The Untold Story: Princess Elizabeth's Journey to Becoming Queen Elizabeth II

Throughout history, there have been many extraordinary women who have defied norms and expectations to make a lasting impact on the world. One of them is undoubtedly Queen Elizabeth II, whose reign has spanned over seven decades. But do we really know the untold story of her early life as Princess Elizabeth? Join us as we embark on a journey back in time to uncover the fascinating details of her formative years.

Discovering a Royal Legacy

Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born on April 21, 1926, in London, England. As the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, who would later become King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, she was destined to lead a life of royalty and responsibility. From the very beginning, Elizabeth's life was intertwined with the affairs of the British monarchy, a legacy that would shape her future in unimaginable ways.

Elizabeth's childhood was not as carefree as one would expect. While the royal family lived a life of privilege, they were far from immune to the trials and tribulations of the outside world. The young princess experienced the harsh reality of war when World War II broke out, forcing her family to take shelter and make sacrifices just like their fellow citizens. This period set the stage for the resilience and strength that would define Elizabeth as a leader in the years to come.

Princess: The Early Life of Queen Elizabeth II

by Jane Dismore (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7451 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages

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The Making of a Future Queen

In 1936, Elizabeth's life took a dramatic turn when her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne in a scandalous decision to marry Wallis Simpson. This unexpected turn of events paved the way for Elizabeth's father to become King George VI, making her the heir presumptive to the British throne. Overnight, her childhood aspirations shifted from that of a carefree princess to that of a future queen.

Elizabeth's education played a vital role in shaping her character and preparing her for her future role as a monarch. From a young age, she displayed an insatiable appetite for knowledge, excelling academically in a variety of subjects. Her rigorous education, paired with a strong sense of duty instilled by her parents, set her apart from her peers and provided her with the tools necessary to navigate the complex responsibilities that awaited her.

A Princess in Love

Despite her royal obligations, Elizabeth also experienced the excitement and turbulence of young love. Her life changed forever when she came across a dashing young naval officer named Philip Mountbatten. The connection between them was undeniable, and they soon fell deeply in love.

However, their love story faced numerous obstacles. Philip came from a Greek and Danish royal background, which raised eyebrows among some members of the British establishment. Additionally, Elizabeth's duty to the crown sometimes forced them to spend long periods apart. Nevertheless, their love withstood the test of time, and they eventually married in a historic ceremony on November 20, 1947.

Ascending to the Throne

It was not until February 6, 1952, that Elizabeth's life changed irreversibly. With the sudden passing of her father, King George VI, Elizabeth ascended to the throne at the age of 25, becoming Queen Elizabeth II. The weight of the crown fell on her young shoulders, and she had to quickly adapt to the challenges and responsibilities that came with her new role.

Queen Elizabeth II's reign has been marked by incredible milestones and achievements. From her coronation to her extensive travels around the globe, she has become the embodiment of grace, dignity, and dedication. Her unwavering commitment to her duties has made her the longest-reigning monarch in British history, surpassing the records set by her predecessors.

The Enduring Legacy

As we reflect on the early life of Queen Elizabeth II, it becomes apparent that her journey to the throne was anything but ordinary. From a young princess who experienced the upheaval of war to a queen who has witnessed the tides of change, her early experiences shaped her into the remarkable leader she is today.

Queen Elizabeth II's reign continues to inspire and captivate the world. Her ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of politics and society, while remaining firmly rooted in tradition, is a testament to her unwavering strength and resilience. The story of Princess Elizabeth's journey to becoming Queen Elizabeth II is a reminder that even the most extraordinary individuals have humble beginnings.

In , the early life of Queen Elizabeth II sheds light on a remarkable woman who has defied expectations and made a lasting impact as a monarch and as a human being. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us that with determination, resilience, and an unwavering sense of duty, we too can create a positive and lasting impact on the world.

Princess: The Early Life of Queen Elizabeth II

by Jane Dismore (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7451 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages

FREE

In November 2017 the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. As a 13-year-old Princess, she fell in love with Prince Philip of Greece, an ambitious naval cadet, and they married when she was 21; when she suddenly became Queen at 25, their lives changed forever. Philip has been her great support, but fortunately she also had a solid foundation that helped prepare her for a life dedicated to duty. With previously unpublished material and unique memories from friends and relatives who have known her since childhood, this book looks afresh and in richer depth at her life as Princess, glittering yet isolating. Vivid detail and anecdotes reveal more about her, the era in which she grew up and the people who shaped her life. The archives of royal confidante Lady Desborough and Private Secretary Sir Alec Hardinge reveal unseen letters from the Princess and the royal family, giving intimate insights into their lives and minds. Here is her sadness at the death of her nanny, Alah; her joy in her children; her melancholy as a young wife when Philip returns to his ship; the sensitivities of her father.

Here too is the Princess with the aristocratic Bowes Lyons, her mother’s family, who featured significantly in her life, yet rarely appear in books. The author sheds new light on anomalies surrounding the birth of her mother who, it has been asserted, was the daughter of the family’s cook. The strain of wartime on the royal family is highlighted in new material contrasting the stance of the Princess’s uncles, the Duke of Windsor and David Bowes Lyon. In contrast with her upbringing, Philip’s early life was turbulent, although their lives shared some interesting parallels. Lady Butter, a relation of Philip and friend of the Princess, recalls time spent with each of them; and unpublished documents show how intelligence agencies considered the socialist influence of the Mountbattens on Philip and thus on the royal court.

More importantly, Princess traces how an “ordinary country girl” suddenly found herself in the line of succession to the crown at age ten when her Uncle, the Duke of Windsor, abdicated the throne to his brother Albert (“Bertie” to family and friends), the once and future King George VI. Breaking new ground for a future English monarch, she became the first female member of the royal family to serve on active duty during World War II, and broke tradition by sending her children away to school rather having them privately tutored. Indeed, by the time of her coronation in 1953, she had already achieved a “broad and solid background from which she could draw during the rapidly changing times of her long reign. Out of a little princess they made a Queen.”