The Queen's childhood and early years in photographs
Charming early moments from Her Majesty's extraordinary life.
When Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born in 1926, her family never expected she would one day become Queen.
Everything changed when her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated and her father became King George VI in 1936. The then Princess Elizabeth was now next in line to the throne.
Here, we take a look back on some remarkable photographs which document Her Majesty's early years before she became Queen.
Much of the Her Majesty's childhood was spent surrounded by her family, including her younger sister Princess Margaret, and their many animals. Like any other child or teenager, she enjoyed playing games, learning the piano and even performing in plays.
As a young woman, when the country went to war, the Queen joined women across the nation in playing their part and trained as a mechanic.
Even from some of her earliest photographed moments, Her Majesty's warmth, humour and ultimate dedication to her duty, shines through.
New beginnings, 1926
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary is the first born child to George and Elizabeth, and is pictured here, lovingly held by her mother.
Alexandra Rose Day, 1928
Founded by Queen Alexandra in 1912, the Alexandra Rose Charity has a 109-year history of supporting people experiencing poverty in the UK.
Here, nurses sell roses on Alexandra Rose Day and wave to a young Princess Elizabeth as she passes by in an open carriage.
The Little Cottage, 1933
Princess Elizabeth, who would later become Queen Elizabeth II, and her sister Princess Margaret play in the garden of their model house, Y Bwythn Bach.
Y Bwthyn Bach, which translates to the Little Cottage, was presented to the sisters on Elizabeth's 6th birthday by the people of Wales.
The Princess and the pram, 1933
Princess Elizabeth plays with her doll in a toy pram outside her miniature house, Y Bwthyn Bach.
Abergeldie Castle Fete, 1933
This charming snapshot was taken at the Abergeldie Castle Fete behind the marquee in which the two little princesses sold white heather in aid of the funds of Crathie Church, Scotland.
Princess Elizabeth enjoyed a tug-of-war game with a spring of heather, while Princess Margaret Rose busied herself with the guy ropes of the marquee.
Children's Day, 1936
The future Queen Elizabeth II greets a competitor during Children's Day at Richmond Horse Show.
Sisters, 1936
Princess Elizabeth sits in the garden with Princess Margaret, and their dog, Jane.
Since a young age, Queen Elizabeth II, had a love of dogs, particularly for corgis.
Westminster Abbey, 1937
Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret leave Westminster Abbey in their matching outfits, after a rehearsal for the coronation of their father as King George VI in London on 6 May 1937.
King's Coronation, 1937
Members of the extended Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after King George VI's coronation ceremony.
Her Majesty's mother, then Queen Elizabeth (left) stands next to Queen Mary (centre), and King George VI (right). Princesses Elizabeth stands in front of her mother while Princess Margaret stands beside her father.
Aldershot, 1938
A young Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth, in the Royal Box at the Aldershot Military Tattoo in 1938
Relaxing Royals, 1940
Queen Elizabeth (the future Queen Mother), with her daughters Princess Margaret and Princess Elizabeth in the grounds of the Royal Lodge, Windsor.
Windsor Castle, circa. 1940
The then Princess Elizabeth as a teenager is seen smiling and reading by the window at Windsor Castle.
Music practice, 1940
A young Queen practicing her a piano playing at at Windsor Castle, Berkshire.
Summer days, 1941
Queen Elizabeth takes shade from the sun beneath a tree, with her daughters Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Cinderella, 1941
Princess Elizabeth on stage dressed as Prince Charming during a royal pantomime at Windsor Castle in December 1941.
Family, 1942
King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and their daughters at Buckingham Palace, London in 1942. Her Majesty would have been a teenager when this photograph was taken.
Animal lovers, 1942
Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret watch a nesting sparrow while wearing stylish matching ensembles.
The Princess signs up, 1942
A 16-year-old Princess Elizabeth registers for war service under the Ministry of Labour's Youth Registration Scheme, 25th April 1942. She is pictured wearing her Girl Guide uniform.
Princess Elizabeth with her horse, 1943
The Queen was an expert horsewoman. At Sandringham, the King's country home, she assisted with the inspection of the harvest. Here, aged 18, she is shown in a field on the royal farm alongside one of the farm horses.
Sea Ranger, 1944
A beautiful portrait of Princess Elizabeth wearing her Sea Rangers uniform, taken in 1944.
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