Queen in pictures: From her coronation to today - the 64th anniversary of her coronation
QUEEN Elizabeth II is marking the 64th anniversary of her coronation today. Here is a look at the exciting life of the British monarch in photographs.
Queen Elizabeth II: The monarch's rule in pictures
Queen Elizabeth II was crowned the monarch of Britain 64 years ago in June 2, 1953, and has since been the longest reigning monarch of Britain.
Through the ups and downs of history, the Queen has remained the steadfast head of the Royal Family – unwaivering in her commitment to the country.
She has witnessed the fall of tyrants, the rise of technology and through it all remained vigilant in her duties.
As the Queen marks anniversary milestone, here are her most iconic moments caught on film.
Queen Elizabeth as a child
Princess Elizabeth was the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York, born on April 21, 1926.
When her father ascended to the throne and became King George VI, Princess Elizabeth became his heir.
To her closest family, the young royal was endearingly known as Lilibet.
Princess Elizabeth was the eldest of King George’s two daughters. Her sister Princess Margaret was four years younger than her, born in August 1930.
Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926
Queen Elizabeth as a princess
Princess Elizabeth led an active life throughout her role as Princess.
During the calamity of World War II she worked as a mechanic and military truck driver. She also drove for the ambulance service and to date remains the only female member of the Royal Family to have entered the armed forces.
She also took up some of the King’s responsibilities by touring the Commonwealth and representing Britain on the international arena.
In fact, it was during a tour of the commonwealth that Princess Elizabeth became Queen – when her father died in England.
Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II: 'The Crowning Ceremony'
The Queen's coronation took place on June 2, 1953
Queen Elizabeth as Queen
King George VI died on February 6, 1952, after succumbing to a coronary thrombosis – a blockage of blood to the heart as a result of a blood clot.
At the time of the King’s death, Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip were at a remote treetops hotel during a tour of Kenya.
After swiftly returning to London, the Queen made an official statement at St James’ Palace.
By the sudden death of my dear father I am called to assume the duties and responsibilities of sovereignty
"By the sudden death of my dear father I am called to assume the duties and responsibilities of sovereignty,” she said.
"My heart is too full for me to say more to you today than I shall always work, as my father did throughout his reign, to advance the happiness and prosperity of my peoples, spread as they are all the world over."
Queen Elizabeth was crowned a year later, after a period of mourning was over, in a gilded ceremony at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953.
In September 2015 the Queen became the longest ruling monarch of Britain – surpassing her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria.
Prince Charles was the Queen's first-born son and child
Queen Elizabeth as a mother
Princess Elizabeth married her third cousin Prince Philip on November 20, 1947. Prince Philip, who was descendant of Greek and Danish Royal Families, renounced his heritage to marry the Princess.
The Princess gave birth to her firstborn son, Prince Charles, on November 14, 1948. A second child, Princess Anne, was born in 1950.
Then in 1964 Prince Andrew Duke of York was born and four years later in March, Prince Edward was the last of the Queen’s children.
Prince George is the Queen's first great-grandchild
Queen Elizabeth as grandmother
The Queen’s eldest grandson, Prince William, was born in 1984 and was soon joined by Prince Harry in 1984.
In total the Monarch has had eight grandchildren, with the youngest being James, Viscount Severn – Prince Edward’s youngest child and only son.
The birth of Prince George in 2013, graced the Queen with her very first great-grand-child. Then in 2015 Prince William and Duchess Kate had a second child – Princess Charlotte.