I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.
– Queen Elizabeth II
It was February 6, 1952 and a young lady of just 25 learned the sad news of her father’s passing. That young woman was not just anyone.. and her father? Well, he was not just your average Joe either. While at a Royal hunting lodge in Kenya, Princess Elizabeth quickly became Queen Elizabeth II after learning of her father’s passing; King George VI was a mere 56-years-old at the time. Now, 60 years later, Queen Elizabeth II is the second-longest reigning British monarch in more than 1,000 years. Today, not just the United Kingdom but the whole world celebrates The Queen, her dedication to her country, her family and her admirers across the globe.
On this day in 1952..
The BBC reports the death of the King George VI and Princess Elizabeth’s immediate transformation to Queen – 1952: King George VI dies in his sleep
On this side of the pond, The New York Times – one of America’s most prestigious newspapers – King George VI Dies in Sleep at Sandringham; Elizabeth, QUeen at 25, Flying from Africa; President Among World Leaders in Tribute
More on the occasion..
For full details on the accession and coronation, be sure to visit The official web site of The British Monarchy for outstanding videos and information.
For an outstanding gallery of official portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, please check out Royal Insight’s dedicated post: Royal Portraits: Queen Elizabeth II
Keep Calm and Harry On 