Queen Elizabeth before The Crown – how taking public buses, riding horses and P.G. Wodehouse novels shaped the UK’s longest-serving monarch
Netflix drama The Crown has ignited a huge public interest in the real life of the UK’s queen – but as Series One kicks off with Her Majesty’s wedding in 1947, little is widely known about Elizabeth II’s childhood – so here’s the true story
On the breath of dusk on September 9, 2015, at exactly 5.30pm, Queen Elizabeth officially surpassed Queen Victoria as Great Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. She was 89 at that time and had then ruled Great Britain and six other sovereign states – Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Ceylon (Sri Lanka) – for 63 years and 217 days.
According to The Christian Science Monitor, this milestone was just another typical day in the life of the queen. She has always maintained a low profile since she became the monarch after the death of her father, King George VI.
Her utmost dedication to public service, which has spanned decades, has made her one of the most influential political figures of the century. However, it is interesting to note that on the day of her birth, she was not an heir apparent – and was expected to live the life of a princess.
The Queen’s life as a child has always been a subject of speculation since she has never granted a personal interview detailing her early years. Titbits of information have come from nannies and gossiping butlers who have served the royal family for decades.
But as it turns out, the queen had a strong and blessed upbringing.
Born on April 21, 1926, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor (the queen’s full name) is the eldest daughter of Prince Albert and Princess Elizabeth, the Duke and Duchess of York. The Daily Express quotes a report of The Morning Post on the atmosphere outside her birthplace that day:
“All day outside the big grey facade of 17 Bruton Street a crowd stood, oblivious of the heavy showers of rain, waiting … Presently a neat, efficient nurse came and looked down into the street. The upturned faces must have all asked a question, for it was with a nod and the most reassuring smile that the owner of the uniform withdrew.”