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The Achives of Ontario Celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II: A Brief Biographical Sketch

Table of Contents


Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was born in London on April 21st, 1926, the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York, who would later become King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary in the chapel at Buckingham Palace and spent her early years at 145 Piccadilly, a house in London that her parents had moved into shortly after she was born.

She also spent time at White Lodge in Richmond Park, and at the country homes of her grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary, and the Earl and Countess of Strathmore.

Princess Elizabeth married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, now His Royal Highness The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, on November 20, 1947.

They first toured Canada in the fall of 1951 and travelled extensively from coast to coast, a tour that precipitated a life-long affection for Canada.

Following the untimely death of her father on February 6th, 1952 Princess Elizabeth was crowned Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on June 2nd, 1953.

Throughout her reign, Her Majesty has maintained a strong contact with Canada and has been a significant presence at many historical events. In 1957, she officially opened the 1st session of the 23rd Parliament and two years later she returned to preside over the inauguration of the St-Lawrence Seaway. In 1977 she came in celebration of the anniversary of her Silver Jubilee. And in 2010 she helped mark Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Photo: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth
Click to see a larger image (80K)
Portrait of Queen Elizabeth
T. Eaton Co. fonds
Reference Code: F 229-308-0-1751
Archives of Ontario


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A Brief Biographical Sketch | Pomp and Ceremony, Decorations and Decorum
Celebrating Celebrity: Unofficial Royal Watchers | Empire Day | Royal Symbols
The Monarchy in Ontario | Behind the Scenes | Royalty in the Archives | Just For Kids