Queen Elizabeth II: her life in photos

In 2022, the magnificent Queen Elizabeth II departed our world and her subjects, leaving her son, King Charles III to take the throne. Her Late Highness saw 70 years on the throne and we look at the beautiful, funny, iconic, and rare photos from her reign.

The young princess was only 25 years old when her father, King George VI died. She was to undertake the responsibility of becoming Britain's reigning monarch.

Elizabeth was born in 1926 to the Duke and Duchess of York, at the time. Her Uncle Edward was the King but, when he abdicated in 1936 to marry divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson, her father took the throne and Elizabeth became heir presumptive.

The young Princess Elizabeth even at a young age had an air of authority about her. Here she is almost practicing the famed royal wave.

1927 Princess Elizabeth, baby daughter of King George VI takes a ride in an open carriage. Her face has been paraded to the public for her entire life.

Princess Elizabeth in her pram as she is taken for a stroll in Green Park in 1929. Things would not always be so peaceful...

The infant Elizabeth with her grandfather King George V at a fete in Balmoral castle in 1926 in the days before easy access.

A young princess with her mother and sister Margret. Her Majesty had to get used to the camera pretty quickly.

The princess’s education was supervised by her mother, who entrusted her daughters to a governess, Marion Crawford.

May 1937 in their coronation robes for the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth - better known as the Queen mother.

Seen here for the first time on the royal balcony, which will later become an iconic set for many iconic royal photos.

Forever the animal lover, pictured here with one of her favourite animals. Dogs, and Corgis in particular, would come play an important role in the Queen's life. Her first corgi, Susan, was a gift for her 18th birthday in 1944.

Be it riding in the fields or a day at the races, the Queen had always been an avid fan of horses. She looks pretty confident here at such a young age, too.

At the bath club, where the future Queen would learn to swim.

Seen here giving her first Children's Hour radio broadcast to the nation from Windsor Castle in Windsor, 1940.

A family photo with her mother, father and sister at Buckingham palace in 1942.

At a royal pantomime production in Windsor Castle, looking glamourous. This particular event was 'Old Mother Red Riding Boots' at Windsor Castle on 22 December 1944.

Much more than just a part of her royal education, the Queen regularly attended concerts, awarding musicians with the highest honours and supporting the nation's military bands and orchestras.

During the war she worked on the maintenance of army vehicles, everyone had to pull their weight. She learnt to drive in the military.

Elizabeth and Margret were extremely close, seen in this photo sending a message by carrier pigeon.

With Philip Mountbatten at Buckingham Palace, after their engagement was announced, 10th July 1947. They first met in 1934.

Phillip pictured with the future Queen and her parents shortly before the royal wedding.

Elizabeth became the tenth member of the royal family to be married at Westminster Abbey.

Elizabeth holding Prince Charles, born in November 1948. A new heir to the throne.

Princess Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh where he was stationed with the Royal Navy in November 1949. Not a honeymoon destination - the two actually went to Broadlands for their honeymoon in Hampshire.

Queen Elizabeth always showed confidence in her gait and her outfits. Here she is leaving the ceremony site after opening the Claerwen reservoir and dam, in Radnorshire, Wales on 23rd October 1952.

Queen Elizabeth II (right) wearing robes of state in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, London, on her coronation day, along with her maids of honour in 1953.

On the way to the races in June 1957 in an open top Carriage with her husband The Duke of Edinburgh. She never faltered making a show of unity with her husband.

The British Royal family standing on the balcony at Buckingham Palace after the wedding of Princess Margaret to Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960. An image of the royals we all know well.

Queen Elizabeth II was never been one to wear dark colours and here she is stepping out in a pastel violet along with the Duke of Edinburgh at a civic ceremony in New Delhi during the Royal Tour of India, circa January 1961.

And jewelled. It is no secret the Queen had always loved her family jewels, which she donned for a State Reception in 1965. She is wearing the Jubilee Necklace and a diamond bow brooch with pearl drop inherited from Queen Mary.

Following the disaster which resulted in the deaths of 116 children and 28 adults in 1966, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh visited the coal mining village of Aberfan in Wales. This could be the biggest regret in the Queen's career - not getting there sooner.

Then the good times arrived for the Queen - the ceremony of Charles' investment as Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle in Wales, on 1st July 1969.

Queen Elizabeth II crowns her son Charles, Prince of Wales. Britain's future King.

An incredible show of unity of the Queen and her family on summer holiday at Balmoral castle in 1972. This shot was part of a series of photographs taken for use during the silver wedding celebrations.

The Queen stands next to her Land Rover, a car that would be associated with HRH for 70 years.

Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles pose with Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace, London, in March 1981. It was meant to be a match made in heaven.

Family was always of the utmost importance to Elizabeth. Alongside honour and duty. Charles kisses the Queen's hand after she presented him with a prize at polo in Windsor.

In simpler times with her grandsons, William and Harry. The Queen has left behind four children in total, eight grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Elizabeth II always maintained her tradition of a tipple a day. She had a glass of Champagne every afternoon. Here she is toasting her host with a glass of Champagne in Warsaw during her visit to Poland.

Not even the rain could dampen the Queen's humour as she talked to a young subject on a wet weekend in Wales. Elizabeth had many affairs to attend - including the 600 charities and organisations she supported.

On her way to the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 1987. The Queen was never too important to drive herself.

The Queen was the model example of a monarch for the last 70 years. She moved with the times and even had her own Facebook account (opened in 2010) - as well as a Twitter and Instagram.

Queen Elizabeth wore 3D glasses to watch the recording of her Christmas message to the Commonwealth which was broadcast in 3D for the first time in 2012. Her Majesty's Christmas message to her people was watched by millions every year.

Queen Elizabeth was never ashamed and never faltered in her tasks. Here she was pictured with Philip as they toured the building at the opening of University College Hospital in 2005 in London.

Due to the fact that the Queen was only 5ft 3 inches, she always wore bright clothing so that she was easy to spot.

Queen Elizabeth looking fabulous as she arrived at the Airport In Chennai, India. In Her later years, it was all thanks to Angela Kelly: Personal Assistant, Adviser and Curator to Her Majesty The Queen (Jewellery, Insignias and Wardrobe) Elizabeth II.

The Queen continued to fulfil her royal duties for over 70 years, whilst using her handbag as her best prop. She used her purse to send signals to her staff - more often than not to signal she wanted to move on.

The queen had also suffered the hard times like us all. She ha always shown a brave face to the public attending the funeral of Patricia Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma at St Paul's Church in 2017.

It was never a common sight - the Queen of England shedding a tear. But here she let one go as she mourned those who were in service as she attended The Duke of Lancaster's Regimental Memorial Dedication.

At the service of Remembrance in Westminster Queen Elizabeth also gave way to tears. Her incredible long life meant that she had seen many come and go throughout her life. In fact, there had been six Roman Catholic Popes during Queen Elizabeth's reign (Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I, John Paul II and Benedict XVI).

Still driving herself to a royal horse show in July 2021. Queen Elizabeth was the only person in Britain who could drive without a license plate on her car (and travel without a passport).

Queen Elizabeth II is watched by gardener Norm Dunn and her husband Prince Philip as she plants a 'Black Sally' gum tree in the grounds of Government House. It must have been a welcome change for her receptions, banquets, lunches, dinners and garden parties she held at Buckingham Palace where she entertained, on average, 50,000 people every year.

Sharing a laugh with Prince Phillip at the Duke of Fife Memorial Park in Scotland. Together, she and the Duke of Edinburgh sent out over 37,500 Christmas cards throughout her reign.

It was clear that, even in their mature years, the couple didn't fail to share humorous moments together. It was hard for the Queen to keep a straight face as Prince Philip stood to attention at Windsor Castle.

Queen Elizabeth lost her partner after 73 years together. Aside from the odd lover's tiff - such as what would be the surname of their children - they were united and side-by-side for most of their lives.

The Queen had remained almost entirely scandal free for her glorious 70 years on the throne, it's a shame the same couldn't have been said about her children and grandchildren.

With dignity and grace, the Queen tried to always lead by example and was an inspiration to millions. What a wonderful 70-year reign to reflect on.