Queen Elizabeth II is the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms. She has held the title since 6 February 1952, making her the longest-reigning British monarch and the longest-reigning queen regnant in world history. Queen Elizabeth II has been a source of inspiration to her people throughout her long reign and has been an important symbol of stability and continuity.
The Life of Queen Elizabeth II
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born on 21 April 1926, in Mayfair, London, the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. She was educated privately at home and began to undertake public duties during the Second World War, serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service. In 1947, she married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, with whom she has four children: Charles, Prince of Wales; Anne, Princess Royal; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.
Elizabeth was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms on 2 June 1953 in Westminster Abbey. Since then, she has undertaken many official royal engagements and has represented the UK and the Commonwealth on state visits to over 120 countries. She has also championed a range of causes, including the environment, industry, the arts and the Commonwealth.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence and principal workplace of the monarch of the United Kingdom. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is often at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality. It has been a focus for the British people at times of national rejoicing and crisis.
The palace was originally known as Buckingham House and was built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. It was acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte and underwent extensive remodelling in the 19th century. Today, the palace is used for the many official engagements carried out by The Queen and members of the Royal Family.
The State Rooms
The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are the heart of the working palace and are used regularly by The Queen and members of the Royal Family to receive and entertain their guests on state, ceremonial and official occasions. The rooms are lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection.
The Queen’s Gallery
The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace houses a changing programme of exhibitions from the Royal Collection. These exhibitions provide visitors with the opportunity to see works of art that are not on permanent display in the State Rooms.
Gardens of Buckingham Palace
The gardens at Buckingham Palace are among the most beautiful in the world. They cover an area of 39 acres and include a large lake, a variety of flower beds and a stunning 19th-century greenhouse. The gardens are open to the public during the summer months, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of London.
- The East Garden is the oldest part of the gardens, featuring a variety of plants and trees, a rose garden and a majestic magnolia tree.
- The West Garden is home to a spectacular array of flowers, shrubs and trees, as well as a number of sculptures.
- The South Garden features a large lake, a sunken garden and an impressive 19th-century greenhouse.
- The North Garden is the newest part of the gardens, featuring an ornamental lake and a magnificent rose garden.
The gardens of Buckingham Palace provide a beautiful and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and are a wonderful reminder of the long and illustrious history of the British monarchy.
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