The long reign of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II (born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary) has been the Queen of the UK and the Commonwealth since her coronation in 1952 after the death of her father. She holds a number of records including being the longest serving head of state anywhere in the world, as well as being the longest reigning and the older monarch in the world – she was born in 1926. Elizabeth II was the first-born daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York and became the heir presumptive when he father gained the throne after his brother abdicated. She served in the Second World War and was married in 1947 to Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The couple have four children together, Charles, Prince of Wales, Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.

Over the course of her reign a number of Commonwealth countries have gained their independence from the UK and become independent republics. Up until recently she would regularly visit the countries and territories under her control, but her age now limits her from travelling beyond the UK. She last travelled for her diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Over the course of her reign the Queen has been very popular with her subjects, although the royal family sometimes faces criticism from those who feel the UK and other territories should be republics. Republic sentiment in the UK was at its highest when the marriages of her children ended and after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Queen Elizabeth II is very private and does not often give interviews, she does not openly speak about her views or opinions especially on politics. It has been said that she takes her role as Queen very seriously and that she is deeply religious.