Mon, Feb 5, 2018
When her uncle Edward VIII abdicated in 1936, Elizabeth, aged 10, became heir to the throne. Her grandmother insisted she be given lessons to prepare for the role that awaited her - as Queen. When her father died in 1952 she was the wife of a naval officer, Prince Philip of Greece, and a mother of two. She was the youngest monarch to ascend to the throne in 100 years.
Mon, Feb 19, 2018
Criticised for being remote and reserved, the Queen embraced modern technology and gave her first ever televised Christmas broadcast in 1957. In the 60s, she started to rid the monarchy of its archaic protocols. A mining disaster on home soil taught lessons about the importance of her support and sympathy. A documentary, "The Royal Family" was a massive success, but some thought it went too far in observing the Queen's family life.
Mon, Feb 12, 2018
The televised Coronation of the Queen was at first controversial, but her dignity and calmness made the event a world-wide success. The Queen and Philip embarked on a world tour where she was met with enthusiasm everywhere she went. The Queen's faced Winston Churchill's stroke and retirement, and the Suez Crisis. And her role, and resolve, were tested when the palace intervened in her sister Margaret's marriage plans.