombing-of-dresden/1 |archive-date=15 May 2010 |access-date=19 March 2010 |work=[[USA Today]] |mode=cs2}}</ref> and [[1992 Windsor Castle fire|a large fire broke out at Windsor Castle]], one of her [[official residence]]s, in November. The monarchy came under increased criticism and public scrutiny.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1p=377|Pimlott|2001|2pp=558–559|Roberts|2000|3p=94|Shawcross|2002|4p=204}} In an unusually personal speech, Elizabeth said that any institution must expect criticism, but suggested it might be done with "a touch of humour, gentleness and understanding".{{Sfn|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|p=377}} Two days later, John Major announced plans to reform the royal finances, drawn up the previous year, including Elizabeth paying [[income tax]] from 1993 onwards, and a reduction in the [[civil list]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bradford|2012|1p=229|Lacey|2002|2pp=325–326|Pimlott|2001|3pp=559–561}} In December, Prince Charles and his wife, Diana, formally separated.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bradford|2012|1p=226|Hardman|2011|2p=96|Lacey|2002|3p=328|Pimlott|2001|4p=561}} At the end of the year, Elizabeth sued ''The Sun'' newspaper for breach of copyright when it published the text of her [[Royal Christmas Message|annual Christmas message]] two days before it was broadcast. The newspaper was forced to pay her legal fees and donated £200,000 to charity.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=562}} Elizabeth's solicitors had taken successful action against ''The Sun'' five years earlier for breach of copyright after it published a photograph of her daughter-in-law the Duchess of York and her granddaughter [[Princess Beatrice]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 February 1993 |title=Queen Threatens to Sue Newspaper |url=https://apnews.com/article/5b6c71ab1ca6e966a27db134c49909ec |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407111152/https://apnews.com/article/5b6c71ab1ca6e966a27db134c49909ec |archive-date=7 April 2022 |access-date=27 December 2021 |work=Associated Press News |location=London |mode=cs2}}</ref>

In January 1994, Elizabeth broke her left wrist when a horse she was riding at Sandringham tripped and fell.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 January 1994 |title=The Queen injured |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/the-queen-injured-1400716.html |access-date=15 June 2025 |work=The Independent |mode=cs2}}</ref> In October 1994, she became the first reigning British monarch to set foot on Russian soil.{{Efn|name=russia|The only previous state visit by a British monarch to Russia was made by [[King Edward&nbsp;VII]] in 1908. The King never stepped ashore, and met [[Nicholas&nbsp;II]] on [[royal yacht]]s off the Baltic port of what is now [[Tallinn]], Estonia.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=15 July 1994 |title=Elizabeth&nbsp;II to visit Russia in October |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97450734/queen-russia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606155117/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97450734/queen-russia |archive-date=6 June 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=Evansville Press |page=2 |agency=Associated Press |mode=cs2}}; | {{Harvnb|Tomaszewski|2002|page=22}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sloane |first=Wendy |date=19 October 1994 |title=Not all's forgiven as queen tours a czarless Russia |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1994/1019/19092.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905181532/https://www.csmonitor.com/1994/1019/19092.html |archive-date=5 September 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |location=Moscow |mode=cs2}}</ref> During the [[State visit by Elizabeth II to Russia|four-day visit]], which was considered to be one of the most important foreign trips of Elizabeth's reign,<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 October 1994 |title=British queen in Moscow |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1994/10/17/British-queen-in-Moscow/3900782366400 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312020810/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1994/10/17/British-queen-in-Moscow/3900782366400 |archive-date=12 March 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=United Press International |location=Moscow |mode=cs2}}</ref> she and Philip attended events in Moscow and [[Saint Petersburg]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=de Waal |first=Thomas |date=15 October 1994 |title=Queen's Visit: Lifting the Clouds of the Past |work=The Moscow Times |mode=cs2}}</ref>}} In October 1995, she was tricked into a [[hoax call]] by Montreal radio host [[Pierre Brassard]] impersonating Canadian prime minister [[Jean Chrétien]]. Elizabeth, who believed that she was speaking to Chrétien, said she supported Canadian unity and would try to influence [[1995 Quebec referendum|Quebec's referendum]] on proposals to break away from Canada.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=29 October 1995 |title=Allo! Allo! Ici the Queen. Who's This? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/29/world/allo-allo-ici-the-queen-who-s-this.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606155117/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/29/world/allo-allo-ici-the-queen-who-s-this.html |archive-date=6 June 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=The New York Times |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |date=28 October 1995 |title=Queen falls victim to radio hoaxer |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/queen-falls-victim-to-radio-hoaxer-1579745.html |url-status=live |access-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603193700/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/queen-falls-victim-to-radio-hoaxer-1579745.html |archive-date=3 June 2022 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref>

In the year that followed, public revelations on the state of Charles and Diana's marriage continued.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1p=356|Pimlott|2001|2pp=572–577|Roberts|2000|3p=94|Shawcross|2002|4p=168}} In consultation with her husband and John Major, as well as the [[Archbishop of Canterbury]] ([[George Carey]]) and her private secretary ([[Robert Fellowes, Baron Fellowes|Robert Fellowes]]), Elizabeth wrote to Charles and Diana at the end of December 1995, suggesting that a divorce would be advisable.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1p=357|Pimlott|2001|2p=577}}

In August 1997, a year after the divorce, Diana [[Death of Diana, Princess of Wales|was killed]] in a car crash in Paris. Elizabeth was on holiday with her extended family at Balmoral. Diana's two sons, Princes William and [[Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex|Harry]], wanted to attend church, so Elizabeth and Philip took them that morning.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1p=358|Hardman|2011|2p=101|Pimlott|2001|3p=610}} Afterwards, for five days, the royal couple shielded their grandsons from the intense press interest by keeping them at Balmoral where they could grieve in private,{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=134|Brandreth|2004|2p=358|Marr|2011|3p=338|Pimlott|2001|4p=615}} but the royal family's silence and seclusion, and the failure to fly a flag at [[half-mast]] over Buckingham Palace, caused public dismay.<ref name=MacQueen />{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=134|Brandreth|2004|2p=358|Lacey|2002|3pp=6–7|Pimlott|2001|4p=616|Roberts|2000|5p=98|Shawcross|2002|6p=8}} Pressured by the hostile reaction, Elizabeth agreed to return to London and address the nation in a [[Addresses to the nation by Elizabeth II|live television broadcast]] on 5&nbsp;September, the day before [[Diana's funeral]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1pp=358–359|Lacey|2002|2pp=8–9|Pimlott|2001|3pp=621–622}} In the broadcast, she expressed admiration for Diana and her feelings "as a grandmother" for the two princes.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=134|Brandreth|2004|2p=359|Lacey|2002|3pp=13–15|Pimlott|2001|4pp=623–624}} As a result, much of the public hostility evaporated.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=134|Brandreth|2004|2p=359|Lacey|2002|3pp=13–15|Pimlott|2001|4pp=623–624}}

In October 1997, Elizabeth and Philip made a state visit to India, which included a controversial visit to the site of the [[Jallianwala Bagh massacre]] to pay her respects. Protesters chanted "Killer Queen, go back",<ref name="goback">{{Cite news |date=14 October 1997 |title=Indian group calls off protest, accepts queen's regrets |url=https://edition.cnn.com/WORLD/9710/14/india.queen |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503202629/https://edition.cnn.com/WORLD/9710/14/india.queen |archive-date=3 May 2021 |access-date=3 May 2021 |publisher=CNN |location=Amritsar, India |mode=cs2}}</ref> and there were demands for her to apologise for the action of British troops 78 years earlier.<ref name="NYT">{{Cite news |last=Burns |first=John F. |date=15 October 1997 |title=In India, Queen Bows Her Head Over a Massacre in 1919 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/15/world/in-india-queen-bows-her-head-over-a-massacre-in-1919.html?smid=pl-share |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517191611/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/15/world/in-india-queen-bows-her-head-over-a-massacre-in-1919.html?smid=pl-share |archive-date=17 May 2013 |access-date=12 February 2013 |work=The New York Times |mode=cs2}}</ref> At the memorial in the park, she and Philip laid a [[wreath]] and stood for a 30‑second [[moment of silence]].<ref name="NYT" /> As a result, much of the fury among the public softened, and the protests were called off.<ref name="goback" /> That November, the royal couple held a reception at [[Banqueting House]] to mark their golden wedding anniversary.<ref name="G-Wedding-Anniversary">{{Cite news |last=Fisher |first=Connie |date=20 November 1997 |title=A speech by The Queen on her Golden Wedding Anniversary |url=https://www.royal.uk/golden-wedding-speech |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110073945/https://www.royal.uk/golden-wedding-speech |archive-date=10 January 2019 |access-date=10 February 2017 |work=The Royal Family |publisher=The Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref> Elizabeth made a speech and praised Philip for his role as consort, referring to him as "my strength and stay".<ref name="G-Wedding-Anniversary" />

In 1999, as part of the process of [[devolution in the United Kingdom]], Elizabeth formally opened newly established legislatures for Wales and Scotland: the [[National Assembly for Wales]] at [[Cardiff]] in May,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gibbs |first=Geoffrey |date=27 May 1999 |title=Welsh crown day with a song |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/1999/may/27/wales.devolution1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920163608/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/1999/may/27/wales.devolution1 |archive-date=20 September 2022 |access-date=16 September 2022 |work=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref> and the [[Scottish Parliament]] at [[Edinburgh]] in July.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Engel |first=Matthew |date=2 July 1999 |title=Something for everyone as Scots at last put history behind them |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/1999/jul/02/scotlanddevolution.devolution |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914185759/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/1999/jul/02/scotlanddevolution.devolution |archive-date=14 September 2022 |access-date=14 September 2022 |work=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref>

=== Dawn of the new millennium ===
[[File:Queen Elizabeth II with her British Prime Ministers during her Golden Jubilee in 2002.jpg|thumb|Golden Jubilee dinner with living British prime ministers, 2002: (left to right) Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher, Edward Heath, Elizabeth, [[James Callaghan]], John Major]]
On the eve of the new millennium, Elizabeth and Philip boarded a vessel from [[Southwark]], bound for the [[Millennium Dome]]. Before passing under [[Tower Bridge]], she lit the National Millennium Beacon in the [[Pool of London]] using a laser torch.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=December 1999 |title=Queen to visit Southwark on Millennium Eve |url=https://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/1299/queen.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213021754/https://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/1299/queen.html |archive-date=13 February 2022 |access-date=13 February 2022 |work=London SE1 |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |date=31 December 1999 |title=Beacons blaze across UK |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/586264.stm |url-status=live |access-date=13 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213021743/https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/586264.stm |archive-date=13 February 2022 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref> Shortly before midnight, she officially opened the Dome.{{Sfn|ps=none|Knappett|2016|page=24}} During the singing of ''[[Auld Lang Syne]]'', Elizabeth held hands with Philip and British prime minister [[Tony Blair]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Shawcross|2002|1p=224|Bedell Smith|2017|2p=423}} Following the [[9/11 attacks]] in the United States, Elizabeth, breaking with tradition, ordered the [[American national anthem]] to be played during the [[Changing of the guard (United Kingdom)|changing of the guard]] at Buckingham Palace to express her solidarity with the country.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelso |first=Paul |date=14 September 2001 |title=US anthem played at changing of the guard |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/sep/14/september11.usa3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208005149/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/sep/14/september11.usa3 |archive-date=8 December 2015 |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 September 2022 |title=After Sept. 11, Queen Elizabeth Ordered Up 'The Star-Spangled Banner' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/11/world/sept-11-queen-elizabeth.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214062824/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/11/world/sept-11-queen-elizabeth.html |archive-date=14 December 2023 |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=The New York Times |mode=cs2}}</ref>

In 2002, Elizabeth marked her [[Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Golden Jubilee]], the 50th anniversary of her accession. Her sister died in February and [[Death and funeral of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother|her mother in March]], and the media speculated on whether the Jubilee would be a success or a failure.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=156|Bradford|2012|2pp=248–249|Marr|2011|3pp=349–350}} Princess Margaret's death shook Elizabeth; her funeral was one of the rare occasions where Elizabeth openly cried.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McDowell |first=Erin |date=6 December 2022 |title=13 photos that show Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret's close sisterly bond |url=https://www.insider.com/photos-of-queen-elizabeth-and-princess-margaret-2022-9 |access-date=8 November 2023 |website=[[Business Insider|Insider]] |mode=cs2}}</ref> Elizabeth again undertook an extensive tour of her realms, beginning in Jamaica in February, where she called the farewell banquet "memorable" after a [[power cut]] plunged [[King's House, Jamaica|King's House]], the official residence of the [[Governor-General of Jamaica|governor-general]], into darkness.{{Sfn|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|p=31}} As in 1977, there were street parties and commemorative events, and monuments were named to honour the occasion. One million people attended each day of the three-day main Jubilee celebration in London,{{Sfn|ps=none|Bond|2006|pp=166–167}} and the enthusiasm shown for Elizabeth by the public was greater than many journalists had anticipated.{{Sfn|ps=none|Bond|2006|p=157}}

[[File:Queen at NASA.jpg|thumb|left|Greeting [[NASA]] employees at the [[Goddard Space Flight Center]], Maryland, May 2007]]
In 2003, Elizabeth sued the ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' for [[Breach of confidence in English law|breach of confidence]] and obtained an [[injunction]] which prevented the outlet from publishing information gathered by a reporter who posed as a [[footman]] at Buckingham Palace.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Higham |first=Nick |date=14 September 2012 |title=Analysis: The Royal Family's history of legal action |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-19599899 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606155117/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-19599899 |archive-date=6 June 2022 |access-date=31 May 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> The newspaper also paid £25,000 towards her legal costs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wells |first=Matt |date=24 November 2003 |title=Palace and Mirror settle over fake footman |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/nov/25/pressandpublishing.themonarchy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601015921/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/nov/25/pressandpublishing.themonarchy |archive-date=1 June 2022 |access-date=22 May 2022 |work=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref> Though generally healthy throughout her life, in 2003 she had [[keyhole surgery]] on both knees. In October 2006, she missed the opening of the new [[Emirates Stadium]] because of a strained back muscle that had been troubling her since the summer.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 October 2006 |title=Queen cancels visit due to injury |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6087724.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217060327/https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6087724.stm |archive-date=17 February 2007 |access-date=8 December 2009 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref>

In May 2007, citing unnamed sources, ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' reported that Elizabeth was "exasperated and frustrated" by the policies of Tony Blair, that she was concerned the [[British Armed Forces]] were overstretched in Iraq and [[Islamic Republic of Afghanistan|Afghanistan]], and that she had raised concerns over rural and countryside issues with Blair.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alderson |first=Andrew |date=28 May 2007 |title=Revealed: Queen's dismay at Blair legacy |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1552769/Revealed-Queens-dismay-at-Blair-legacy.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/OFaqF |archive-date=10 January 2022 |access-date=31 May 2010 |work=The Telegraph |mode=cs2}}{{Cbignore}}</ref> She was, however, said to admire Blair's efforts to achieve [[Northern Ireland peace process|peace in Northern Ireland]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alderson |first=Andrew |date=27 May 2007 |title=Tony and Her Majesty: an uneasy relationship |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1552767/Tony-and-Her-Majesty-an-uneasy-relationship.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/d1rD2 |archive-date=10 January 2022 |access-date=31 May 2010 |work=The Telegraph |mode=cs2}}{{Cbignore}}</ref> She became the first British monarch to celebrate a diamond wedding anniversary in November 2007.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 November 2007 |title=Queen celebrates diamond wedding |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7101094.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913162744/https://secure-uk.imrworldwide.com/cgi-bin/m?rnd=1631550463567&ci=bbc&cg=0&sr=1600x1000&ts=v51.js&cd=24&lg=en-US&je=n&ck=y&tz=0&ct=&hp=&tl=BBC%20NEWS%20%7C%20UK%20%7C%20Queen%20celebrates%20diamond%20wedding&si=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.bbc.co.uk%2F2%2Fhi%2F7101094.stm&rp= |archive-date=13 September 2021 |access-date=10 February 2017 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 20&nbsp;March 2008, at the [[Church of Ireland]] [[St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh (Church of Ireland)|St&nbsp;Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh]], Elizabeth attended the first [[Maundy service]] held outside England and Wales.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 March 2008 |title=Historic first for Maundy service |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7305675.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412102120/https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7305675.stm |archive-date=12 April 2009 |access-date=12 October 2008 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref>

Elizabeth addressed the UN General Assembly for a second time in 2010, again in her capacity as Queen of all Commonwealth realms and [[Head of the Commonwealth]].<ref name="UN">{{Cite news |last=Berry |first=Ciara |date=6 July 2010 |title=A speech by The Queen at the United Nations General Assembly, 2010 |url=https://www.royal.uk/address-united-nations-general-assembly-6-july-2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114061854/https://www.royal.uk/address-united-nations-general-assembly-6-july-2010 |archive-date=14 November 2018 |access-date=18 April 2016 |work=The Royal Family |publisher=The Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref> The [[UN secretary-general]], [[Ban Ki-moon]], introduced her as "an anchor for our age".<ref name="BBCUN">{{Cite news |date=7 July 2010 |title=Queen addresses UN General Assembly in New York |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10518044 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715050818/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10518044 |archive-date=15 July 2010 |access-date=7 July 2010 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> During her visit to New York, which followed a tour of Canada, she officially opened a memorial garden for British [[victims of the 9/11 attacks]]<!--Use common name-->.<ref name="BBCUN" /> Elizabeth's 11-day visit to Australia in October 2011 was her 16th visit to the country since 1954.<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 October 2011 |title=Royal tour of Australia: The Queen ends visit with traditional 'Aussie barbie' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/queen-elizabeth-II/8857106/Royal-tour-of-Australia-The-Queen-ends-visit-with-traditional-Aussie-barbie.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111030150841/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/queen-elizabeth-II/8857106/Royal-tour-of-Australia-The-Queen-ends-visit-with-traditional-Aussie-barbie.html |archive-date=30 October 2011 |access-date=30 October 2011 |work=The Telegraph |mode=cs2}}</ref> By invitation of the [[Irish president]], [[Mary McAleese]], she made the first [[State visit by Elizabeth II to the Republic of Ireland|state visit to the Republic of Ireland]] by a British monarch in May 2011.{{Sfn|ps=none|Bradford|2012|p=253}}

=== Diamond Jubilee and milestones ===
[[File:Day 194 - West Midlands Police - Royal Diamond Jubilee Visit (7555521830).jpg|thumb|Visiting [[Birmingham]] in July 2012 as part of the Diamond Jubilee tour]]
The [[2012 Diamond Jubilee]] marked 60 years since Elizabeth's accession, and celebrations were held throughout her realms, the wider Commonwealth, and beyond. She and Philip undertook an extensive tour of the United Kingdom, while their children and grandchildren embarked on royal tours of other Commonwealth states on her behalf.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=7 March 2012 |title=Prince Harry pays tribute to the Queen in Jamaica |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17281585 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318154923/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17281585 |archive-date=18 March 2012 |access-date=31 May 2012 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite press release |title=Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to Undertake a Royal Tour of Canada in 2012 |date=14 December 2011 |publisher=[[Government of Canada]] |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/news/archive/2011/12/their-royal-highnesses-prince-wales-duchess-cornwall-undertake-royal-tour-canada-2012.html |ref=none |access-date=31 May 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520183506/https://www.canada.ca/en/news/archive/2011/12/their-royal-highnesses-prince-wales-duchess-cornwall-undertake-royal-tour-canada-2012.html |archive-date=20 May 2018 |mode=cs2}}}}</ref> On 4&nbsp;June, Jubilee beacons were lit around the world.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Event News |url=https://www.diamond-jubilee-beacons.buzzsites.co.uk/pages/event_news_162371.cfm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116075010/https://www.diamond-jubilee-beacons.buzzsites.co.uk/pages/event_news_162371.cfm |archive-date=16 November 2018 |access-date=28 April 2016 |publisher=The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Beacons |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 18&nbsp;December, the Queen became the first British [[sovereign]] to attend a peacetime [[Cabinet of the United Kingdom|Cabinet meeting]] since [[George&nbsp;III]] in 1781.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 December 2012 |title=UK to name part of Antarctica Queen Elizabeth Land |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20757382 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128080212/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20757382 |archive-date=28 January 2013 |access-date=9 June 2019 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref>

Elizabeth, who opened the [[Montreal Summer Olympics]] in 1976, also opened the [[2012 Summer Olympics]] and [[2012 Summer Paralympics|Paralympics]] in London, making her the first [[List of people who have opened the Olympic Games|head of state to open]] two [[Olympic Games]] in two countries.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 July 2012 |title=Canada's Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium Announces Broadcast Details for London 2012 Opening Ceremony, Friday |url=https://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1011615/canada-s-olympic-broadcast-media-consortium-announces-broadcast-details-for-london-2012-opening-ceremony-friday |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402092404/https://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1011615/canada-s-olympic-broadcast-media-consortium-announces-broadcast-details-for-london-2012-opening-ceremony-friday |archive-date=2 April 2015 |access-date=22 March 2015 |agency=PR Newswire |mode=cs2}}</ref> For the London Olympics, she portrayed herself in [[Happy & Glorious|a short film]] as part of [[2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony|the opening ceremony]], alongside [[Daniel Craig]] as [[James Bond]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Nicholas |date=27 July 2012 |title=How James Bond whisked the Queen to the Olympics |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19018666 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419193112/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19018666 |archive-date=19 April 2019 |access-date=27 July 2012 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 4&nbsp;April 2013, she received an honorary [[BAFTA]] award for her [[patronage]] of the film industry and was called "the most memorable [[Bond girl]] yet" at a special presentation at Windsor Castle.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 April 2013 |title=Queen honoured with Bafta award for film and TV support |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22035942 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407054746/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22035942 |archive-date=7 April 2013 |access-date=7 April 2013 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref>

[[File:Official Opening of the Borders Rail - 21086557488.jpg|thumb|Opening the [[Borders Railway]] on the day she became the longest-reigning British monarch, 2015. In her speech, she said she had never aspired to achieve that milestone.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Berry |first=Ciara |date=9 September 2015 |title=A speech by The Queen at the Borders Railway, Scotland |url=https://www.royal.uk/queens-speech-borders-railway-scotland-9-september-2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606155117/https://www.royal.uk/queens-speech-borders-railway-scotland-9-september-2015 |archive-date=6 June 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=The Royal Family |publisher=The Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref>]]

In March 2013, the Queen stayed overnight at [[King Edward VII's Hospital]] as a precaution after developing symptoms of [[gastroenteritis]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 March 2013 |title=Queen leaves hospital after stomach bug |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21659635 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304151251/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21659635 |archive-date=4 March 2013 |access-date=4 March 2013 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> A week later, she signed the new [[Charter of the Commonwealth]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 March 2013 |title=Recovering Queen signs Commonwealth charter |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-21737817 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024024324/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-21737817 |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=23 October 2016 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> That year, because of her age and the need for her to limit travelling, she chose not to attend the biennial [[Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting]] for the first time in 40 years. She was represented at the [[2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting|summit in Sri Lanka]] by Prince Charles.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 May 2013 |title=Queen to miss Commonwealth meeting |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22431757 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125220445/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22431757 |archive-date=25 January 2021 |access-date=7 May 2013 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 20&nbsp;April 2018, the Commonwealth heads of government announced that Charles would succeed her as Head of the Commonwealth, which the Queen stated as her "sincere wish".<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 April 2018 |title=Charles to be next Commonwealth head |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43840710 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420141358/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43840710 |archive-date=20 April 2018 |access-date=21 April 2018 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> She underwent [[cataract surgery]] in May 2018.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Collier |first=Hatty |date=8 June 2018 |title=The Queen undergoes eye surgery to remove cataract |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/queen-undergoes-eye-surgery-remove-141520545.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308052447/https://uk.news.yahoo.com/queen-undergoes-eye-surgery-remove-141520545.html |archive-date=8 March 2021 |access-date=19 March 2021 |work=[[Evening Standard]] |via=Yahoo! News |mode=cs2}}</ref> In March 2019, she gave up driving on public roads, largely as a consequence of a car accident involving her husband two months earlier.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nikkash |first=Roya |date=31 March 2019 |title=Queen slams brakes on driving in public |url=https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/driving/article/queen-slams-brakes-on-driving-in-public-5q5k8dchn |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331174928/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/queen-slams-brakes-on-driving-in-public-5q5k8dchn |archive-date=31 March 2019 |access-date=31 March 2019 |work=[[The Times]] |mode=cs2}}</ref>

On 21 December 2007, Elizabeth surpassed her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, to become the longest-lived British monarch, and she became the [[List of monarchs in Britain by length of reign|longest-reigning British monarch]] and [[List of longest-reigning monarchs|longest-reigning queen regnant]] and female head of state in the world on 9&nbsp;September 2015.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=6 September 2014 |title=Elizabeth Set to Beat Victoria's Record as Longest Reigning Monarch in British History |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/09/06/elizabeth-set-to-beat-victorias-record-as-longest-reigning-monarch-in-british-history_n_5777134.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926132141/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/09/06/elizabeth-set-to-beat-victorias-record-as-longest-reigning-monarch-in-british-history_n_5777134.html |archive-date=26 September 2014 |access-date=28 September 2014 |work=[[HuffPost]] |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |last=Modh |first=Shrikant |date=11 September 2015 |title=The Longest Reigning Monarch Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II |work=Philately News |url=https://philatelynews.com/the-longest-reigning-monarch-queen-elizabeth-ii |access-date=20 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033651/https://philatelynews.com/the-longest-reigning-monarch-queen-elizabeth-ii |archive-date=1 December 2017 |ref=none |mode=cs2}} }}</ref> She became the oldest living monarch after the death of [[King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia]] on 23&nbsp;January 2015.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=24 January 2015 |title=Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II is now world's oldest monarch |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/queen-elizabeth-ii-becomes-worlds-oldest-monarch/article6818895.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102192250/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/queen-elizabeth-ii-becomes-worlds-oldest-monarch/article6818895.ece |archive-date=2 January 2020 |access-date=20 November 2017 |work=The Hindu |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |last=Rayner |first=Gordon |date=23 January 2015 |title=Queen becomes world's oldest monarch following death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/queen-elizabeth-II/11364902/Queen-becomes-worlds-oldest-monarch-following-death-of-King-Abdullah-of-Saudi-Arabia.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=20 November 2017 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/bB0Fi |archive-date=10 January 2022 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}{{Cbignore}}}}</ref> She later became the longest-reigning current monarch and the [[List of current state leaders by date of assumption of office|longest-serving current head of state]] following the [[death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej]] of Thailand on 13&nbsp;October 2016,<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=13 October 2016 |title=Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej dies at 88 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37643326 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013123050/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37643326 |archive-date=13 October 2016 |access-date=23 April 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |last=Addley |first=Esther |date=13 October 2016 |title=Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II is longest-reigning living monarch after Thai king's death |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/oct/13/queen-elizabeth-ii-is-longest-reigning-living-monarch-after-thai-kings-death |url-status=live |access-date=23 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423145926/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/oct/13/queen-elizabeth-ii-is-longest-reigning-living-monarch-after-thai-kings-death |archive-date=23 April 2022 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref> and the [[Lists of state leaders by age|oldest current head of state]] on the [[resignation of Robert Mugabe]] of Zimbabwe on 21&nbsp;November 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 November 2017 |title=Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II will be the world's oldest head of state if Robert Mugabe is toppled |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/queen-elizabeth-ii-will-be-the-world-e2-80-99s-oldest-head-of-state-if-robert-mugabe-is-toppled/ar-BBF0dPV |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115195819/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/queen-elizabeth-ii-will-be-the-world-e2-80-99s-oldest-head-of-state-if-robert-mugabe-is-toppled/ar-BBF0dPV |archive-date=15 November 2017 |access-date=20 November 2017 |publisher=MSN |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 6&nbsp;February 2017, she became the first British monarch to commemorate [[Sapphire Jubilee of Elizabeth II|a sapphire jubilee]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rayner |first=Gordon |date=29 January 2017 |title=The Blue Sapphire Jubilee: Queen will not celebrate 65th anniversary but instead sit in 'quiet contemplation' remembering father's death |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/28/blue-sapphire-jubilee-queen-will-not-celebrate-65th-anniversary |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/IGX3p |archive-date=10 January 2022 |access-date=3 February 2017 |work=The Telegraph |mode=cs2}}{{Cbignore}}</ref> and on 20&nbsp;November that year, she was the first British monarch to celebrate a platinum wedding anniversary.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 November 2017 |title=Queen and Prince Philip portraits released to mark 70th anniversary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/20/queen-prince-philip-portraits-platinum-wedding-70th-anniversary |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120085334/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/20/queen-prince-philip-portraits-platinum-wedding-70th-anniversary |archive-date=20 November 2017 |access-date=20 November 2017 |work=The Guardian |agency=Press Association |mode=cs2}}</ref> Philip had retired from his official duties as the Queen's consort in August 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bilefsky |first=Dan |date=2 August 2017 |title=Prince Philip Makes His Last Solo Appearance, After 65 Years in the Public Eye |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/02/world/europe/uk-prince-philip-retired-queen-elizabeth.html |access-date=4 August 2017 |work=The New York Times |mode=cs2}}{{Cbignore}}</ref>

=== Pandemic and widowhood ===
On 19&nbsp;March 2020, as the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|COVID-19 pandemic hit the United Kingdom]], Elizabeth moved to Windsor Castle and sequestered there as a precaution.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Friel |first=Mikhaila |date=16 March 2020 |title=The royal family is canceling events because of the coronavirus, and the Queen may be asked to self-isolate for up to 4 months |url=https://www.insider.com/how-coronavirus-will-impact-queen-elizabeth-royal-schedule-2020-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908185425/https://www.insider.com/how-coronavirus-will-impact-queen-elizabeth-royal-schedule-2020-3 |archive-date=8 September 2022 |access-date=5 July 2021 |work=Insider |mode=cs2}}</ref> Public engagements were cancelled and Windsor Castle followed a strict sanitary protocol nicknamed "HMS Bubble".<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 November 2020 |title=Coronavirus: Queen and Prince Philip return to Windsor Castle for lockdown |url=https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-queen-and-prince-philip-return-to-windsor-for-lockdown-12121882 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621150341/https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-queen-and-prince-philip-return-to-windsor-for-lockdown-12121882 |archive-date=21 June 2021 |access-date=5 July 2021 |publisher=Sky News |mode=cs2}}</ref>

[[File:A private audience with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.jpg|thumb|left|[[Virtual meeting]] with [[Cindy Kiro]] during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], October 2021]]
On 5&nbsp;April, in a televised broadcast watched by an estimated 24&nbsp;million viewers in the United Kingdom,<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 April 2020 |title=Coronavirus: The Queen's message seen by 24 million |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-52183327 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710073241/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-52183327 |archive-date=10 July 2021 |access-date=5 July 2021 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> Elizabeth asked people to "take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; [[We'll Meet Again|we will meet again]]."<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 April 2020 |title=Coronavirus: The Queen's broadcast in full |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52176208 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825205418/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52176208 |archive-date=25 August 2021 |access-date=5 July 2021 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 8&nbsp;May, the 75th anniversary of [[VE Day]], in a television broadcast at 9&nbsp;pm—the exact time at which her father had broadcast to the nation on the same day in 1945—she asked people to "never give up, never despair".<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 May 2020 |title=VE Day: UK's streets not empty as filled with love, says Queen |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52590865 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709230720/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52590865 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |access-date=5 July 2021 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> In 2021, she received her first and second [[COVID-19 vaccinations]] in January and April respectively.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |last=Busby |first=Mattha |date=9 January 2021 |title=The Queen and Prince Philip receive first dose of Covid vaccine |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jan/09/the-queen-and-prince-philip-receive-first-dose-of-covid-vaccine |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184958/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jan/09/the-queen-and-prince-philip-receive-first-dose-of-covid-vaccine |archive-date=9 July 2021 |access-date=5 July 2021 |work=The Guardian |ref=none |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite web |last=Petit |first=Stephanie |date=1 April 2021 |title=Queen Elizabeth Received Her Second COVID-19 Vaccine Before First Maskless Outing of the Year |url=https://people.com/royals/queen-elizabeth-received-second-covid-vaccine-before-outing |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808020126/https://people.com/royals/queen-elizabeth-received-second-covid-vaccine-before-outing |archive-date=8 August 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |website=People |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref>

[[Prince Philip died]] on 9&nbsp;April 2021, after 73 years of marriage, making Elizabeth the first British monarch to reign as a [[widow]] or widower since Queen Victoria.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=9 April 2021 |title=Prince Philip: After over 70 years by her side, the Queen faces a future without her 'strength and stay' |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2021-04-09/prince-philip-after-over-70-years-by-her-side-the-queen-faces-a-future-without-her-strength-and-stay |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409125554/https://www.itv.com/news/2021-04-09/prince-philip-after-over-70-years-by-her-side-the-queen-faces-a-future-without-her-strength-and-stay |archive-date=9 April 2021 |access-date=9 April 2021 |work=ITV News |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |last=Elliott |first=Caitlin |date=9 April 2021 |title=Queen will complete her reign in the same sad way as great-great grandmother Queen Victoria |work=GoodtoKnow |url=https://www.goodto.com/royal-news/queen-reign-prince-philip-died-queen-victoria-593479 |url-status=live |access-date=11 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611164919/https://www.goodto.com/royal-news/queen-reign-prince-philip-died-queen-victoria-593479 |archive-date=11 June 2021 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref> She was reportedly at her husband's bedside when he died,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tominey |first=Camilla |author-link=Camilla Tominey |date=9 April 2021 |title=Prince Philip's peaceful passing reflects a remarkable life lived in self-effacing dignity |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2021/04/09/prince-philips-peaceful-passing-reflects-remarkable-life-lived |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410160905/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2021/04/09/prince-philips-peaceful-passing-reflects-remarkable-life-lived |archive-date=10 April 2021 |access-date=11 May 2021 |work=The Telegraph |mode=cs2}}</ref> and remarked in private that his death had "left a huge void".<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 April 2021 |title=Prince Philip: The Queen says his death has 'left a huge void' – Duke of York |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56710086 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908161855/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56710086 |archive-date=8 September 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> Due to the COVID-19 restrictions in place in England at the time, Elizabeth sat alone at Philip's funeral service, which evoked sympathy from people around the world.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |last=Abraham |first=Ellie |date=17 April 2021 |title=Social Media Reacts to 'heartbreaking' Image of Queen Sitting Alone at Prince Philip's Funeral |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/queen-alone-prince-philip-funeral-b1833152.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706220849/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/queen-alone-prince-philip-funeral-b1833152.html |archive-date=6 July 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=The Independent |ref=none |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |last=Hassan |first=Jennifer |date=17 April 2021 |title=Image of Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II sitting alone at Philip's funeral breaks hearts around the world |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/04/17/queen-funeral-alone-chapel-philip |url-status=live |access-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512191857/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/04/17/queen-funeral-alone-chapel-philip |archive-date=12 May 2021 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref> It was later reported in the press that Elizabeth had rejected a government offer to relax the rules.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Burford |first=Rachael |date=20 January 2022 |title=No10 'offered to ease Covid rules for Prince Philip's funeral but Queen declined because it wouldn't be fair' |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/downing-street-covid-rules-prince-philip-funeral-queen-declined-private-eye-b977841.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329152726/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/downing-street-covid-rules-prince-philip-funeral-queen-declined-private-eye-b977841.html |archive-date=29 March 2022 |access-date=29 March 2022 |work=Evening Standard |mode=cs2}}</ref> In her Christmas broadcast that year, which was ultimately her last, she paid a personal tribute to her "beloved Philip", saying, "That mischievous, inquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him."<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=25 December 2021 |title=Queen's Christmas message pays tribute to 'beloved' Philip |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-59768736 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220143732/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-59768736 |archive-date=20 February 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |last=Ship |first=Chris |date=25 December 2021 |title=Queen remembers 'mischievous twinkle' of Prince Philip in emotional Christmas message |work=ITV News |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2021-12-25/queen-remembers-mischievous-twinkle-of-philip-in-emotional-christmas-message |url-status=live |access-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215133432/https://www.itv.com/news/2021-12-25/queen-remembers-mischievous-twinkle-of-philip-in-emotional-christmas-message |archive-date=15 February 2022 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref>

Despite the pandemic, Elizabeth attended the [[2021 State Opening of Parliament]] in May,<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 May 2021 |title=Queen's Speech 2021: What can we expect? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-56987630 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510025817/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-56987630 |archive-date=10 May 2021 |access-date=10 May 2021 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> the [[47th G7&nbsp;summit]] in June,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mills |first=Rhiannon |date=12 June 2021 |title=G7 summit: Queen charms prime ministers and presidents |url=https://news.sky.com/story/g7-summit-queen-charms-prime-ministers-and-presidents-12330626 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612035541/https://news.sky.com/story/g7-summit-queen-charms-prime-ministers-and-presidents-12330626 |archive-date=12 June 2021 |access-date=12 June 2021 |publisher=Sky News |mode=cs2}}</ref> and hosted US president [[Joe Biden]] at Windsor Castle. Biden was the 14th US president that the Queen had met.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 June 2021 |title=Queen meets Joe Biden at Windsor Castle |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57461257 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617081244/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57461257 |archive-date=17 June 2021 |access-date=8 September 2023 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> In October 2021, Elizabeth cancelled a planned trip to Northern Ireland and stayed overnight at King Edward VII's Hospital for "preliminary investigations".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Harry |date=21 October 2021 |title=The Queen spent night in hospital after cancelling Northern Ireland visit |url=https://theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/oct/21/the-queen-spent-night-in-hospital-after-cancelling-northern-ireland-visit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207235721/https://theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/oct/21/the-queen-spent-night-in-hospital-after-cancelling-northern-ireland-visit |archive-date=7 December 2023 |access-date=4 March 2024 |work=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref> On Christmas Day 2021, while she was staying at Windsor Castle, 19-year-old Jaswant Singh Chail broke into the gardens using a rope ladder and carrying a [[crossbow]] with the aim of assassinating Elizabeth in revenge for the [[Amritsar massacre]]. Before he could enter any buildings, he was arrested and detained under the [[Mental Health Act 2007|Mental Health Act]]. In February 2023, Chail pleaded guilty to [[Treason Act 1842#Section 2|attempting to injure or alarm the sovereign]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 February 2023 |title=Man admits treason after breaking into grounds of Windsor Castle with crossbow 'to kill Queen' |url=https://news.sky.com/story/man-admits-trying-to-harm-queen-after-being-caught-in-grounds-of-windsor-castle-with-a-crossbow-12802059 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203113557/https://news.sky.com/story/man-admits-trying-to-harm-queen-after-being-caught-in-grounds-of-windsor-castle-with-a-crossbow-12802059 |archive-date=3 February 2023 |access-date=3 February 2023 |publisher=Sky News |mode=cs2}}</ref> and was sentenced in October to a nine-year custodial sentence plus an additional five years on extended licence. The sentencing judge also placed Chail under a hybrid order under section 45A of the [[Mental Health Act 1983]], ordering that he remain at [[Broadmoor Hospital]] to be transferred into custody only after receiving psychiatric treatment.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Zaccaro |first=Maria |date=5 October 2023 |title=Jaswant Singh Chail: Man who took crossbow to 'kill Queen' jailed |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-berkshire-66113524 |access-date=28 December 2024 |mode=cs2}}</ref>

=== Platinum Jubilee and beyond ===

[[File:Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee 2022 - Platinum Pageant (52124830349).jpg|thumb|With the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following the [[Platinum Jubilee Pageant]], June 2022]]
[[Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee celebrations]] began on 6&nbsp;February 2022, marking 70 years since her accession.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Turner |first=Lauren |date=5 February 2022 |title=Queen holds reception to mark Platinum Jubilee |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-60272124 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221164719/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-60272124 |archive-date=21 February 2022 |access-date=5 February 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> In her [[accession day]] message, she renewed her commitment to a lifetime of public service, which she had originally made in 1947.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goodey |first=Emma |date=5 February 2022 |title=Accession Day 2022 |url=https://www.royal.uk/accession-day-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220174327/https://www.royal.uk/accession-day-2022 |archive-date=20 February 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=The Royal Family |publisher=The Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref>

Later that month, Elizabeth fell ill with COVID-19 along with several family members, but she only exhibited "mild cold-like symptoms" and recovered by the end of the month.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Dulcie |last2=Durbin |first2=Adam |date=20 February 2022 |title=The Queen tests positive for Covid |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60453566 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220115305/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60453566 |archive-date=20 February 2022 |access-date=20 February 2022 |work=BBC News |ref=none |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |last1=Foster |first1=Max |last2=Said-Moorhouse |first2=Lauren |date=20 February 2022 |title=Britain's Queen Elizabeth tests positive for Covid-19 |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/20/uk/queen-elizabeth-coronavirus-intl-gbr/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527235154/https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/20/uk/queen-elizabeth-coronavirus-intl-gbr/index.html |archive-date=27 May 2022 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hinton |first=Megan |date=28 February 2022 |title=Queen enjoys time with family after recovering from Covid |url=https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/queen-recovers-from-covid |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305043126/https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/queen-recovers-from-covid |archive-date=5 March 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |publisher=[[LBC]] |mode=cs2}}</ref> She was present at [[A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of The Duke of Edinburgh|the service of thanksgiving for her husband]] at Westminster Abbey on 29&nbsp;March,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lauren |first=Turner |date=29 March 2022 |title=Queen attends Prince Philip memorial service at Westminster Abbey |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60902088 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606155117/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60902088 |archive-date=6 June 2022 |access-date=5 April 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> but was unable to attend both the annual [[Commonwealth Day]] service that month<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Thompson |first=Eliza |date=14 March 2022 |title=Prince Charles Fills in for Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II at Commonwealth Day Service Alongside Prince William |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/queen-elizabeth-ii-misses-2022-commonwealth-day-service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314202741/https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/queen-elizabeth-ii-misses-2022-commonwealth-day-service |archive-date=14 March 2022 |access-date=14 March 2022 |magazine=Us Weekly |mode=cs2}}</ref> and the [[Royal Maundy]] service in April, because of "episodic mobility problems".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Adams |first=Charley |date=14 April 2022 |title=Prince Charles stands in for Queen at Maundy Service |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61111303 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606155117/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61111303 |archive-date=6 June 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> In May, she missed the [[State Opening of Parliament]] for the first time in 59 years. (She did not attend the state openings in 1959 and 1963 as she was pregnant with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, respectively.)<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 May 2022 |title=Queen to miss State Opening of Parliament – Prince of Wales to read speech instead |url=https://news.sky.com/story/queen-wont-be-attending-state-opening-of-parliament-12609353 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611195207/https://news.sky.com/story/queen-wont-be-attending-state-opening-of-parliament-12609353 |archive-date=11 June 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |publisher=Sky News |mode=cs2}}</ref> Later that month she made a surprise visit to [[Paddington Station]] and officially opened the [[Elizabeth line]], named in her honour.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 May 2022 |title=Elizabeth line: Queen makes surprise visit to Paddington Station |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-61465207 |access-date=21 May 2025 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref>

The Queen was largely confined to balcony appearances during the public jubilee celebrations, and she missed the [[Platinum Jubilee National Service of Thanksgiving|National Service of Thanksgiving]] on 3&nbsp;June.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Furness |first=Hannah |date=2 June 2022 |title=The Queen to miss service of thanksgiving after suffering discomfort |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/06/02/queen-miss-service-thanksgiving-suffering-discomfort |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627180802/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/06/02/queen-miss-service-thanksgiving-suffering-discomfort |archive-date=27 June 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=The Telegraph |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 13&nbsp;June, she became the second-longest reigning monarch in history (among those whose exact dates of reign are known), with 70 years and 127 days on the throne—surpassing [[King Bhumibol Adulyadej]] of Thailand.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Turner |first=Lauren |date=13 June 2022 |title=Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II becomes second-longest serving monarch |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61774853 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615204423/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61774853 |archive-date=15 June 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 6&nbsp;September, she appointed her 15th British prime minister, [[Liz Truss]], at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. This was the only occasion on which Elizabeth received a new prime minister at a location other than Buckingham Palace.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Foster |first1=Max |last2=Said-Moorhouse |first2=Lauren |date=31 August 2022 |title=Queen won't return to London to appoint new British PM, for first time in her reign |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/31/uk/queen-elizabeth-prime-minister-balmoral-intl-gbr/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902004500/https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/31/uk/queen-elizabeth-prime-minister-balmoral-intl-gbr/index.html |archive-date=2 September 2022 |access-date=2 September 2022 |publisher=CNN |mode=cs2}}</ref> No other British monarch appointed as many prime ministers.<ref>{{Cite news |title=10 Little known facts about British Prime Ministers |url=https://www.history.co.uk/articles/10-little-known-facts-about-the-british-prime-minister |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010155323/https://www.history.co.uk/articles/10-little-known-facts-about-the-british-prime-minister |archive-date=10 October 2022 |access-date=10 October 2022 |work=Sky HISTORY |mode=cs2}}</ref> The Queen's last public message was issued on 7&nbsp;September, in which she expressed her sympathy for those affected by the [[Saskatchewan stabbings]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 September 2022 |title=In last public statement, Queen Elizabeth extended condolences following Saskatchewan stabbing rampage |url=https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/in-last-public-statement-queen-elizabeth-extended-condolences-following-saskatchewan-stabbing-rampage |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908193354/https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/in-last-public-statement-queen-elizabeth-extended-condolences-following-saskatchewan-stabbing-rampage |archive-date=8 September 2022 |access-date=29 January 2023 |work=[[The StarPhoenix]] |mode=cs2}}</ref>

Elizabeth did not plan to [[abdicate]],{{Sfnm|ps=none|Brandreth|2004|1pp=370–371|Marr|2011|2p=395}} though she took on fewer public engagements in her later years and Prince Charles performed more of her duties.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |last1=Mansey |first1=Kate |last2=Leake |first2=Jonathan |last3=Hellen |first3=Nicholas |date=19 January 2014 |title=Queen and Charles start to 'job-share' |url=https://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/National/royalwedding/article1365067.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203044636/https://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/National/royalwedding/article1365067.ece |archive-date=3 February 2014 |access-date=20 January 2014 |work=[[The Sunday Times]] |ref=none |mode=cs2}}; | {{Harvnb|Marr|2011|p=395}}}}</ref> She told Canadian {{Not a typo|governor-general}} [[Adrienne Clarkson]] in a meeting in 2002 that she would never abdicate, saying, "It is not our tradition. Although, I suppose if I became completely gaga, one would have to do something."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tasker |first=John Paul |date=19 September 2022 |title=Canada is the country it is today because of Queen Elizabeth, Mulroney says at memorial service |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/national-commemorative-ceremony-live-1.6585991 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113010752/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/national-commemorative-ceremony-live-1.6585991 |archive-date=13 January 2023 |access-date=15 October 2022 |publisher=[[CBC News]] |mode=cs2}}</ref> In June 2022, Elizabeth met the Archbishop of Canterbury, [[Justin Welby]], who "came away thinking there is someone who has no fear of death, has hope in the future, knows the rock on which she stands and that gives her strength."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=9 September 2022 |title=Queen had no fear of death, says archbishop of Canterbury |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/09/queen-had-no-fear-of-death-says-archbishop-of-canterbury-justin-welby |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909105236/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/09/queen-had-no-fear-of-death-says-archbishop-of-canterbury-justin-welby |archive-date=9 September 2022 |access-date=9 September 2022 |work=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref>

== Death ==
{{Main|Death and state funeral of Elizabeth&nbsp;II}}
[[File:Memorial Offerings to Queen Elizabeth II at the George VI and Queen Elizabeth Memorial (11).jpg|thumb|left|Tributes left in [[The Mall, London]]]]
On 8&nbsp;September 2022, Buckingham Palace stated, "Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral."<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 September 2022 |title=Queen's doctors concerned for her health – palace |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62836057 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908113739/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62836057 |archive-date=8 September 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Caroline |date=8 September 2022 |title=Queen under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors' concerns |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/08/queen-under-medical-supervision-at-balmoral-after-doctors-concerns |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908114820/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/08/queen-under-medical-supervision-at-balmoral-after-doctors-concerns |archive-date=8 September 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref> Her [[immediate family]] rushed to Balmoral.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 September 2022 |title=Queen under medical supervision as doctors are concerned for her health. Prince Charles, Camilla and Prince William are currently travelling to Balmoral, Clarence House and Kensington Palace said |url=https://news.sky.com/story/queen-under-medical-supervision-as-doctors-are-concerned-for-her-health-12692805 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908113720/https://news.sky.com/story/queen-under-medical-supervision-as-doctors-are-concerned-for-her-health-12692805 |archive-date=8 September 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |publisher=Sky News |mode=cs2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shaw |first=Neil |date=8 September 2022 |title=Duke of York, Princess Anne and Prince Edward all called to Queen's side |url=https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/duke-york-princess-anne-prince-7562410 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908161855/https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/duke-york-princess-anne-prince-7562410 |archive-date=8 September 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=Plymouth Live |mode=cs2}}</ref> She died peacefully at 15:10 [[British Summer Time|BST]] at the age of 96.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Furness |first=Hannah |date=12 January 2024 |title=King found out his mother had died while 'driving back to Balmoral from picking mushrooms' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/01/12/king-picking-mushrooms-when-told-mother-had-died/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114003842/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/01/12/king-picking-mushrooms-when-told-mother-had-died/ |archive-date=14 January 2024 |access-date=14 January 2024 |work=The Telegraph |issn=0307-1235 |mode=cs2}}</ref><ref name="COD">{{Cite news |last=Coughlan |first=Sean |date=29 September 2022 |title=Queen's cause of death given as 'old age' on death certificate |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-63078676 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001023647/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-63078676 |archive-date=1 October 2022 |access-date=29 September 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Prynn |first=Jonathan |date=9 September 2022 |title=Queen died 'with Charles and Anne by side as other royals dashed to Balmoral' |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/queen-died-charles-anne-with-her-balmoral-b1024527.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909161357/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/queen-died-charles-anne-with-her-balmoral-b1024527.html |archive-date=9 September 2022 |access-date=17 October 2022 |website=Evening Standard |mode=cs2}}</ref> Her death was announced to the public at 18:30,<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 September 2022 |title=Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II has died |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61585886 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908173314/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61585886 |archive-date=8 September 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Kottasová |first1=Ivana |last2=Picheta |first2=Rob |last3=Foster |first3=Max |last4=Said-Moorhouse |first4=Lauren |date=8 September 2022 |title=Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II dies at 96 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/08/uk/queen-health-supervision-gbr-intl/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908200025/https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/08/uk/queen-health-supervision-gbr-intl/index.html |archive-date=8 September 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |publisher=CNN |mode=cs2}}</ref> setting in motion [[Operation London Bridge]] and, because she died in Scotland, [[Operation London Bridge#Operation Unicorn|Operation Unicorn]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 September 2022 |title=Operation Unicorn: what happens after the Queen's death in Scotland? |first=Caroline |last=Davies |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/08/operation-unicorn-plans-if-queen-dies-scotland |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908172120/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/08/operation-unicorn-plans-if-queen-dies-scotland |archive-date=8 September 2022 |access-date=4 October 2022 |work=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=8 September 2022 |title="Operation Unicorn", Not "London Bridge": The Codename For Queen's Death |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/operation-unicorn-not-london-bridge-the-codename-for-queen-elizabeth-iis-death-in-scotland-3328664 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921144025/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/operation-unicorn-not-london-bridge-the-codename-for-queen-elizabeth-iis-death-in-scotland-3328664 |archive-date=21 September 2022 |access-date=4 October 2022 |publisher=[[NDTV]] |agency=Agence France-Presse |mode=cs2}}</ref> Elizabeth was the first monarch to die in Scotland since [[James&nbsp;V]] in 1542.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Silver |first=Christopher |date=13 September 2022 |title=Elizabeth, the last Queen of Scots? |url=https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/elizabeth-the-last-queen-of-scots |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913161115/https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/elizabeth-the-last-queen-of-scots |archive-date=13 September 2022 |access-date=26 September 2022 |work=[[Prospect (magazine)|Prospect]] |mode=cs2}}</ref> Her [[death certificate]] recorded her cause of death as "[[old age]]".<ref name="COD" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 September 2022 |title=Queen Elizabeth died of 'old age', death certificate says |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/29/queen-elizabeth-died-of-old-age-death-certificate-says |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204115424/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/29/queen-elizabeth-died-of-old-age-death-certificate-says |archive-date=4 December 2022 |access-date=8 December 2022 |website=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref> According to her former prime minister [[Boris Johnson]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keate |first=Noah |date=30 September 2024 |title=Boris Johnson says Queen Elizabeth II had bone cancer |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/boris-johnson-says-queen-elizabeth-ii-had-bone-cancer-uk/ |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=[[Politico]] |language=en-GB |mode=cs2}}</ref> and the biographer [[Gyles Brandreth]], she was suffering from a form of [[bone marrow cancer]], which Brandreth wrote was [[multiple myeloma]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dawson |first=Bethany |date=26 November 2022 |title=Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II was battling bone marrow cancer before she died, claims new book |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/uk-queen-elizabeth-ii-had-cancer-before-she-died-new-book-claims-2022-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302151635/https://www.businessinsider.com/uk-queen-elizabeth-ii-had-cancer-before-she-died-new-book-claims-2022-11 |archive-date=2 March 2024 |access-date=2 March 2024 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US |mode=cs2}}</ref>

On 12&nbsp;September, Elizabeth's coffin was carried up the [[Royal Mile]] in a procession to [[St&nbsp;Giles' Cathedral]], where the [[Crown of Scotland]] was placed on it.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 September 2022 |title=The quiet symbolism of the Queen's farewell to Scotland |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62887703 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923025129/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62887703 |archive-date=23 September 2022 |access-date=22 September 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> Her coffin lay at rest at the cathedral for 24 hours, guarded by the [[Royal Company of Archers]], during which around 33,000 people filed past it.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 September 2022 |title=Queen's coffin vigil in Edinburgh witnessed by 33,000 people |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-62887444 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913081145/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-62887444 |archive-date=13 September 2022 |access-date=13 September 2022 |website=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 13&nbsp;September, the coffin was flown to [[RAF Northolt]] in west London, before continuing its journey by road to Buckingham Palace.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 September 2022 |title=Plane carrying coffin of Queen Elizabeth lands in London |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/plane-carrying-coffin-queen-elizabeth-lands-london-2022-09-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607051309/https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/plane-carrying-coffin-queen-elizabeth-lands-london-2022-09-13/ |archive-date=7 June 2023 |access-date=13 September 2022 |website=Reuters |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 14&nbsp;September, her coffin was taken in a military procession to [[Westminster Hall]], where Elizabeth's body [[lay in state]] for four days. The coffin was guarded by members of both the [[Sovereign's Bodyguard]] and the [[Household Division]]. An estimated 250,000 members of the public [[Queue for the lying-in-state of Elizabeth II|filed past the coffin]], as did politicians and other public figures.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 September 2022 |title=In Photos: World Leaders Join Public to Pay Respects to Queen |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/in-photos-world-leaders-join-public-to-pay-respects-to-queen/6752358.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113010743/https://www.voanews.com/a/in-photos-world-leaders-join-public-to-pay-respects-to-queen/6752358.html |archive-date=13 January 2023 |access-date=18 September 2022 |publisher=[[Voice of America]] |mode=cs2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 September 2022 |title=At least 250,000 people lined up to see queen's coffin |url=https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-world-news-london-02d46942aed4734261b40f48571103f5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920150200/https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-world-news-london-02d46942aed4734261b40f48571103f5 |archive-date=20 September 2022 |access-date=20 September 2022 |website=AP News |mode=cs2}}</ref> On 16&nbsp;September, Elizabeth's children held [[Vigil of the Princes#Queen Elizabeth II|a vigil]] around her coffin, and the next day her eight grandchildren did the same.<ref name="secondvigil">{{Cite web |last=Therrien |first=Alex |date=16 September 2022 |title=Royals hold sombre watch over Queen's coffin |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62934405 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923001332/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62934405 |archive-date=23 September 2022 |access-date=16 September 2022 |website=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Bowden |first1=George |last2=Faulkner |first2=Doug |date=16 September 2022 |title=Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II's grandchildren to observe lying-in-state vigil |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62922194 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922122319/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62922194 |archive-date=22 September 2022 |access-date=16 September 2022 |website=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref>

[[File:Queen Elizabeth II's Funeral and Procession (19.Sep.2022) - 23.jpg|thumb|Elizabeth's coffin on the [[State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy]], during the procession to [[Wellington Arch]]]]

Elizabeth's [[State funerals in the United Kingdom|state funeral]] was held at Westminster Abbey on 19&nbsp;September, which marked the first time a monarch's funeral service was held at the Abbey since [[George II of Great Britain|George&nbsp;II]] in 1760.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A History of Royal Burials and Funerals |url=https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/history/a-history-of-royal-burials-and-funerals |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912200155/https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/history/a-history-of-royal-burials-and-funerals |archive-date=12 September 2022 |access-date=11 September 2022 |publisher=Westminster Abbey |mode=cs2}}{{Cbignore}}</ref> More than a million people lined the streets of [[central London]],<ref name="SkyN-Crowds">{{Cite news |last=Minelle |first=Bethany |date=19 September 2022 |title=Tens of thousands in London and Windsor as world says goodbye to the Queen at her funeral |url=https://news.sky.com/story/crowds-gather-in-london-and-windsor-as-world-prepares-to-say-goodbye-to-the-queen-at-her-funeral-12701321 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919090242/https://news.sky.com/story/crowds-gather-in-london-and-windsor-as-world-prepares-to-say-goodbye-to-the-queen-at-her-funeral-12701321 |archive-date=19 September 2022 |access-date=19 September 2022 |publisher=Sky News |mode=cs2}}</ref> and the day was declared a holiday in several Commonwealth countries. In Windsor, a final procession involving 1,000 military personnel took place, which 97,000 people witnessed.<ref name="BBC News-2022">{{Cite news |date=19 September 2022 |title=Your complete guide to the Queen's funeral |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60617519 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909001318/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60617519 |archive-date=9 September 2022 |access-date=19 September 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref><ref name="SkyN-Crowds" /> Elizabeth's [[fell pony]] and two [[royal corgis]] stood at the side of the procession.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heald |first=Claire |date=19 September 2022 |title=Queen's corgis and pony wait at Windsor Castle as coffin approaches |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62961120 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924014502/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62961120 |archive-date=24 September 2022 |access-date=19 September 2022 |website=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> After a committal service at [[St&nbsp;George's Chapel, Windsor Castle]], Elizabeth's body was interred with her husband Philip's in the [[King George VI Memorial Chapel]] later the same day, in a private ceremony attended by her closest family members.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 September 2022 |title=Family say final goodbye as Queen buried next to Philip |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-62892350 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919001031/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-62892350 |archive-date=19 September 2022 |access-date=19 September 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref><ref name="BBC News-2022" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hunter |first=Sophie |date=19 September 2022 |title=The State Funeral for Her Majesty The Queen |url=https://www.royal.uk/state-funeral-her-majesty-queen-0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925015510/https://www.royal.uk/state-funeral-her-majesty-queen-0 |archive-date=25 September 2022 |access-date=19 September 2022 |work=The Royal Family |publisher=The Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=State Funeral for Her Majesty The Queen |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN2vT_jpW1o |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220918203110/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=TN2vT_jpW1o |archive-date=18 September 2022 |access-date=19 September 2022 |publisher=The Royal Family |via=YouTube |mode=cs2}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
{{Main|Personality and image of Elizabeth&nbsp;II}}

=== Beliefs, activities, and interests ===
[[File:Queen Elizabeth II - 1974 Royal Tour of NZ - Oamaru with Mayor Bill Laney (4).jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|Patting a dog in New Zealand, 1974]]

Elizabeth rarely gave interviews, and little was known of her political opinions, which she did not express explicitly in public. It is against convention to ask or reveal the monarch's views. When ''Times'' journalist [[Paul Routledge]] asked her about the [[miners' strike of 1984–85]] during a royal tour of the newspaper's offices, she replied that it was "all about one man" (a reference to [[Arthur Scargill]]),<ref name="BBCRoutledge1999">{{Cite news |last=Walton |first=John |date=16 January 1999 |title=The author of political scandal |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/255159.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218235624/https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/255159.stm |archive-date=18 December 2022 |access-date=19 November 2022 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> with which Routledge disagreed.{{Sfn|ps=none|Routledge|1994|page=xiii}} Routledge was widely criticised in the media for asking the question and claimed that he was unaware of the protocols.{{Sfn|ps=none|Routledge|1994|page=xiii}} After the [[2014 Scottish independence referendum]], Prime Minister [[David Cameron]] was overheard saying that Elizabeth was pleased with the outcome.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dominiczak |first=Peter |date=24 September 2014 |title=David Cameron: I'm extremely sorry for saying Queen 'purred' over Scottish Independence vote |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/queen-elizabeth-II/11120146/David-Cameron-Im-extremely-sorry-for-saying-Queen-purred-over-Scottish-Independence-vote.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220109050127/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/queen-elizabeth-II/11120146/David-Cameron-Im-extremely-sorry-for-saying-Queen-purred-over-Scottish-Independence-vote.html |archive-date=9 January 2022 |access-date=8 October 2018 |work=The Telegraph |mode=cs2}}{{Cbignore}}</ref> She had arguably issued a public coded statement about the referendum by telling one woman outside Balmoral Kirk that she hoped people would think "very carefully" about the outcome. It emerged later that Cameron had specifically requested that she register her concern.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quinn |first=Ben |date=19 September 2019 |title=David Cameron sought intervention from Queen on Scottish independence |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/19/david-cameron-sought-intervention-from-queen-on-scottish-independence |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107212310/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/19/david-cameron-sought-intervention-from-queen-on-scottish-independence |archive-date=7 November 2021 |access-date=16 October 2022 |website=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref>

Elizabeth had a deep sense of religious and [[civic duty]], and took her [[Coronation Oath]] seriously.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |date=19 April 2006 |title=Queen 'will do her job for life' |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4921120.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208145900/https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4921120.stm |archive-date=8 December 2008 |access-date=4 February 2007 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}; | {{Harvnb|Shawcross|2002|pp=194–195}}}}</ref> Aside from her [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom#Religious role|official religious role]] as [[supreme governor]] of the [[State religion|established]] Church of England, she worshipped with that church and with the national [[Church of Scotland]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 February 2010 |title=Our structure |url=https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about-us/our-structure |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125192732/https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about-us/our-structure |archive-date=25 January 2020 |access-date=23 April 2022 |publisher=Church of Scotland |mode=cs2}}</ref> She demonstrated support for [[inter-faith]] relations and met with leaders of other churches and religions, including five popes: [[Pius&nbsp;XII]], [[John&nbsp;XXIII]], [[John Paul&nbsp;II]], [[Benedict&nbsp;XVI]] and [[Pope Francis|Francis]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 April 2014 |title=Queen meets Pope Francis at the Vatican |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26867032 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170528055839/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26867032 |archive-date=28 May 2017 |access-date=28 March 2017 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref> A personal note about her faith often featured in her annual [[Christmas Message]] broadcast to the Commonwealth. In 2000, she said:<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |last=Fisher |first=Connie |date=25 December 2000 |title=Christmas Broadcast 2000 |url=https://www.royal.uk/christmas-broadcast-2000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507175203/https://www.royal.uk/christmas-broadcast-2000 |archive-date=7 May 2016 |access-date=18 April 2016 |work=The Royal Family |publisher=The Royal Household |ref=none |mode=cs2}}; | {{Harvnb|Shawcross|2002|pp=236–237}}}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|To many of us, our beliefs are of fundamental importance. For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ's words and example.}}

Elizabeth was [[patron]] of more than 600 organisations and charities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 September 2014 |title=About The Patron's Lunch |url=https://www.thepatronslunch.com/about-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317233039/https://www.thepatronslunch.com/about-2 |archive-date=17 March 2016 |access-date=28 April 2016 |publisher=The Patron's Lunch |mode=cs2}}</ref> The [[Charities Aid Foundation]] estimated that Elizabeth helped raise over £1.4&nbsp;billion for her patronages during her reign.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hodge |first=Kate |date=11 June 2012 |title=The Queen has done more for charity than any other monarch in history |url=https://www.theguardian.com/voluntary-sector-network/2012/jun/11/queen-charitable-support |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210222170933/https://www.theguardian.com/voluntary-sector-network/2012/jun/11/queen-charitable-support |archive-date=22 February 2021 |access-date=25 February 2021 |work=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref> Her main leisure interests included [[Horses of Elizabeth II|equestrianism]] and dogs, especially her [[Pembroke Welsh Corgi]]s.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Fact files: 80 facts about The Queen |url=https://www.royal.gov.uk/LatestNewsandDiary/Factfiles/80factsaboutTheQueen.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090321215851/https://www.royal.gov.uk/LatestNewsandDiary/Factfiles/80factsaboutTheQueen.aspx |archive-date=21 March 2009 |access-date=20 June 2010 |publisher=The Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref> Her lifelong love of corgis began in 1933 with [[Dookie (dog)|Dookie]], the first of many royal corgis.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Harvnb|Bush|2007|page=115}}; | {{Cite news |last=Pierce |first=Andrew |date=1 October 2007 |title=Hug for Queen Elizabeth's first corgi |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1564705/Hug-for-Queen-Elizabeths-first-corgi.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/dzjXo |archive-date=10 January 2022 |access-date=21 September 2012 |work=The Telegraph |ref=none |mode=cs2}}{{Cbignore}}}}</ref> Scenes of a relaxed, informal home life were occasionally witnessed; she and her family, from time to time, prepared a meal together and washed the dishes afterwards.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Delacourt |first=Susan |date=25 May 2012 |title=When the Queen is your boss |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/world/royals/2012/05/25/when_the_queen_is_your_boss.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130307084753/https://www.thestar.com/news/world/royals/2012/05/25/when_the_queen_is_your_boss.html |archive-date=7 March 2013 |access-date=27 May 2012 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |mode=cs2}}</ref>

=== Media depiction and public opinion ===
In the 1950s, as a young woman at the start of her reign, Elizabeth was depicted as a glamorous "fairytale Queen".{{Sfn|ps=none|Bond|2006|p=22}} After the trauma of the Second World War, it was a time of hope, a period of progress and achievement heralding a "new [[Elizabethan age]]".{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=35|Pimlott|2001|2p=180|Roberts|2000|3p=82|Shawcross|2002|4p=50}} Lord Altrincham's accusation in 1957 that her speeches sounded like those of a "[[prig]]gish schoolgirl" was an extremely rare criticism.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=35|Pimlott|2001|2p=280|Shawcross|2002|3p=76}} In the late 1960s, attempts to portray a more modern image of the monarchy were made in the television documentary ''[[Royal Family (film)|Royal Family]]'' and by televising [[Prince Charles's investiture as Prince of Wales]].{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1pp=66–67, 84, 87–89|Bradford|2012|2pp=160–163|Hardman|2011|3pp=22, 210–213|Lacey|2002|4pp=222–226|Marr|2011|5p=237|Pimlott|2001|6pp=378–392|Roberts|2000|7pp=84–86}} Elizabeth also instituted other new practices; her first royal walkabout, meeting ordinary members of the public, took place during a tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1970.{{Sfn|ps=none|Hardman|2011|pp=213–214}} Her wardrobe developed a recognisable, signature style driven more by function than fashion.{{Sfn|ps=none|Hardman|2011|p=41}} In public, she took to wearing mostly solid-colour [[overcoat]]s and decorative hats, allowing her to be seen easily in a crowd.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cartner-Morley |first=Jess |date=10 May 2007 |title=Elizabeth&nbsp;II, belated follower of fashion |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/may/10/monarchy.jesscartnermorleyonfashion |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107225041/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/may/10/monarchy.jesscartnermorleyonfashion |archive-date=7 November 2021 |access-date=5 September 2011 |work=The Guardian |mode=cs2}}</ref> By the end of her reign, nearly one third of Britons had seen or met Elizabeth in person.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Matthew |date=17 May 2018 |title=Almost a third of the country has seen or met the Queen in real life |url=https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2018/05/17/almost-third-country-has-seen-or-met-queen-real-li |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418013300/https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2018/05/17/almost-third-country-has-seen-or-met-queen-real-li |archive-date=18 April 2021 |access-date=11 August 2023 |publisher=[[YouGov]] |mode=cs2}}</ref>

At Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee in 1977, the crowds and celebrations were genuinely enthusiastic;{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=97|Bradford|2012|2p=189|Pimlott|2001|3pp=449–450|Roberts|2000|4p=87|Shawcross|2002|5pp=1114–117}} but, in the 1980s, public criticism of the royal family increased, as the personal and working lives of Elizabeth's children came under media scrutiny.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=117|Roberts|2000|2p=91}} Her popularity sank to a low point in the 1990s. Under pressure from public opinion, she began to pay income tax for the first time, and Buckingham Palace was opened to the public.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=134|Pimlott|2001|2pp=556–561, 570}} Although support for [[republicanism in Britain]] seemed higher than at any time in living memory, republican ideology was still a minority viewpoint, and Elizabeth herself had high approval ratings.<ref>{{Multiref|MORI poll for ''[[The Independent]]'' newspaper, March 1996, quoted in | {{Harvnb|Pimlott|2001|p=578}}; | {{Cite news |last=O'Sullivan |first=Jack |date=5 March 1996 |title=Watch out, the Roundheads are back |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/watch-out-the-roundheads-are-back-1340396.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212013603/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/watch-out-the-roundheads-are-back-1340396.html |archive-date=12 December 2012 |access-date=17 September 2011 |work=[[The Independent]] |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref> Criticism was focused on the institution of the monarchy itself, and the conduct of Elizabeth's wider family, rather than her own behaviour and actions.{{Sfn|ps=none|Pimlott|2001|p=578}} Discontent with the monarchy reached its peak on the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, although Elizabeth's personal popularity—as well as general support for the monarchy—rebounded after her live television broadcast to the world five days after Diana's death.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Bond|2006|1p=134|Pimlott|2001|2pp=624–625}}

[[File:Queen in Brisbane 1982.jpg|thumb|left|In [[Brisbane]], Australia, 1982]]
In November 1999, [[1999 Australian republic referendum|a referendum in Australia]] on the future of the [[Australian monarchy]] favoured its retention in preference to an indirectly elected head of state.{{Sfnm|ps=none|Hardman|2011|1p=310|Lacey|2002|2p=387|Roberts|2000|3p=101|Shawcross|2002|4p=218}} Many republicans credited Elizabeth's personal popularity with the survival of the monarchy in Australia. In 2010, Prime Minister [[Julia Gillard]] noted that there was a "deep affection" for Elizabeth in Australia and that another referendum on the monarchy should wait until after her reign.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 August 2010 |title=Australia's PM says Elizabeth&nbsp;II should be country's last British monarch |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/aug/17/australia-leader-queen-last-monarch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027023347/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/aug/17/australia-leader-queen-last-monarch |archive-date=27 October 2022 |access-date=16 October 2022 |work=The Guardian |location=Canberra |agency=Associated Press |mode=cs2}}</ref> Gillard's successor, [[Malcolm Turnbull]], who led the republican campaign in 1999, similarly believed that Australians would not vote to become a republic in her lifetime.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ireland |first=Judith |date=15 July 2017 |title=We're all Elizabethans now: When Malcolm Turnbull met the monarch |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/were-all-elizabethans-now-when-malcolm-turnbull-met-the-monarch-20170713-gxa796.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701064241/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/were-all-elizabethans-now-when-malcolm-turnbull-met-the-monarch-20170713-gxa796.html |archive-date=1 July 2021 |access-date=16 October 2022 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |mode=cs2}}</ref> "She's been an extraordinary head of state", Turnbull said in 2021, "and I think frankly, in Australia, there are more Elizabethans than there are monarchists."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lagan |first=Bernard |date=9 March 2021 |title=Australians in new push to break royal links after Meghan and Harry interview |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/royal-family/article/sussexes-interview-leads-to-renewed-push-in-australia-to-break-royal-links-p3cbhdc7k |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202052213/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sussexes-interview-leads-to-renewed-push-in-australia-to-break-royal-links-p3cbhdc7k |archive-date=2 December 2021 |access-date=16 October 2022 |website=[[The Times]] |mode=cs2 |location=Sydney}}</ref> Similarly, referendums in both [[2008 Tuvaluan constitutional referendum|Tuvalu in 2008]] and [[2009 Vincentian constitutional referendum|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 2009]] saw voters reject proposals to become republics.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 November 2009 |title=Vincies vote 'No' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/caribbean/news/story/2009/11/091126_nib.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010073408/https://www.bbc.co.uk/caribbean/news/story/2009/11/091126_nib.shtml |archive-date=10 October 2021 |access-date=26 November 2009 |work=BBC News |mode=cs2}}</ref>

Polls in Britain in 2006 and 2007 revealed strong support for the monarchy,<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite web |date=April 2006 |title=Monarchy poll |url=https://www.ipsos-mori.com/researchpublications/researcharchive/378/Monarchy-Poll-April-2006.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123163103/https://www.ipsos.com/ipsos-mori/en-uk/monarchy-poll-april-2006 |archive-date=23 January 2021 |access-date=22 March 2015 |publisher=[[Ipsos MORI]] |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite web |date=16 December 2007 |title=Monarchy Survey |url=https://populuslimited.com/uploads/download_pdf-160108-The-Discovery-Channel-Monarchy-Survey.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511201056/https://populuslimited.com/uploads/download_pdf-160108-The-Discovery-Channel-Monarchy-Survey.pdf |archive-date=11 May 2011 |access-date=17 August 2010 |publisher=[[Populus Ltd]] |page=9 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |date=28 December 2007 |title=Poll respondents back UK monarchy |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7162649.stm |url-status=live |access-date=17 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208182109/https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7162649.stm |archive-date=8 February 2012 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref> and in 2012, Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee year, her approval ratings hit 90 per cent.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 May 2016 |title=Monarchy/Royal Family Trends&nbsp;– Satisfaction with the Queen |url=https://www.ipsos.com/ipsos-mori/en-uk/monarchyroyal-family-trends-satisfaction-queen |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123163208/https://www.ipsos.com/ipsos-mori/en-uk/monarchyroyal-family-trends-satisfaction-queen |archive-date=23 January 2021 |access-date=19 September 2017 |publisher=Ipsos MORI |mode=cs2}}</ref> Her family came under scrutiny again in the last few years of her life due to her son Andrew's association with convicted sex offenders [[Jeffrey Epstein]] and [[Ghislaine Maxwell]], [[Virginia Giuffre v. Prince Andrew|his lawsuit]] with [[Virginia Giuffre]] amidst accusations of sexual impropriety, and her grandson Harry and his wife [[Meghan, Duchess of Sussex|Meghan]]'s [[Megxit|exit from the working royal family]] and subsequent move to the United States.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite news |last=Mills |first=Rhiannon |date=7 September 2019 |title=Epstein, Andrew and private jets: The royals have had a tumultuous summer |url=https://news.sky.com/story/epstein-andrew-and-private-jets-the-royals-have-had-a-tumultuous-summer-11803972 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923210841/https://news.sky.com/story/epstein-andrew-and-private-jets-the-royals-have-had-a-tumultuous-summer-11803972 |archive-date=23 September 2021 |access-date=26 September 2021 |publisher=Sky News |ref=none |mode=cs2}}; | {{Cite news |last1=Gallagher |first1=Sophie |last2=Hall |first2=Harriet |date=19 May 2021 |title=How the couple who were supposed to 'modernise the monarchy' turned their backs on it |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/harry-meghan-megxit-royal-family-b1849947.html |url-status=live |access-date=27 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927133622/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/harry-meghan-megxit-royal-family-b1849947.html |archive-date=27 September 2021 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref> Polling in Great Britain during the Platinum Jubilee, however, showed support for maintaining the monarchy<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite web |last1=Skinner |first1=Giden |last2=Garrett |first2=Cameron |date=11 January 2022 |title=Three in five favour Britain remaining a monarchy, although support falls from 2012 peak as more become uncertain |url=https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/three-five-favour-britain-remaining-monarchy-although-support-falls-2012-peak-more-become-0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712192545/https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/three-five-favour-britain-remaining-monarchy-although-support-falls-2012-peak-more-become-0 |archive-date=12 July 2022 |access-date=26 July 2022 |publisher=[[Ipsos]] |ref=none |mode=cs2}};|{{Cite web |title=Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II |url=https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/explore/public_figure/Queen_Elizabeth_II |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914104959/https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/explore/public_figure/Queen_Elizabeth_II |archive-date=14 September 2022 |access-date=26 July 2022 |publisher=YouGov |ref=none |mode=cs2}};|{{Cite web |last=Kirk |first=Isabelle |date=1 June 2022 |title=Platinum Jubilee: where does public opinion stand on the monarchy? |url=https://yougov.co.uk/topics/lifestyle/articles-reports/2022/06/01/platinum-jubilee-where-does-public-opinion-stand-m |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602071842/https://yougov.co.uk/topics/lifestyle/articles-reports/2022/06/01/platinum-jubilee-where-does-public-opinion-stand-m |archive-date=2 June 2022 |access-date=26 July 2022 |publisher=YouGov |ref=none |mode=cs2}};|{{Cite news |last=Ship |first=Chris |date=2 June 2022 |title=Poll: Dramatic decline in support for monarchy in decade since Diamond Jubilee |work=ITV News |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2022-06-01/poll-dramatic-decline-in-support-for-monarchy-in-decade-since-diamond-jubilee |url-status=live |access-date=26 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722205309/https://www.itv.com/news/2022-06-01/poll-dramatic-decline-in-support-for-monarchy-in-decade-since-diamond-jubilee |archive-date=22 July 2022 |ref=none |mode=cs2}};|{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Matthew |date=13 September 2022 |title=How have Britons reacted to Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II's death? |url=https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2022/09/13/how-have-britons-reacted-queen-elizabeth-iis-death |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011172024/https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2022/09/13/how-have-britons-reacted-queen-elizabeth-iis-death |archive-date=11 October 2022 |access-date=12 October 2022 |publisher=YouGov |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref> and Elizabeth's personal popularity remained strong.<ref>{{Multiref|{{Cite web |last1=Beaver |first1=Kelly |last2=Skinner |first2=Gideon |last3=Garrett |first3=Cameron |date=30 May 2022 |title=The Queen remains the nations' favourite royal as the public associate her with tradition and a positive symbol of Britain at home and abroad |url=https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/queen-remains-nations-favourite-royal-public-associate-her-tradition-and-positive-symbol-britain |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920170513/https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/queen-remains-nations-favourite-royal-public-associate-her-tradition-and-positive-symbol-britain |archive-date=20 September 2022 |access-date=4 October 2022 |publisher=Ipsos |ref=none |mode=cs2}};
|{{Cite web |last=Kirk |first=Isabelle |date=1 June 2022 |title=Platinum Jubilee: where does public opinion stand on the monarchy? |url=https://yougov.co.uk/topics/society/articles-reports/2022/06/01/platinum-jubilee-where-does-public-opinion-stand-m |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004013402/https://yougov.co.uk/topics/society/articles-reports/2022/06/01/platinum-jubilee-where-does-public-opinion-stand-m |archive-date=4 October 2022 |access-date=4 October 2022 |publisher=YouGov |ref=none |mode=cs2}};
|{{Cite web |last=Ibbetson |first=Connor |date=31 May 2022 |title=Platinum Jubilee: how popular are the royals? |url=https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2022/05/31/platinum-jubilee-how-popular-are-royals |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002063147/https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2022/05/31/platinum-jubilee-how-popular-are-royals |archive-date=2 October 2022 |access-date=4 October 2022 |publisher=YouGov |ref=none |mode=cs2}};
|{{Cite web |date=March 2022 |title=IPSOS Attitudes to the Royal Family |url=https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default/files/ct/news/documents/2022-04/Ipsos_Attitudes_to_the_Royals_poll_040422_PUBLIC.pdf |publisher=Ipsos |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516095425/https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default/files/ct/news/documents/2022-04/Ipsos_Attitudes_to_the_Royals_poll_040422_PUBLIC.pdf |archive-date=16 May 2022 |access-date=20 May 2022 |mode=cs2}};
|{{Cite web |last=Merrick |first=Jane |date=2 June 2022 |title=Half of Britons won't be celebrating Platinum Jubilee and think Royal Family is out of touch |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/platinum-jubilee-queen-half-britons-wont-celebrate-royal-family-out-of-touch-poll-1665587 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929062055/https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/platinum-jubilee-queen-half-britons-wont-celebrate-royal-family-out-of-touch-poll-1665587 |archive-date=29 September 2022 |access-date=4 October 2022 |website=[[i (British newspaper)|i]] |ref=none |mode=cs2}};
|{{Cite web |date=30 May 2022 |title=Sky high public approval for the Queen ahead of Platinum Jubilee |url=https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/sky-high-public-approval-for-the-queen-ahead-of-platinum-jubilee |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909081309/https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/sky-high-public-approval-for-the-queen-ahead-of-platinum-jubilee |archive-date=9 September 2022 |access-date=4 October 2022 |publisher=Ipsos |mode=cs2}};
|{{Cite web |title=Has the Queen done a good job during her time on the throne? |url=https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/trackers/has-the-queen-done-a-good-job-during-her-time-on-the-throne |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924045039/https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/trackers/has-the-queen-done-a-good-job-during-her-time-on-the-throne |archive-date=24 September 2022 |access-date=4 October 2022 |publisher=YouGov |mode=cs2}}}}</ref> As of 2021 she remained the third [[most admired woman]] in the world according to the annual [[Gallup poll]], her 52 appearances on the list meaning she had been in the top ten more than any other woman in the poll's history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Matthew |date=14 December 2021 |title=World's most admired 2021 |url=https://today.yougov.com/topics/international/articles-reports/2021/12/13/worlds-most-admired-2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418180803/https://today.yougov.com/topics/international/articles-reports/2021/12/13/worlds-most-admired-2021 |archive-date=18 April 2022 |access-date=14 December 2021 |website=YouGov America |mode=cs2}}</ref>

Elizabeth was portrayed in a variety of media by many notable artists, including painters [[Pietro Annigoni]], [[Peter Blake (artist)|Peter Blake]], [[Chinwe Chukwuogo-Roy]], [[Terence Cuneo]], [[Lucian Freud]], [[Rolf Harris]], [[Damien Hirst]], [[Juliet Pannett]] and [[Tai-Shan Schierenberg]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Riley |first=Ben |date=12 February 2016 |title=Revealed: Damien Hirst's only portrait of the Queen found in government archives |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/queen-elizabeth-II/12155026/Revealed-Damien-Hirsts-only-portrait-of-the-Queen-found-in-government-archives.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/hcSiV |archive-date=10 January 2022 |access-date=10 September 2016 |work=The Telegraph |mode=cs2}}{{Cbignore}}</ref><ref name="NPG1">{{Cite web |title=Elizabeth&nbsp;II |url=https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person.php?sort=dateAsc&LinkID=mp01454&displayNo=60&displayStyle=thumb&wPage=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203023806/https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person.php?sort=dateAsc&LinkID=mp01454&displayNo=60&displayStyle=thumb&wPage=0 |archive-date=3 December 2013 |access-date=22 June 2013 |publisher=[[National Portrait Gallery, London|National Portrait Gallery]] |mode=cs2}}</ref> Notable photographers of Elizabeth included [[Cecil Beaton]], [[Yousuf Karsh]], [[Anwar Hussein (photographer)|Anwar Hussein]], [[Annie Leibovitz]], [[Patrick Anson, 5th Earl of Lichfield|Lord Lichfield]], [[Terry O'Neill (photographer)|Terry O'Neill]], [[John Swannell (photographer)|John Swannell]] and [[Dorothy Wilding]]. The first official [[portrait photograph]] of Elizabeth was taken by [[Marcus Adams (photographer)|Marcus Adams]] in 1926.<ref name="NPG">{{Cite web |title=Marcus Adams |url=https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person/mp04999/marcus-adams?role=art |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115011943/https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/person/mp04999/marcus-adams?role=art |archive-date=15 January 2013 |access-date=20 April 2013 |publisher=National Portrait Gallery |mode=cs2}}</ref>

== Titles, styles, honours, and arms ==
{{Main|List of titles and honours of Elizabeth&nbsp;II}}
{{Multiple image
| width    = 150
| perrow   = 1/1
| image1   = Royal Cypher of Queen Elizabeth II.svg
| caption1 = [[Royal cypher]] of Elizabeth&nbsp;II, surmounted by [[St&nbsp;Edward's Crown]]
| image2   = Personal flag of Queen Elizabeth II.svg
| caption2 = Personal flag of Elizabeth&nbsp;II
}}

=== Titles and styles <span class="anchor" id="Royal cypher"></span> ===
Elizabeth held many titles and honorary military positions throughout [[the Commonwealth]], was sovereign of many orders in her own countries and received honours and awards from around the world. In each of her realms, she had a distinct title that follows a similar formula: ''Queen of Saint Lucia and of Her other Realms and Territories'' in [[Monarchy of Saint Lucia|Saint Lucia]], ''Queen of Australia and Her other Realms and Territories'' in Australia, etc. She was also styled ''[[Defender of the Faith]]''.

=== Arms ===
{{See also|Flags of Elizabeth&nbsp;II}}
From 21&nbsp;April 1944 until her accession, Elizabeth's arms consisted of a [[Lozenge (heraldry)|lozenge]] bearing the [[royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom]] differenced with a [[Label (heraldry)|label]] of three points [[argent]], the centre point bearing a [[Tudor rose]] and the first and third a [[cross of Saint George]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coat of Arms: Her Royal Highness The Princess Elizabeth |url=https://ltgov.bc.ca/lg/honours-awards/heraldry/shields/PrincessElizabeth1951.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106035558/https://ltgov.bc.ca/lg/honours-awards/heraldry/shields/PrincessElizabeth1951.htm |archive-date=6 November 2013 |access-date=6 April 2013 |publisher=[[Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia]] |mode=cs2}}</ref> Upon her accession, she inherited the various arms her father held as sovereign, with a subsequently modified representation of the crown. Elizabeth also possessed [[Heraldic banner|royal standards]] and personal flags for use [[Royal Standard of the United Kingdom|in the United Kingdom]], [[Royal standards of Canada|Canada]], [[Queen's Personal Australian Flag|Australia]], [[Queen's Personal New Zealand Flag|New Zealand]], [[Queen's Personal Jamaican Flag|Jamaica]], and elsewhere.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Berry |first=Ciara |date=15 January 2016 |title=Personal Flags |url=https://www.royal.uk/personal-flags |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507180249/https://www.royal.uk/personal-flags |archive-date=7 May 2016 |access-date=18 April 2016 |work=The Royal Family |publisher=The Royal Household |mode=cs2}}</ref>

{{image frame|align=center|border=no|caption=|content=
<gallery class="thumbcaption" mode="packed" style="display:flex; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:0; padding-bottom:0; padding-left:0; text-align:left;">
Coat of Arms of Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh (1947-1952).svg|Coat of arms as [[Duchess of Edinburgh]] (1947–1952)
Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom (St. Edward's Crown).svg|[[Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom]]
Coat of arms of the United Kingdom in Scotland.svg|[[Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom for use in Scotland]]
Royal Coat of Arms of Canada.svg|[[Royal coat of arms of Canada]]
</gallery>
|mode=scrollable|max-width=700
}}

== Issue ==
{{Clear}}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="col" | Name
! rowspan="2" scope="col" | Birth
! colspan="2" scope="col" | Marriage
! rowspan="2" scope="col" | Children
! rowspan="2" scope="col" | Grandchildren
|-
! scope="col" | Date
! scope="col" | Spouse
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row" | [[Charles&nbsp;III]]
| rowspan="3" | {{Birth date and age|1948|11|14|df=yes}}
| rowspan="2" | 29&nbsp;July 1981 {{smalldiv|Divorced 28&nbsp;August 1996}}
| rowspan="2" | [[Lady Diana Spencer]]
| [[William, Prince of Wales]]
| {{Ubli|[[Prince George of Wales]]|[[Princess Charlotte of Wales (born 2015)|Princess Charlotte of Wales]]|[[Prince Louis of Wales]]}}
|-
| [[Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex]]
| {{Ubli|[[Prince Archie of Sussex]]|[[Princess Lilibet of Sussex]]}}
|-
| 9&nbsp;April 2005
| [[Camilla Parker Bowles]]
| colspan="2" {{N/A|None}}
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row" | [[Anne, Princess Royal]]
| rowspan="3" | {{Birth date and age|1950|8|15|df=yes}}
| rowspan="2" | 14&nbsp;November 1973 {{smalldiv|Divorced 23&nbsp;April 1992}}
| rowspan="2" | [[Mark Phillips]]
| [[Peter Phillips]]
| {{Ubli|Savannah Phillips|Isla Phillips}}
|-
| [[Zara Tindall]]
| {{Ubli|Mia Tindall|Lena Tindall|Lucas Tindall}}
|-
| 12&nbsp;December 1992
| [[Timothy Laurence]]
| colspan="2" {{N/A|None}}
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | [[Prince Andrew, Duke of York]]
| rowspan="2" | {{Birth date and age|1960|2|19|df=yes}}
| rowspan="2" | 23&nbsp;July 1986 {{smalldiv|Divorced 30&nbsp;May 1996}}
| rowspan="2" | [[Sarah Ferguson]]
| [[Princess Beatrice, Mrs Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi]]
| {{Ubli|Sienna Mapelli Mozzi|Athena Mapelli Mozzi}}
|-
| [[Princess Eugenie, Mrs Jack Brooksbank]]
| {{Ubli|August Brooksbank|Ernest Brooksbank}}
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | [[Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh]]
| rowspan="2" | {{Birth date and age|1964|03|10|df=yes}}
| rowspan="2" | 19&nbsp;June 1999
| rowspan="2" | [[Sophie Rhys-Jones]]
| [[Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor]]
| {{N/A|None}}
|-
| [[James Mountbatten-Windsor, Earl of Wessex]]
| {{N/A|None}}
|}

== Ancestry ==
{{See also|Royal descendants of Queen Victoria and of King Christian&nbsp;IX}}

{{Ahnentafel
|align=center
|collapsed=yes
|ref=<ref>{{Multiref|{{Harvnb|Louda|Maclagan|1999|page=34}}; | {{Harvnb|Montgomery-Massingberd|1973|pages=252, 293, 307}}; | {{Cite journal |last=Wagner |first=A. R. |author-link=Anthony Wagner |year=1940 |title=Some of the Sixty-four Ancestors of Her Majesty the Queen |journal=Genealogist's Magazine |volume=9 |issue=1 |pages=7–13 |ref=none |mode=cs2}}}}</ref>
|boxstyle_1=background-color: #fcc;
|boxstyle_2=background-color: #fb9;
|boxstyle_3=background-color: #ffc;
|boxstyle_4=background-color: #bfc;
|1= 1. '''Elizabeth&nbsp;II of the United Kingdom'''
|2= 2. [[George&nbsp;VI of the United Kingdom]]
|3= 3. [[Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon]]
|4= 4. [[George&nbsp;V of the United Kingdom]]
|5= 5. [[Princess Mary of Teck]]
|6= 6. [[Claude Bowes-Lyon, 14th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne]]
|7= 7. [[Cecilia Cavendish-Bentinck]]
|8= 8. [[Edward&nbsp;VII of the United Kingdom]]
|9= 9. [[Princess Alexandra of Denmark]]
|10= 10. [[Francis, Duke of Teck]]
|11= 11. [[Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge]]
|12= 12. [[Claude Bowes-Lyon, 13th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne]]
|13= 13. [[Frances Bowes-Lyon, Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne|Frances Smith]]
|14= 14. [[Charles Cavendish-Bentinck]]
|15= 15. [[Louisa Cavendish-Bentinck|Louisa Burnaby]]
}}

== See also ==
* [[Finances of the British royal family]]
* [[Household of Elizabeth&nbsp;II]]
* [[List of things named after Elizabeth&nbsp;II]]
* [[List of jubilees of Elizabeth&nbsp;II]]
* [[List of special addresses made by Elizabeth&nbsp;II]]
* [[Royal eponyms in Canada]]
* [[List of covers of Time magazine (1920s)|List of covers of ''Time'' magazine {{text|(|1920s}}]], [[List of covers of Time magazine (1940s)|1940s]], [[List of covers of Time magazine (1950s)|1950s]], [[List of covers of Time magazine (2010s)|2010s)]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist|30em}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{Cite book |last=Bedell Smith |first=Sally |author-link=Sally Bedell Smith |title=Elizabeth the Queen: The Woman Behind the Throne |date=2017 |publisher=Penguin Books |isbn=978-1-4059-3216-5 |mode=cs2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Bond |first=Jennie |author-link=Jennie Bond |url=https://archive.org/details/elizabetheightyg0000bond |title=Elizabeth: Eighty Glorious Years |date=2006 |publisher=Carlton Publishing Group |isbn=1-8444-2260-7 |mode=cs2 |url-access=registration}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Bousfield |first1=Arthur |url=https://archive.org/details/fiftyyearsqueent0000bous |title=Fifty Years the Queen |last2=Toffoli |first2=Gary |date=2002 |publisher=Dundurn Press |isbn=978-1-5500-2360-2 |mode=cs2 |url-access=registration}}
* {{Cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |author-link=Sarah Bradford |title=Elizabeth: A Biography of Her Majesty the Queen |date=2002 |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0-1419-3333-7 |edition=2nd |mode=cs2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Bradford |first=Sarah |url=https://archive.org/details/queenelizabethhe0000brad |title=Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II: Her Life in Our Times |date=2012 |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0-6709-1911-6 |mode=cs2 |url-access=registration}}
* {{Cite book |last=Brandreth |first=Gyles |author-link=Gyles Brandreth |url=https://archive.org/details/philipelizabeth0000bran |title=Philip and Elizabeth: Portrait of a Marriage |date=2004 |publisher=Century |isbn=0-7126-6103-4 |mode=cs2 |url-access=registration}}
* {{Cite book |last=Briggs |first=Asa |author-link=Asa Briggs |title=The History of Broadcasting in the United Kingdom |date=1995 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=0-1921-2967-8 |volume=4 |mode=cs2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Bush |first=Karen |url=https://archive.org/details/everythingdogsex0001bush |title=Everything Dogs Expect You to Know |date=2007 |publisher=New Holland |isbn=978-1-8453-7954-4 |location=London |mode=cs2 |url-access=registration}}
* {{Cite book |last=Campbell |first=John |author-link=John Campbell (biographer) |title=Margaret Thatcher: The Iron Lady |date=2003 |publisher=Jonathan Cape |isbn=0-2240-6156-9 |mode=cs2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Crawford |first=Marion |author-link=Marion Crawford |title=The Little Princesses |date=1950 |publisher=Cassell & Co. |mode=cs2}}
* {{Cite book |title=The BBC Book of Royal Memories: 1947–1990 |publisher=BBC Books |year=1991 |isbn=978-0-5633-6008-7 |editor-last=Elliot |editor-first=Caroline |ref={{Harvid|BBC Books|1991}} |mode=cs2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Hardman |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Hardman |url=https://archive.org/details/ourqueen0000hard_t3g5 |title=Our Queen |date=2011 |publisher=Hutchinson |isbn=978-0-0919-3689-1 |mode=cs2 |url-access=registration}}
* {{Cite book |last=Hardman |first=Robert |title=Queen of the World |publisher=Penguin Random House |year=2019 |isbn=978-1-7808-9818-6 |mode=cs2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Heald |first=Tim |author-link=Tim Heald |url=https://archive.org/details/princessmargaret0000heal_n5q7 |title=Princess Margaret: A Life Unravelled |date=2007 |publisher=Weidenfeld & Nicolson |isbn=978-0-2978-4820-2 |mode=cs2 |url-access=registration}}
* {{Cite book |last=Hoey |first=Brian |url=https://archive.org/details/hermajestyfiftyr0000hoey_y9q3 |title=Her Majesty: Fifty Regal Years |date=2002 |publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=0-0065-3136-9 |mode=cs2 |url-access=registration}}
* {{Cite book |last=Hoey |first=Brian |title=Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II: Platinum Jubilee Celebration: 70 Years: 1952–2022 |publisher=Rizzoli |year=2022 |isbn=978-1-8416-5939-8 |mode=cs2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Knappett |first=Gill |title=The Queen at 90: A Royal Birthday Souvenir |date=2016 |publisher=Pitkin |isbn=978-0-7509-7031-0 |mode=cs2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Lacey |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Lacey |title=Royal: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II |date=2002 |publisher=Little, Brown |isbn=0-3168-5940-0 |mode=cs2}}<!-- Two instances of this book are now on the Internet Archive, but take your pick. -->
* {{Cite book |last1=Louda |first1=Jiří |author-link=Jiří Louda |title=Lines of Succession: Heraldry of the Royal Families of Europe |last2=Maclagan |first2=Michael |author-link2=Michael Maclagan |publisher=Little, Brown |year=1999 |isbn=978-0-3168-4820-6 |edition=2nd |location=London |mode=cs2 |orig-year=1981}}
* {{Cite book |last=Macmillan |first=Harold |author-link=Harold Macmillan |url=https://archive.org/details/pointingway1959100macm |title=Pointing the Way 1959–1961 |date=1972 |publisher=Macmillan |isbn=0-3331-2411-1 |mode=cs2 |url-access=registration}}
* {{Cite book |last=Marr |first=Andrew |author-link=Andrew Marr |title=The Diamond Queen: Elizabeth&nbsp;II and Her People |date=2011 |publisher=Macmillan |isbn=978-0-2307-4852-1 |mode=cs2}} <!-- Three instances of this book are now in the Internet Archive, but take your pick. -->
* {{Cite book |last=Mitchell |first=James |title=Britain Since 1945 |publisher=Wiley-Blackwell |year=2003 |isbn=978-0-6312-0967-6 |editor-last=Hollowell |editor-first=Jonathan |pages=109–125 |chapter=Scotland: Cultural Base and Economic Catalysts |doi=10.1002/9780470758328.ch5 |mode=cs2}}
* {{Cite book |title=Burke's Guide to the Royal Family |publisher=Burke's Peerage |year=1973 |isbn=0-2206-6222-3 |editor-last=Montgomery-Massingberd |editor-first=Hugh |editor-link=Hugh Massingberd |location=London |chapter=The Royal Lineage |mode=cs2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Neil |first=Andrew |author-link=Andrew Neil |url=https://archive.org/details/fulldisclosure0000neil |title=Full Disclosure |date=1996 |publisher=Macmillan |isbn=0-3336-4682-7 |mode=cs2 |url-access=registration}}
* {{Cite book |last=Nicolson |first=Harold |author-link=Harold Nicolson |title=King George the Fifth: His Life and Reign |date=1952 |publisher=Constable & Co. |mode=cs2}} <!-- This book is now in the Internet Archive, but I see three iterations of it, and I'm not sure which version is suitable for this, so take your pick. -->
* {{Cite book |last=Petropoulos |first=Jonathan |author-link=Jonathan Petropoulos |url=https://archive.org/details/royalsreichprinc0000petr |title=Royals and the Reich: The Princes von Hessen in Nazi Germany |date=2006 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=0-1951-6133-5 |mode=cs2 |url-access=registration}}
* {{Cite book |last=Pimlott |first=Ben |author-link=Ben Pimlott |title=The Queen: Elizabeth&nbsp;II and the Monarchy |date=2001 |publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=0-0025-5494-1 |mode=cs2}} <!-- Two instances of this book are now on the Internet Archive, but take your pick. -->
* {{Cite book |last=Roberts |first=Andrew |author-link=Andrew Roberts (historian) |url=https://archive.org/details/houseofwindsor0000unse |title=The House of Windsor |date=2000 |publisher=Cassell & Co. |isbn=0-3043-5406-6 |editor-last=Fraser |editor-first=Antonia |editor-link=Antonia Fraser |mode=cs2 |url-access=registration}}
* {{Cite book |last=Routledge |first=Paul |author-link=Paul Routledge |title=Scargill: The Unauthorized Biography |publisher=Harper Collins |year=1994 |isbn=0-0063-8077-8 |location=London |mode=cs2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Shawcross |first=William |author-link=William Shawcross |url=https://archive.org/details/queencountry0000shaw |title=Queen and Country |date=2002 |publisher=McClelland & Stewart |isbn=0-7710-8056-5 |mode=cs2 |url-access=registration}}
* {{Cite book |last=Tomaszewski |first=Fiona K. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ORBUeMM3guAC&pg=PA22 |title=A Great Russia: Russia and the Triple Entente, 1905–1914 |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |year=2002 |isbn=978-0-2759-7366-7 |mode=cs2 |access-date=5 October 2022 |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113010743/https://books.google.com/books?id=ORBUeMM3guAC&pg=PA22 |archive-date=13 January 2023 |url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book |last=Warwick |first=Christopher |title=Princess Margaret: A Life of Contrasts |publisher=Carlton Publishing Group |year=2002 |isbn=978-0-2330-5106-2 |location=London |mode=cs2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Williamson |first=David |title=Debrett's Kings and Queens of Britain |date=1987 |publisher=Webb & Bower |isbn=0--86350-101-X |mode=cs2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Wyatt |first=Woodrow |author-link=Woodrow Wyatt |url=https://archive.org/details/journalsofwoodro0002wyat |title=The Journals of Woodrow Wyatt |date=1999 |publisher=Macmillan |isbn=0-3337-7405-1 |editor-last=Curtis |editor-first=Sarah |volume=II |mode=cs2 |url-access=registration}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Spoken Wikipedia|En-Elizabeth II-article-20230422.ogg|date=22 April 2023}}
* [https://www.royal.uk/queen-elizabeth Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II] at the Royal Family website
* [https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/royal-family/queen.html Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II] at the website of the [[Government of Canada]]
* [https://www.rct.uk/collection/people/queen-elizabeth-ii-queen-of-the-united-kingdom-1926-2022#/type/subject Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II] at the website of the [[Royal Collection Trust]]
* [https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61605149 Obituary] at [[BBC News Online]]
* {{NPG name|name=Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II}}
* {{IMDb name|name=Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II}}
* {{C-SPAN}}

{{Clear}}
{{Hidden begin|title=Titles and succession|titlestyle=text-align: center|border=#aaa 1px solid}}
{{S-start}}
{{S-hou|[[House of Windsor]]|21&nbsp;April|1926|8&nbsp;September|2022}}
{{S-reg}}
{{S-bef|rows=7|before=[[George&nbsp;VI]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of the United Kingdom]]|years=6&nbsp;February 1952{{Sndash}}8&nbsp;September 2022}}
{{S-aft|rows=4|after=[[Charles&nbsp;III]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Australia]]|years=6&nbsp;February 1952{{Sndash}}8&nbsp;September 2022}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Canada]]|years=6&nbsp;February 1952{{Sndash}}8&nbsp;September 2022}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of New Zealand]]|years=6&nbsp;February 1952{{Sndash}}8&nbsp;September 2022}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[List of heads of state of Sri Lanka#Monarch (1948–1972)|Queen of Ceylon]]|years=6&nbsp;February 1952{{Sndash}}22&nbsp;May 1972}}
{{S-non|reason=Republics established|rows=17}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Pakistan]]|years=6&nbsp;February 1952{{Sndash}}23&nbsp;March 1956}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of South Africa]]|years=6&nbsp;February 1952{{Sndash}}31&nbsp;May 1961}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-new|rows=17|reason=Independence from the United Kingdom}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Ghana]]|years=6&nbsp;March 1957{{Sndash}}1&nbsp;July 1960}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Nigeria]]|years=1&nbsp;October 1960{{Sndash}}1&nbsp;October 1963}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Sierra Leone]]|years=27&nbsp;April 1961{{Sndash}}19&nbsp;April 1971}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Tanganyika]]|years=9&nbsp;December 1961{{Sndash}}9&nbsp;December 1962}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Trinidad and Tobago]]|years=31&nbsp;August 1962{{Sndash}}1&nbsp;August 1976}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Uganda]]|years=9&nbsp;October 1962{{Sndash}}9&nbsp;October 1963}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Kenya]]|years=12&nbsp;December 1963{{Sndash}}12&nbsp;December 1964}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Malawi]]|years=6&nbsp;July 1964{{Sndash}}6&nbsp;July 1966}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Malta]]|years=21&nbsp;September 1964{{Sndash}}13&nbsp;December 1974}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of the Gambia]]|years=18&nbsp;February 1965{{Sndash}}24&nbsp;April 1970}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Guyana]]|years=26&nbsp;May 1966{{Sndash}}23&nbsp;February 1970}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Barbados]]|years=30&nbsp;November 1966{{Sndash}}30&nbsp;November 2021}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Mauritius]]|years=12&nbsp;March 1968{{Sndash}}12&nbsp;March 1992}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Fiji]]|years=10&nbsp;October 1970{{Sndash}}6&nbsp;October 1987}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Jamaica]]|years=6&nbsp;August 1962{{Sndash}}8&nbsp;September 2022}}
{{S-aft|rows=11|after=[[Charles&nbsp;III]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of the Bahamas]]|years=10&nbsp;July 1973{{Sndash}}8&nbsp;September 2022}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Grenada]]|years=7&nbsp;February 1974{{Sndash}}8&nbsp;September 2022}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-new|reason=Independence from Australia}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Papua New Guinea]]|years=16&nbsp;September 1975{{Sndash}}8&nbsp;September 2022}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-new|reason=Independence from the United Kingdom|rows=7}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of the Solomon Islands]]|years=7&nbsp;July 1978{{Sndash}}8&nbsp;September 2022}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Tuvalu]]|years=1&nbsp;October 1978{{Sndash}}8&nbsp;September 2022}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Saint Lucia]]|years=22&nbsp;February 1979{{Sndash}}8&nbsp;September 2022}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]]|years=27&nbsp;October 1979{{Sndash}}8&nbsp;September 2022}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Belize]]|years=21&nbsp;September 1981{{Sndash}}8&nbsp;September 2022}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Antigua and Barbuda]]|years=1&nbsp;November 1981{{Sndash}}8&nbsp;September 2022}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Queen of Saint Kitts and Nevis]]|years=19&nbsp;September 1983{{Sndash}}8&nbsp;September 2022}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-hon}}
{{S-bef|before=[[George&nbsp;VI]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Head of the Commonwealth]]|years=6&nbsp;February 1952{{Sndash}}8&nbsp;September 2022}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Charles&nbsp;III]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-mil}}
{{S-bef|before=[[George Jellicoe, 2nd Earl Jellicoe|The Earl Jellicoe]]|as=[[First Lord of the Admiralty]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Lord High Admiral of the United Kingdom|Lord High Admiral]]|years=1&nbsp;April 1964{{Sndash}}10&nbsp;June 2011}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|The Duke of Edinburgh]]}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|The Duke of Edinburgh]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Lord High Admiral of the United Kingdom|Lord High Admiral]]|years=9&nbsp;April 2021{{Sndash}}8&nbsp;September 2022}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Charles&nbsp;III]]}}
{{S-end}}
{{Hidden end}}
{{Elizabeth II}}
{{Navboxes
|list1 =
{{English, Scottish and British monarchs}}
{{British princesses}}
{{Duchesses of Edinburgh}}
{{Time Persons of the Year}}
{{Canadian monarchy}}
{{Heads of State of Barbados}}
{{Heads of state of Fiji}}
{{Heads of State of the Gambia}}
{{Heads of State of Ghana}}
{{Heads of State of Guyana}}
{{Heads of State of Jamaica}}
{{Heads of State of Kenya}}
{{Heads of State of Malawi}}
{{Heads of state of Malta}}
{{Heads of State of Mauritius}}
{{Heads of State of Nigeria}}
{{Heads of State of Pakistan}}
{{Heads of State of Sierra Leone}}
{{Heads of State of Ceylon and Sri Lanka}}
{{Heads of State of South Africa}}
{{Heads of State of Tanzania}}
{{Heads of State of Trinidad and Tobago}}
{{Heads of State of Uganda}}
{{Windsor family}}
{{Mountbatten-Windsor}}
}}
{{Subject bar|Monarchy|British Empire|United Kingdom|England|London|Scotland|Wales|Northern Ireland|Australia|Belize|Canada|Jamaica|New Zealand|Tuvalu
|b              = Yes
|b-search       = UK Constitution and Government/British Monarchs/Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
|commons        = Yes
|commons-search = Queen Elizabeth II
|n              = Yes
|n-search       = Category:Queen Elizabeth II
|q              = Yes
|q-search       = Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
|s              = Yes
|s-search       = Author:Elizabeth II
|d              = Yes
|d-search       = Q9682}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Elizabeth 02}}
[[Category:Elizabeth II| ]]
[[Category:1926 births]]
[[Category:2022 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century British monarchs]]
[[Category:20th-century British women]]
[[Category:20th-century queens regnant]]
[[Category:21st-century British monarchs]]
[[Category:21st-century British women]]
[[Category:21st-century queens regnant]]
[[Category:Auxiliary Territorial Service officers]]
[[Category:British Anglicans]]
[[Category:British philanthropists]]
[[Category:British Presbyterians]]
[[Category:British women in World War II]]
[[Category:Burials at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle]]
[[Category:Daughters of emperors]]
[[Category:Duchesses of Edinburgh]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Antigua and Barbuda]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Australia]]
[[Category:Heads of state of the Bahamas]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Barbados]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Belize]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Canada]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Fiji]]
[[Category:Heads of state of the Gambia]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Ghana]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Grenada]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Guyana]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Jamaica]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Kenya]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Malawi]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Malta]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Mauritius]]
[[Category:Heads of state of New Zealand]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Nigeria]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Papua New Guinea]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Saint Kitts and Nevis]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Saint Lucia]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Sierra Leone]]
[[Category:Heads of state of the Solomon Islands]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Tanganyika]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Trinidad and Tobago]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Tuvalu]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Uganda]]
[[Category:Heads of the Commonwealth]]
[[Category:Heirs presumptive to the British throne]]
[[Category:House of Windsor]]
[[Category:Jewellery collectors]]
[[Category:Lord high admirals of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Monarchs of Ceylon]]
[[Category:Monarchs of the Isle of Man]]
[[Category:Monarchs of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Mothers of British monarchs]]
[[Category:Queens regnant in the British Isles]]
[[Category:Time Person of the Year]]
[[Category:Women in the Canadian armed services]]