Britain's royal family is leading commemorations for what would be the 100th birthday of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Elizabeth, Britain's longest-reigning monarch, was born on . She became queen at age 25 and went on to serve 70 years on the throne before her death in 2022 at age 96.

Elizabeth was born in Mayfair, London, during the reign of her paternal grandfather, King George V. She was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother).

O nly 25 years old when King George VI died, Queen Elizabeth began her reign in 1952. She ruled longer than any other British Monarch. Smithsonian collections reflect her influence on global history and culture, from portraits to numismatics (the study of coins, paper currency, and medals).

Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, transformed the monarchy and served as a symbol of stability and continuity for over six decades.

Queen Elizabeth II served from 1952 to 2022 as reigning monarch of the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) and numerous other realms and territories, as well as head of ...

Discover the enduring legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth II. From her remarkable reign to her personal life with Prince Philip, explore the beloved monarch's impact on the world.