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Titanic Belfast, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Which Queen are we talking about here?
We’re talking about the most famous queen in the world, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom (UK).
She [[inherited::To receive something from a family member after they have died.]] the throne when she was twenty-six years old in 1952. She’s ninety-six now, has spent the past seventy years being queen and is still going strong!
Elizabeth II has four children, eight grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.
Does Queen Elizabeth II really rule over the UK?
The UK is a [[democracy:: country where all the citizens have the right to vote for the government they want.]], so no one really rules over it. However, the king or queen of the UK has special duties that only they can carry out. This includes delivering important speeches and messages to the nation, meeting with the Prime Minister every week and advising other ministers when necessary.
She also does a lot of charity work important to the country.
What has Queen Elizabeth II’s life been like?
It’s been extremely adventurous. Elizabeth II drove around a truck during [[World War II::A global war, that most of the world's major countries fought, that lasted from 1939 to 1945.]], when she was just a teenager, helping army officers with their errands.
Did you know that Elizabeth II was never supposed to be queen? Her father - George VI - was the younger son of King George V. Elizabeth’s father became the king unexpectedly in 1936 when his older brother, Edward VIII, gave up his throne. Elizabeth became Queen after his death in 1952.
Elizabeth II married Prince Philip of Greece in 1947. They were married for seventy-three years until his death in 2021.
How was Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrated?
The Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II’s [[reign::To rule as the king or queen of a country.]], which is its seventieth anniversary, was celebrated over four days - from 2nd to 5th June 2022.
A huge military parade with hundreds of soldiers, musicians, gun salutes, and planes flying overhead took place. Other events like church services, lunches, concerts, etc., also took place.
Thousands of people gathered outside Buckingham Palace to show their love for the Queen. Elizabeth II enjoyed this once-in-a-lifetime grand event with her family.
Quick Revision
Queen of the UK, crowned in 1952 at age 26, ruling for 70 years.
Performs national duties, not ruling — gives speeches, meets the Prime Minister, and supports charities.
Helped in World War II; became queen after her father George VI took the throne unexpectedly.
Married Prince Philip in 1947, together for 73 years till his death in 2021.
Platinum Jubilee (2022): Celebrated 70 years as queen with parades, concerts, and national joy.
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