Elizabeth II

was 90 years old.

Duke of York and his wife, Elizabeth. Her father became

King George VI of Great Britain and Ireland in 1936 when his older brother Edward VIII (1894–1972) gave up the throne. Along with her younger sister, Margaret, Elizabeth was educated at home by private tutors. She particularly liked history, languages, and music. She later took an interest in national affairs.

a radio address on October 13 1940 to the children

of the Commonwealth, many of whom had been evacuated.

on 20 November 1947. The wedding was held in Westminster

Abbey.

queen in 1952, she tried in her own way to

make the British monarchy more modern and more sensitive to the public. She began hosting informal luncheons at Buckingham Palace (the London residence of the queen) to which a variety of people from fields such as industry, theater, and sports were invited.
Perhaps the most popular of Elisabeth's attempts were the “walkabouts” in which she met? Shook hands and chatted with ordinary people.

Abbey.

slow down. She continues to enjoy time with her family,

country life, horse-breeding, and horse-racing. Likewise, Elizabeth continues to practice her royal duties. The queen, as head of state, maintains close contact with the prime minister, with whom she meets weekly. She also receives important foreign office telegrams and a daily summary of events in Parliament. She hosts both British and foreign leaders and receives other notable visitors from overseas.