The Queen at 94: The most important photo from every single year of her remarkable life

Alison Millington,Mikhaila FrielApr 21, 2020, 21:00 IST

The Queen will celebrate her 94th birthday at Windsor Castle.Hulton Royals Collection/Getty Images, Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her 94th birthday on April 21, 2020.
This year's celebrations will be slightly different as the monarch and her husband Prince Philip are on lockdown at Windsor Castle instead of taking part in Her Majesty's usual birthday traditions.
In celebration of her birthday, we've found a photo from every single year of her remarkable life.
This is an updated version of a story by Charles Clark.
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2020: The Queen will celebrate her 94th birthday at Windsor Castle, the world's largest occupied castle, where she is currently in quarantine with Prince Philip.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

2019: The Queen, with other members of the royal family, attended a reception to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Prince of Wales' investiture.

Dominic Lipinski/Getty Images

2018: Her Majesty attended the wedding of her grandson, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel in Windsor on May 19.

Toby Melville / Getty

2017: Queen Elizabeth waved to onlookers as she left the Easter Sunday service at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England.

Peter Nicholls/Pool Photo via AP

2016: In celebration of Her Majesty's 90th birthday, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George, and Prince William posed during a Royal Mail photoshoot for a stamp sheet.

Ranald Mackechnie/Royal Mail/Getty Images

2016: In celebration of Her Majesty's 90th birthday, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George, and Prince William posed during a Royal Mail photoshoot for a stamp sheet.

2015: A small dancing robot at "Technische Universitaet" (Technical University) in Berlin put a smile on the Queen's face earlier this year during her official visit to Germany.

AP Photo/Michael Sohn

2015: A small dancing robot at "Technische Universitaet" (Technical University) in Berlin put a smile on the Queen's face earlier this year during her official visit to Germany.

2014: Here, the Queen walks through a field of ceramic poppies at The Tower of London in October 2014. The poppies were part of a ceramic installation called "Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red," which marked the centenary of the outbreak of World War I. There were 888,246 poppies in total, each one representing a British military fatality during the war.

AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth

2014: Here, the Queen walks through a field of ceramic poppies at The Tower of London in October 2014. The poppies were part of a ceramic installation called "Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red," which marked the centenary of the outbreak of World War I. There were 888,246 poppies in total, each one representing a British military fatality during the war.

2013: Malala Yousafzai attended a reception for youth, education, and the Commonwealth at Buckingham Palace. The Pakistani teenager, who advocates education for girls, became the face of women's rights in the Middle East after she survived a Taliban assassination attempt in 2012 on her way home from school.

AP Photo/Yui Mok

2013: Malala Yousafzai attended a reception for youth, education, and the Commonwealth at Buckingham Palace. The Pakistani teenager, who advocates education for girls, became the face of women's rights in the Middle East after she survived a Taliban assassination attempt in 2012 on her way home from school.

2012: The Queen had a lot to celebrate in 2012. It was the year of the London Olympics and also the year of her diamond jubilee. 1.2 million people took to the streets of London (pictured below) to celebrate her 60 years on the throne.

AP Photo/Sang Tan

2012: The Queen had a lot to celebrate in 2012. It was the year of the London Olympics and also the year of her diamond jubilee. 1.2 million people took to the streets of London (pictured below) to celebrate her 60 years on the throne.

2011: It was the wedding that captivated the world. In 2011, Queen Elizabeth II's grandson Prince William married Kate Middleton in front of an audience of hundreds of millions. Families around the world were glued to their TV sets. The couple even received a message of congratulations from the crew on the ISS.

REUTERS/Hugo Bernand

2011: It was the wedding that captivated the world. In 2011, Queen Elizabeth II's grandson Prince William married Kate Middleton in front of an audience of hundreds of millions. Families around the world were glued to their TV sets. The couple even received a message of congratulations from the crew on the ISS.

2010: This hilarious photo did the rounds in 2010. Something obviously tickled The Queen and her son, Prince Charles, as they laugh uncontrollably at the Braemar Gathering. The sporting event is known colloquially as "The Games" and attracts visitors from around the world to the small village.

REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

2010: This hilarious photo did the rounds in 2010. Something obviously tickled The Queen and her son, Prince Charles, as they laugh uncontrollably at the Braemar Gathering. The sporting event is known colloquially as "The Games" and attracts visitors from around the world to the small village.

2009: This image had royalists up in arms as Michelle Obama appeared to break protocol by touching the Queen. The Queen, however, obviously found a friend in Obama as she returned the gesture and posed for photos with her.

REUTERS

2009: This image had royalists up in arms as Michelle Obama appeared to break protocol by touching the Queen. The Queen, however, obviously found a friend in Obama as she returned the gesture and posed for photos with her.

2008: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II stood as she delivered a speech at the start of a state banquet for French President Nicolas Sarkozy at Windsor Castle, near London.

REUTERS/Christopher Ena

2007: The Queen and Prince Philip visited the White House in 2007 to attend the annual State Dinner, hosted by George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush. Bush praised the two nations' relationship, saying: "Our two nations hold fundamental values in common. We honor our traditions and our shared history ... And we have built our special relationship on the surest foundations."

AP Photo/Evan Vucci

2007: The Queen and Prince Philip visited the White House in 2007 to attend the annual State Dinner, hosted by George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush. Bush praised the two nations' relationship, saying: "Our two nations hold fundamental values in common. We honor our traditions and our shared history ... And we have built our special relationship on the surest foundations."

2006: The monarch celebrated her 80th birthday in 2006. A firework display, which she can be seen watching in the photo below, was put on at Kew Palace in her honour before she celebrated at a private family dinner.

REUTERS/John Stillwell

2006: The monarch celebrated her 80th birthday in 2006. A firework display, which she can be seen watching in the photo below, was put on at Kew Palace in her honour before she celebrated at a private family dinner.

2005: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip attended the National Service of Remembrance at St. Paul's Cathedral for the victims of the London bombings. The service saw candles lit to represent the four sites bombed on July 7 that killed 52 people. It was also this year that Prince Charles and Camilla got married.

REUTERS/Kieran Doherty

2005: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip attended the National Service of Remembrance at St. Paul's Cathedral for the victims of the London bombings. The service saw candles lit to represent the four sites bombed on July 7 that killed 52 people. It was also this year that Prince Charles and Camilla got married.

2004: To mark the years since the death of Princess Diana, a memorial fountain was erected in London's Hyde Park. The £3.6 million creation at the side of the Serpentine was surrounded by controversy, facing delays and overrunning its budget by £600,000.

AP Photo/John Stillwell

2004: To mark the years since the death of Princess Diana, a memorial fountain was erected in London's Hyde Park. The £3.6 million creation at the side of the Serpentine was surrounded by controversy, facing delays and overrunning its budget by £600,000.

2003: Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in Britain for a historic state visit that was aimed at repairing diplomatic damage from the Iraq war. This was the last time the Russian president visited the UK.

REUTERS

2003: Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in Britain for a historic state visit that was aimed at repairing diplomatic damage from the Iraq war. This was the last time the Russian president visited the UK.

2002: This was a difficult year for the Queen. Her sister, Princess Margaret, and her mother died within a month of each other. The picture below shows the Queen and other members of the family during the funeral of the Queen Mother.

AP Photo/Santiago Lyon

2002: This was a difficult year for the Queen. Her sister, Princess Margaret, and her mother died within a month of each other. The picture below shows the Queen and other members of the family during the funeral of the Queen Mother.

2001: The following year, the world remembered those who lost their lives in the attacks of 9/11. In this picture, a distraught Queen Elizabeth II wipes a tear from her face as she's comforted by a member of the clergy in St Paul's Cathedral following a memorial service.

REUTERS

2001: The following year, the world remembered those who lost their lives in the attacks of 9/11. In this picture, a distraught Queen Elizabeth II wipes a tear from her face as she's comforted by a member of the clergy in St Paul's Cathedral following a memorial service.

2000: Britain's Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, celebrated her 100th birthday from the balcony of Buckingham Palace with her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II. Cheering fans lined her procession route to Buckingham Palace shouting happy-100th-birthday wishes to a woman who won the love and admiration of the nation during a turbulent century.

AP Photo/Ian Waldie

2000: Britain's Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, celebrated her 100th birthday from the balcony of Buckingham Palace with her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II. Cheering fans lined her procession route to Buckingham Palace shouting happy-100th-birthday wishes to a woman who won the love and admiration of the nation during a turbulent century.

1999: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II joined Housing Manager Liz McGinniss, left rear, and Susan McCarron for tea in McCarron's housing association home in the Castlemilk area of Glasgow. The visit was an example of Britain's royal family experimenting with a more intimate, informal approach on meet-the-people tours, whereby they visited homes and spent time with families around the country.

AP Photo/David Cheskin

1999: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II joined Housing Manager Liz McGinniss, left rear, and Susan McCarron for tea in McCarron's housing association home in the Castlemilk area of Glasgow. The visit was an example of Britain's royal family experimenting with a more intimate, informal approach on meet-the-people tours, whereby they visited homes and spent time with families around the country.

1998: Britain's Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, celebrated her 98th birthday in 1998. In this photo, she waves as she poses with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren outside her official residence, Clarence House.

AP Photo/Louise Bullar

1998: Britain's Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, celebrated her 98th birthday in 1998. In this photo, she waves as she poses with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren outside her official residence, Clarence House.

1997: Tragedy struck a year later also when Princess Diana was killed by injuries sustained in a car crash in Paris. This photo shows the Queen and Prince Philip observing the vast sea of flowers left outside Buckingham Palace after Diana's death.

AP Photo

1997: Tragedy struck a year later also when Princess Diana was killed by injuries sustained in a car crash in Paris. This photo shows the Queen and Prince Philip observing the vast sea of flowers left outside Buckingham Palace after Diana's death.

1996: In 1996, the Queen visited the scene of one of the greatest tragedies in recent British history — the Dunblane Massacre. Queen Elizabeth II and her daughter, Princess Anne, visited the small Scottish town to lay wreaths outside the school where 16 children and one teacher were shot and killed.

AP Photo/Alastair Grant

1996: In 1996, the Queen visited the scene of one of the greatest tragedies in recent British history — the Dunblane Massacre. Queen Elizabeth II and her daughter, Princess Anne, visited the small Scottish town to lay wreaths outside the school where 16 children and one teacher were shot and killed.

1995: President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, arrived in London for a five-day European trip in November 1995.

AP Photo /Dave Caulkin/WPA

1994: It was in 1994 that construction on the Channel Tunnel was completed. Queen Elizabeth II and French President Francois Mitterrand unveiled a plaque in front of the head of the drill used to bore through the underwater chalk, to mark the occasion in Coquelles, France.

REUTERS

1994: It was in 1994 that construction on the Channel Tunnel was completed. Queen Elizabeth II and French President Francois Mitterrand unveiled a plaque in front of the head of the drill used to bore through the underwater chalk, to mark the occasion in Coquelles, France.

1993: The Queen Mother between her two daughters, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret, while celebrating her 93rd birthday at Clarence House in London. 1993 was also the year Buckingham Palace was opened to the public for the first time.

AP Photo/Alastair Grant

1993: The Queen Mother between her two daughters, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret, while celebrating her 93rd birthday at Clarence House in London. 1993 was also the year Buckingham Palace was opened to the public for the first time.

1992: Disaster struck in 1992 when Windsor Castle caught fire and was heavily damaged. The hall was destroyed along with eight other principal rooms and more than 100 other rooms. The repair work on all fire damaged areas cost £37 million.

REUTERS

1992: Disaster struck in 1992 when Windsor Castle caught fire and was heavily damaged. The hall was destroyed along with eight other principal rooms and more than 100 other rooms. The repair work on all fire damaged areas cost £37 million.

1991: During their 1991 trip to the US, President George H.W. Bush escorted the Queen and her husband onto the field at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. The royals saw the Orioles play the Oakland A's — it was the first baseball game they ever watched.

AP Photo/Greg Gibson

1991: During their 1991 trip to the US, President George H.W. Bush escorted the Queen and her husband onto the field at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. The royals saw the Orioles play the Oakland A's — it was the first baseball game they ever watched.

1990: The British Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, The Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess William and Harry, watched a flypast, which marked the Queen's 65th birthday, from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

AP Photo

1990: The British Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, The Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess William and Harry, watched a flypast, which marked the Queen's 65th birthday, from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

1989: An attendant at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque salutes as Britain's Queen Elizabeth II tours in Kuala Lumpur. The Queen wore a special cloak and slippers required inside the mosque.

AP Photo/Tham Choon

1989: An attendant at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque salutes as Britain's Queen Elizabeth II tours in Kuala Lumpur. The Queen wore a special cloak and slippers required inside the mosque.

1988: The Queen visited the Netherlands in 1988 to celebrate 300 years of friendship between the two nations. As part of her visit, she and Dutch Queen Beatrix walked through the Arnhem-Oosterbeek War Cemetery, in Oosterbeek. Many British paratroopers who died in World War II are buried in the cemetery.

AP Photo

1988: The Queen visited the Netherlands in 1988 to celebrate 300 years of friendship between the two nations. As part of her visit, she and Dutch Queen Beatrix walked through the Arnhem-Oosterbeek War Cemetery, in Oosterbeek. Many British paratroopers who died in World War II are buried in the cemetery.

1987: King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, who carried out a four-day state visit to Britain, with Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, and the Duke of Edinburgh, before they attended a banquet in the King's honour at Buckingham Palace. The Queen wore the chain of the Order of King Abdul Aziz in honour of the King.

AP Photo/Peter Kemp

1987: King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, who carried out a four-day state visit to Britain, with Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, and the Duke of Edinburgh, before they attended a banquet in the King's honour at Buckingham Palace. The Queen wore the chain of the Order of King Abdul Aziz in honour of the King.

1986: Queen Elizabeth II is followed by joyous Chinese children as she tours a children's center in Canton during her state visit to President Li Xiannian.

AP Photo/Peter Bregg

1985: Proprietor of the Times of London, Rupert Murdoch, and Queen Elizabeth II look over printing operations as editions of the March 1 issues of the Times newspaper go to press. The Queen's visit marked the newspaper's 200th anniversary.

AP Photo/Ron Bell

1985: Proprietor of the Times of London, Rupert Murdoch, and Queen Elizabeth II look over printing operations as editions of the March 1 issues of the Times newspaper go to press. The Queen's visit marked the newspaper's 200th anniversary.

1984: Queen Elizabeth II arrives through the avenues of guns during the second day of her review of the Royal Regiment of Artillery in East Germany at Dortmund on Wednesday, making for a dramatic picture.

AP Photo

1984: Queen Elizabeth II arrives through the avenues of guns during the second day of her review of the Royal Regiment of Artillery in East Germany at Dortmund on Wednesday, making for a dramatic picture.

1983: Mother Teresa of Calcutta, one of modern history's most iconic religious figures, receives the Insignia of the Honorary Order of Merit from Queen Elizabeth II at the Rashtrapati Shavar in New Delhi. The order recognises distinguished service in the armed forces, science, art, literature, or for the promotion of culture.

AP Photo

1983: Mother Teresa of Calcutta, one of modern history's most iconic religious figures, receives the Insignia of the Honorary Order of Merit from Queen Elizabeth II at the Rashtrapati Shavar in New Delhi. The order recognises distinguished service in the armed forces, science, art, literature, or for the promotion of culture.

1982: Pope John Paul II sought to overcome centuries of distrust when he became the first pope to visit British shores in 1982, preaching reconciliation between the Vatican and Anglicans even as British troops battled Catholic Argentines in the Falklands.

AP Photo

1982: Pope John Paul II sought to overcome centuries of distrust when he became the first pope to visit British shores in 1982, preaching reconciliation between the Vatican and Anglicans even as British troops battled Catholic Argentines in the Falklands.

1981: The Queen looks over the crowd of 600,000 people who lined the streets of London on the day of Charles and Diana's wedding, while the bride and groom kiss. An estimated 750 million people watched the event worldwide.

AP Photo/Pool

1981: The Queen looks over the crowd of 600,000 people who lined the streets of London on the day of Charles and Diana's wedding, while the bride and groom kiss. An estimated 750 million people watched the event worldwide.

1980: It was in 1980 that the Queen visited the Vatican for the first time. Here, she talks to Pope John Paul II while her husband looks on.

AP Photo

1979: The monarch has been a regular guest of Middle Eastern leaders throughout her reign. Here, she is escorted by King Khali of Saudi Arabia, far right, after her arrival at Riyadh Airport, Saudi Arabia. This was one of just eight official state visits to various countries made that year.

AP Photo/Peter Kemp

1979: The monarch has been a regular guest of Middle Eastern leaders throughout her reign. Here, she is escorted by King Khali of Saudi Arabia, far right, after her arrival at Riyadh Airport, Saudi Arabia. This was one of just eight official state visits to various countries made that year.

1978: Here, the Queen reviews her Yeoman of the Guard, the world's oldest military corps, in the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

AP Photo

1977: This year marked the Queen's silver jubilee — celebrating 25 years on the throne. As part of the festivities, she conducted a brief walkabout in London where she met and spoke with members of the public before attending a ceremony at St. Paul's Cathedral.

AP Photo/Rider

1977: This year marked the Queen's silver jubilee — celebrating 25 years on the throne. As part of the festivities, she conducted a brief walkabout in London where she met and spoke with members of the public before attending a ceremony at St. Paul's Cathedral.

1976: US President Gerald Ford leads Queen Elizabeth II in a dance following a State Dinner at The White House. The dinner party was thrown in honour of Her Majesty during her tour of the US.

AP Photo/John Duricka

1976: US President Gerald Ford leads Queen Elizabeth II in a dance following a State Dinner at The White House. The dinner party was thrown in honour of Her Majesty during her tour of the US.

1975: Film and music icon Barbara Streisand with the monarch in London in 1975 at the Royal Film performance. After the presentations, the Queen saw the musical "Funny Lady," in which Streisand was the star.

AP Photo

1975: Film and music icon Barbara Streisand with the monarch in London in 1975 at the Royal Film performance. After the presentations, the Queen saw the musical "Funny Lady," in which Streisand was the star.

1974: Queen Elizabeth II of England and the Duke of Edinburgh toast the King of Malaysia, seated between them, on July 12,1974, at Claridges in London. The dinner marked the third day of the King and Queen of Malaysia's visit to England.

AP Photo

1974: Queen Elizabeth II of England and the Duke of Edinburgh toast the King of Malaysia, seated between them, on July 12,1974, at Claridges in London. The dinner marked the third day of the King and Queen of Malaysia's visit to England.

1973: Queen Elizabeth II, with her husband Prince Philip, left, arrive at an "Old Canada" exhibition, in High Park, Toronto.

AP Photo

1972: It was in 1972 that the Queen embarked on a tour of Asia. She paid a visit to Malaysia, where she stopped to speak to school children along the way.

AP Photo

1971: In 1971, Japanese Emperor Hirohito visited Britain for four days. The Emperor and Queen Elizabeth II rode in an open Landau through the gates of Buckingham Palace in a lavish procession after his arrival at Victoria Station.

AP Photo/Brown

1971: In 1971, Japanese Emperor Hirohito visited Britain for four days. The Emperor and Queen Elizabeth II rode in an open Landau through the gates of Buckingham Palace in a lavish procession after his arrival at Victoria Station.

1970: The Queen entertained US President Richard Nixon and his wife on many occasions. This photo shows them with Prime Minister Edward Heath at Chequers, the country retreat of Britain's prime ministers. The queen has visited Chequers only three times throughout her reign.

1970: The Queen entertained US President Richard Nixon and his wife on many occasions. This photo shows them with Prime Minister Edward Heath at Chequers, the country retreat of Britain's prime ministers. The queen has visited Chequers only three times throughout her reign.

1969: Throughout her reign, the Queen has met some of the men and women who helped shape history. Astronauts, and first men on the moon, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin were invited to meet with the monarch in Buckingham Palace.

1969: Throughout her reign, the Queen has met some of the men and women who helped shape history. Astronauts, and first men on the moon, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin were invited to meet with the monarch in Buckingham Palace.

1968: To mark the 50th anniversary of the RAF, Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh toured the Royal Air Force Base in Abingdon, England. In this photo, they're driven past a collection of Bloodhound missiles.

1968: To mark the 50th anniversary of the RAF, Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh toured the Royal Air Force Base in Abingdon, England. In this photo, they're driven past a collection of Bloodhound missiles.

1967: As part of a six-day visit to Canada, the Queen had the opportunity to shelter from the rain and ride the Expo 67 electric train, which at the time was revolutionary. It was originally constructed for the 1967 world fair, which took place in Montreal.

1967: As part of a six-day visit to Canada, the Queen had the opportunity to shelter from the rain and ride the Expo 67 electric train, which at the time was revolutionary. It was originally constructed for the 1967 world fair, which took place in Montreal.

1966: Queen Elizabeth II presents the World Cup, the Jules Rimet trophy, to England's team captain Bobby Moore on July 30, 1966. This was the first — and remains the only — time England had ever won the World Cup.

1966: Queen Elizabeth II presents the World Cup, the Jules Rimet trophy, to England's team captain Bobby Moore on July 30, 1966. This was the first — and remains the only — time England had ever won the World Cup.

1965: Winston Churchill died on January 24, 1965 — his funeral took place on February 1. World leaders and politicians from around the globe attended. A Guardian article from the day said: "By one o'clock the great State funeral was over, the Kings and Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers, the generals and Politicians from the world over had paid their respects."

1965: Winston Churchill died on January 24, 1965 — his funeral took place on February 1. World leaders and politicians from around the globe attended. A Guardian article from the day said: "By one o'clock the great State funeral was over, the Kings and Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers, the generals and Politicians from the world over had paid their respects."

1964: Queen Elizabeth II has made more than 261 official overseas visits since coming to the throne. While visiting Canada, part of the British Commonwealth, she addressed the provincial legislature of Quebec in both French and English in October 1964.

1964: Queen Elizabeth II has made more than 261 official overseas visits since coming to the throne. While visiting Canada, part of the British Commonwealth, she addressed the provincial legislature of Quebec in both French and English in October 1964.

1963: While down under in 1963, the royal couple visited Adelaide, South Australia, where they were greeted by about 90,000 schoolchildren, some of whom had travelled hundreds of miles to catch a glimpse of the Queen and her husband.

1963: While down under in 1963, the royal couple visited Adelaide, South Australia, where they were greeted by about 90,000 schoolchildren, some of whom had travelled hundreds of miles to catch a glimpse of the Queen and her husband.

1962: The royals have always been avid racegoers. In 1962, the Queen attended the Ascot races with her mother. Elizabeth wore a blue lace dress to Ladies Day while her mother opted for a floral print.

1962: The royals have always been avid racegoers. In 1962, the Queen attended the Ascot races with her mother. Elizabeth wore a blue lace dress to Ladies Day while her mother opted for a floral print.

1961: The royals were joined by President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, at Buckingham Palace in 1961. The Queen was invited to Kennedy's funeral following his assassination in 1963 but was unable to attend because she was pregnant with Edward.

1961: The royals were joined by President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, at Buckingham Palace in 1961. The Queen was invited to Kennedy's funeral following his assassination in 1963 but was unable to attend because she was pregnant with Edward.

1960: Even the royals need family time. This family photo shows the Duke of Edinburgh and his wife, the Queen, entertaining the kids, including a baby Prince Andrew, as they relax in the grounds of Balmoral Castle.

1960: Even the royals need family time. This family photo shows the Duke of Edinburgh and his wife, the Queen, entertaining the kids, including a baby Prince Andrew, as they relax in the grounds of Balmoral Castle.

1959: Since taking to the throne, the Queen has met with every sitting US president but one, Lyndon B. Johnson. Here, she stands in the grounds of Balmoral Castle, Scotland with President Eisenhower. They are joined by Prince Philip, Princess Anne, and Prince Charles.

1959: Since taking to the throne, the Queen has met with every sitting US president but one, Lyndon B. Johnson. Here, she stands in the grounds of Balmoral Castle, Scotland with President Eisenhower. They are joined by Prince Philip, Princess Anne, and Prince Charles.

1958: Queen Elizabeth II has met everyone who's anyone — from politicians to movie stars. In 1958, she met legendary actress and early Playboy playmate Jayne Mansfield at London's Odeon Theatre during the annual royal film festival.

1958: Queen Elizabeth II has met everyone who's anyone — from politicians to movie stars. In 1958, she met legendary actress and early Playboy playmate Jayne Mansfield at London's Odeon Theatre during the annual royal film festival.

1957: In this photo, the Queen and her sister, Princess Margaret, enjoy a day out at the horse shows in Badminton, Gloucestershire. The Queen is holding an old-fashioned movie camera as she takes pictures of the cross-country competition.

1957: In this photo, the Queen and her sister, Princess Margaret, enjoy a day out at the horse shows in Badminton, Gloucestershire. The Queen is holding an old-fashioned movie camera as she takes pictures of the cross-country competition.

1956: Travelling and representing Britain overseas is a key part of her job. She and her husband, Prince Philip, visited the Lagos City boundary in Nigeria on their way to the city from Ikeja Airport in 1956. Here, she's sat next to Chief Oba Adeniji-Adila II, whose family has ruled in Lagos for 260 years.

1956: Travelling and representing Britain overseas is a key part of her job. She and her husband, Prince Philip, visited the Lagos City boundary in Nigeria on their way to the city from Ikeja Airport in 1956. Here, she's sat next to Chief Oba Adeniji-Adila II, whose family has ruled in Lagos for 260 years.

1955: The queen plays a key role in maintaining diplomatic relationships with other countries. Here, she arrives by car at the Portuguese Embassy in London's Belgrave Square to attend a dinner party thrown in her honour by the visiting Portuguese president and Madame Craveiro Lopes.

1955: The queen plays a key role in maintaining diplomatic relationships with other countries. Here, she arrives by car at the Portuguese Embassy in London's Belgrave Square to attend a dinner party thrown in her honour by the visiting Portuguese president and Madame Craveiro Lopes.

1954: Since coming to the throne, she has held regular audience with British prime ministers. In this photo, the Queen and Winston Churchill wait at Waterloo Station in London for the Queen Mother to arrive back from a month in the US.

1954: Since coming to the throne, she has held regular audience with British prime ministers. In this photo, the Queen and Winston Churchill wait at Waterloo Station in London for the Queen Mother to arrive back from a month in the US.

1953: On June 2, 1953, Elizabeth was crowned at Westminster Abbey, making her the 39th sovereign to be crowned in the iconic church. Though she officially became queen in 1952 after the death of her father, King George, her coronation wasn't until a year later. An estimated 27 million people in Britain watched the ceremony on TV.

1953: On June 2, 1953, Elizabeth was crowned at Westminster Abbey, making her the 39th sovereign to be crowned in the iconic church. Though she officially became queen in 1952 after the death of her father, King George, her coronation wasn't until a year later. An estimated 27 million people in Britain watched the ceremony on TV.

1952: In 1952, the Queen's father, George IV, died. She immediately became queen and began what would be the longest reign of any monarch in British history. In this photo, a veiled Elizabeth accompanies her father's coffin to his final resting place in Windsor.

AP Photo

1952: In 1952, the Queen's father, George IV, died. She immediately became queen and began what would be the longest reign of any monarch in British history. In this photo, a veiled Elizabeth accompanies her father's coffin to his final resting place in Windsor.

1951: This summer picture shows the soon-to-be Queen, husband Prince Philip, and their children Charles and Anne on the lawn at Clarence House, London.

AP Photo

1950: This is one of the first photos of Princess Elizabeth with her second child, Princess Anne, who was born on August 15.

PA Images

1949: An eight-month-old Prince Charles is cradled by his mother on a warm July day at Windlesham Moor, their summer residence, in Ascot, England.

AP Photo

1948: Following the christening of Prince Charles in December 1948, this official photo was taken of the young royal, along with his mother, his grandfather King George VI, and his great-grandmother Queen Mary.

AP Photo

1948: Following the christening of Prince Charles in December 1948, this official photo was taken of the young royal, along with his mother, his grandfather King George VI, and his great-grandmother Queen Mary.

1947: The following year, Philip and Elizabeth married at Westminster Abbey in London in front of 2,000 guests. She was the first British monarch to have celebrated a diamond wedding anniversary. This family photo was taken at Buckingham Palace following the ceremony.

AP Photo

1947: The following year, Philip and Elizabeth married at Westminster Abbey in London in front of 2,000 guests. She was the first British monarch to have celebrated a diamond wedding anniversary. This family photo was taken at Buckingham Palace following the ceremony.

1946: Prince Philip of Greece acted as an usher, assisting Princess Elizabeth with her coat as they arrived at Romsey Abbey, for the wedding of Patricia Mountbatten. A year later, they themselves would walk down the aisle.

AP Photo

1946: Prince Philip of Greece acted as an usher, assisting Princess Elizabeth with her coat as they arrived at Romsey Abbey, for the wedding of Patricia Mountbatten. A year later, they themselves would walk down the aisle.

1945: Winston Churchill joined the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace minutes after the official announcement of Germany's unconditional surrender in WWII. Thousands of people gathered outside the royal residence to celebrate the end of the conflict.

AP Photo

1945: Winston Churchill joined the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace minutes after the official announcement of Germany's unconditional surrender in WWII. Thousands of people gathered outside the royal residence to celebrate the end of the conflict.

1944: Though the young royals were moved to Windsor castle for their safety during the war, Princess Elizabeth regularly greeted the troops before they began bombing raids. She christened the plane in this photo the "Rose of York."

AP Photo

1944: Though the young royals were moved to Windsor castle for their safety during the war, Princess Elizabeth regularly greeted the troops before they began bombing raids. She christened the plane in this photo the "Rose of York."

1943: Throughout the war, Princess Elizabeth helped by knitting garments for the poor, contributing funds to purchase cigarettes for the armed forces, and attending dances and programs for evacuated children.

AP Photo

1943: Throughout the war, Princess Elizabeth helped by knitting garments for the poor, contributing funds to purchase cigarettes for the armed forces, and attending dances and programs for evacuated children.

1942: A 16-year-old Elizabeth often met with troops and spoke with them. She was appointed colonel-in-chief of the Grenadier Guards by her father in 1942 and made her first public appearance inspecting the troops that year.

AP Photo

1942: A 16-year-old Elizabeth often met with troops and spoke with them. She was appointed colonel-in-chief of the Grenadier Guards by her father in 1942 and made her first public appearance inspecting the troops that year.

1941: Princess Elizabeth discusses the pantomime with her mother, Queen Elizabeth of England, while her sister, Princess Margaret, looks on. The two princesses took the leading roles in the show and also produced the play for the benefit of the Royal Household Concert Wool Fund.

AP Photo

1941: Princess Elizabeth discusses the pantomime with her mother, Queen Elizabeth of England, while her sister, Princess Margaret, looks on. The two princesses took the leading roles in the show and also produced the play for the benefit of the Royal Household Concert Wool Fund.

1940: A year after the beginning of World War II, a 14-year-old Elizabeth sent out her first radio broadcast. She addressed the children of the Commonwealth, most of whom had been evacuated and were away from their families. She told them to remember that when peace comes, "it will be for us children of today to make the world of tomorrow a better and happier place."

AP Photo/ Press Association Images

1940: A year after the beginning of World War II, a 14-year-old Elizabeth sent out her first radio broadcast. She addressed the children of the Commonwealth, most of whom had been evacuated and were away from their families. She told them to remember that when peace comes, "it will be for us children of today to make the world of tomorrow a better and happier place."

1939: Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, both keen swimmers, went to watch a swimming display given before the royal visitors at Dartmouth Naval College, on July 22, 1939.

AP Photo

1939: Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, both keen swimmers, went to watch a swimming display given before the royal visitors at Dartmouth Naval College, on July 22, 1939.

1938: Elizabeth and her sister were animal lovers from a young age. The princesses can be seen here watching the Pony Show in London from the royal box. Since then, Queen Elizabeth has attended a huge number of races and pageants.

AP Photo

1938: Elizabeth and her sister were animal lovers from a young age. The princesses can be seen here watching the Pony Show in London from the royal box. Since then, Queen Elizabeth has attended a huge number of races and pageants.

1937: The Queen Mother is shown here with her husband, King George VI, and their two daughters, Princess Elizabeth, centre, and Princess Margaret, in 1937. This is also the year Princess Elizabeth signed up as a Girl Guide — when she was 11 years old.

AP Photo

1937: The Queen Mother is shown here with her husband, King George VI, and their two daughters, Princess Elizabeth, centre, and Princess Margaret, in 1937. This is also the year Princess Elizabeth signed up as a Girl Guide — when she was 11 years old.

1936: In this picture, a young Elizabeth takes her pet dog for a walk in Hyde Park, London. She spent much of her childhood in 145 Piccadilly, a townhouse located next to The Ritz and bordering the city's Green Park.

PA Images

1936: In this picture, a young Elizabeth takes her pet dog for a walk in Hyde Park, London. She spent much of her childhood in 145 Piccadilly, a townhouse located next to The Ritz and bordering the city's Green Park.

1935: Even at the young age of 9, the future queen had perfected her royal wave. This photo was taken after the family had attended the Jubilee service at St. Paul's Cathedral.

AP Photo

1935: Even at the young age of 9, the future queen had perfected her royal wave. This photo was taken after the family had attended the Jubilee service at St. Paul's Cathedral.

1934: The royals have always been keen equestrians. This photo shows Princess Elizabeth at Olympia's International Horse Show.

PA Images

1933: This photo shows the princess enjoying a carriage ride with her grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary of England.

PA Images

1932: Here, the young princesses pose for a photo together.

PA Images

1931: Elizabeth's family was completed after the birth of Princess Margaret in 1930. Here's a photo of the baby Margaret, Elizabeth, and their parents at a garden party the following year.

PA Images

1931: Elizabeth's family was completed after the birth of Princess Margaret in 1930. Here's a photo of the baby Margaret, Elizabeth, and their parents at a garden party the following year.

1930: The Queen was home-schooled by her father and the vice-provost of Eton, Henry Marten. She also learned French after spending time with French and Belgian governesses and regularly speaks the language when delivering speeches abroad.

PA Images

1930: The Queen was home-schooled by her father and the vice-provost of Eton, Henry Marten. She also learned French after spending time with French and Belgian governesses and regularly speaks the language when delivering speeches abroad.

1929: In this photo, 3-year-old Princess Elizabeth smiles sweetly for the camera.

PA Images

1928: No one ever thought Elizabeth would become Queen. This became apparent only once her father's elder brother Edward abdicated, putting her father on the throne and making her first in line.

PA Images

1928: No one ever thought Elizabeth would become Queen. This became apparent only once her father's elder brother Edward abdicated, putting her father on the throne and making her first in line.

1927: She was the couple's first child and was christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary in Buckingham Palace's private chapel. She was named Elizabeth after her mother, Mary after her grandmother Queen Mary, and Alexandra after her great-grandmother Queen Alexandra.

PA Images

1927: She was the couple's first child and was christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary in Buckingham Palace's private chapel. She was named Elizabeth after her mother, Mary after her grandmother Queen Mary, and Alexandra after her great-grandmother Queen Alexandra.

1926: The Queen was born at 2.40 a.m. on April 21, 1926, at 17 Bruton Street in London. This photo shows the newly born Princess Elizabeth with her mother the Duchess of York — later Queen Elizabeth.

PA Images

1926: The Queen was born at 2.40 a.m. on April 21, 1926, at 17 Bruton Street in London. This photo shows the newly born Princess Elizabeth with her mother the Duchess of York — later Queen Elizabeth.

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The Queen at 94: The most important photo from every single year of her remarkable life

2020: The Queen will celebrate her 94th birthday at Windsor Castle, the world's largest occupied castle, where she is currently in quarantine with Prince Philip.

2019: The Queen, with other members of the royal family, attended a reception to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Prince of Wales' investiture.

2018: Her Majesty attended the wedding of her grandson, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel in Windsor on May 19.

2017: Queen Elizabeth waved to onlookers as she left the Easter Sunday service at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England.

2016: In celebration of Her Majesty's 90th birthday, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George, and Prince William posed during a Royal Mail photoshoot for a stamp sheet.

2015: A small dancing robot at "Technische Universitaet" (Technical University) in Berlin put a smile on the Queen's face earlier this year during her official visit to Germany.

2012: The Queen had a lot to celebrate in 2012. It was the year of the London Olympics and also the year of her diamond jubilee. 1.2 million people took to the streets of London (pictured below) to celebrate her 60 years on the throne.

2010: This hilarious photo did the rounds in 2010. Something obviously tickled The Queen and her son, Prince Charles, as they laugh uncontrollably at the Braemar Gathering. The sporting event is known colloquially as "The Games" and attracts visitors from around the world to the small village.

2009: This image had royalists up in arms as Michelle Obama appeared to break protocol by touching the Queen. The Queen, however, obviously found a friend in Obama as she returned the gesture and posed for photos with her.

2008: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II stood as she delivered a speech at the start of a state banquet for French President Nicolas Sarkozy at Windsor Castle, near London.

2006: The monarch celebrated her 80th birthday in 2006. A firework display, which she can be seen watching in the photo below, was put on at Kew Palace in her honour before she celebrated at a private family dinner.

2004: To mark the years since the death of Princess Diana, a memorial fountain was erected in London's Hyde Park. The £3.6 million creation at the side of the Serpentine was surrounded by controversy, facing delays and overrunning its budget by £600,000.

2003: Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in Britain for a historic state visit that was aimed at repairing diplomatic damage from the Iraq war. This was the last time the Russian president visited the UK.

2002: This was a difficult year for the Queen. Her sister, Princess Margaret, and her mother died within a month of each other. The picture below shows the Queen and other members of the family during the funeral of the Queen Mother.

2001: The following year, the world remembered those who lost their lives in the attacks of 9/11. In this picture, a distraught Queen Elizabeth II wipes a tear from her face as she's comforted by a member of the clergy in St Paul's Cathedral following a memorial service.

1998: Britain's Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, celebrated her 98th birthday in 1998. In this photo, she waves as she poses with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren outside her official residence, Clarence House.

1997: Tragedy struck a year later also when Princess Diana was killed by injuries sustained in a car crash in Paris. This photo shows the Queen and Prince Philip observing the vast sea of flowers left outside Buckingham Palace after Diana's death.

1995: President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, arrived in London for a five-day European trip in November 1995.

1994: It was in 1994 that construction on the Channel Tunnel was completed. Queen Elizabeth II and French President Francois Mitterrand unveiled a plaque in front of the head of the drill used to bore through the underwater chalk, to mark the occasion in Coquelles, France.

1993: The Queen Mother between her two daughters, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret, while celebrating her 93rd birthday at Clarence House in London. 1993 was also the year Buckingham Palace was opened to the public for the first time.

1992: Disaster struck in 1992 when Windsor Castle caught fire and was heavily damaged. The hall was destroyed along with eight other principal rooms and more than 100 other rooms. The repair work on all fire damaged areas cost £37 million.

1991: During their 1991 trip to the US, President George H.W. Bush escorted the Queen and her husband onto the field at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. The royals saw the Orioles play the Oakland A's — it was the first baseball game they ever watched.

1990: The British Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, The Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess William and Harry, watched a flypast​, which marked the Queen's 65th birthday, from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

1989: An attendant at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque salutes as Britain's Queen Elizabeth II tours in Kuala Lumpur. The Queen wore a special cloak and slippers required inside the mosque.

1986: Queen Elizabeth II is followed by joyous Chinese children as she tours a children's center in Canton during her state visit to President Li Xiannian.

1985: Proprietor of the Times of London, Rupert Murdoch, and Queen Elizabeth II look over printing operations as editions of the March 1 issues of the Times newspaper go to press. The Queen's visit marked the newspaper's 200th anniversary.

1984: Queen Elizabeth II arrives through the avenues of guns during the second day of her review of the Royal Regiment of Artillery in East Germany at Dortmund on Wednesday, making for a dramatic picture.

1982: Pope John Paul II sought to overcome centuries of distrust when he became the first pope to visit British shores in 1982, preaching reconciliation between the Vatican and Anglicans even as British troops battled Catholic Argentines in the Falklands.

1981: The Queen looks over the crowd of 600,000 people who lined the streets of London on the day of Charles and Diana's wedding, while the bride and groom kiss. An estimated 750 million people watched the event worldwide.

1980: It was in 1980 that the Queen visited the Vatican for the first time. Here, she talks to Pope John Paul II while her husband looks on.

1979: The monarch has been a regular guest of Middle Eastern leaders throughout her reign. Here, she is escorted by King Khali of Saudi Arabia, far right, after her arrival at Riyadh Airport, Saudi Arabia. This was one of just eight official state visits to various countries made that year.

1978: Here, the Queen reviews her Yeoman of the Guard, the world's oldest military corps, in the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

1977: This year marked the Queen's silver jubilee — celebrating 25 years on the throne. As part of the festivities, she conducted a brief walkabout in London where she met and spoke with members of the public before attending​ a ceremony at St. Paul's Cathedral.

1976: US President Gerald Ford leads Queen Elizabeth II in a dance following a State Dinner at The White House. The dinner party was thrown in honour of Her Majesty during her tour of the US.

1975: Film and music icon Barbara Streisand with the monarch in London in 1975 at the Royal Film performance. After the presentations, the Queen saw the musical "Funny Lady," in which Streisand was the star.

1974: Queen Elizabeth II of England and the Duke of Edinburgh toast the King of Malaysia, seated between them, on July 12,1974, at Claridges in London. The dinner marked the third day of the King and Queen of Malaysia's visit to England.

1973: Queen Elizabeth II, with her husband Prince Philip, left, arrive at an "Old Canada" exhibition, in High Park, Toronto.

1972: It was in 1972 that the Queen embarked on a tour of Asia. She paid a visit to Malaysia, where she stopped to speak to school children along the way.

1971: In 1971, Japanese Emperor Hirohito visited Britain for four days. The Emperor and Queen Elizabeth II rode in an open Landau through the gates of Buckingham Palace in a lavish procession after his arrival at Victoria Station.

1970: The Queen entertained US President Richard Nixon and his wife on many occasions. This photo shows them with Prime Minister Edward Heath at Chequers, the country retreat of Britain's prime ministers. The queen has visited Chequers only three times throughout her reign.

1969: Throughout her reign, the Queen has met some of the men and women who helped shape history. Astronauts, and first men on the moon, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin were invited to meet with the monarch in Buckingham Palace.

1968: To mark the 50th anniversary of the RAF, Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh toured the Royal Air Force Base in Abingdon​, England. In this photo, they're driven past a collection of Bloodhound missiles.

1967: As part of a six-day visit to Canada, the Queen had the opportunity to shelter from the rain and ride the Expo 67 electric train, which at the time was revolutionary. It was originally constructed for the 1967 world fair, which took place in Montreal.

1966: Queen Elizabeth II presents the World Cup, the Jules Rimet trophy, to England's team captain Bobby Moore on July 30, 1966. This was the first — and remains the only — time England had ever won the World Cup.

1964: Queen Elizabeth II has made more than 261 official overseas visits since coming to the throne. While visiting Canada, part of the British Commonwealth, she addressed the provincial legislature of Quebec in both French and English in October 1964.

1963: While down under in 1963, the royal couple visited Adelaide, South Australia, where they were greeted by about 90,000 schoolchildren, some of whom had travelled hundreds of miles to catch a glimpse of the Queen and her husband.

1962: The royals have always been avid racegoers. In 1962, the Queen attended the Ascot races with her mother. Elizabeth wore a blue lace​ dress to Ladies Day while her mother opted for a floral print.

1961: The royals were joined by President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, at Buckingham Palace in 1961. The Queen was invited to Kennedy's funeral following his assassination in 1963 but was unable to attend because she was pregnant with Edward.

1960: Even the royals need family time. This family photo shows the Duke of Edinburgh and his wife, the Queen, entertaining the kids, including a baby Prince Andrew, as they relax in the grounds of Balmoral Castle.

1959: Since taking to the throne, the Queen has met with every sitting US president but one, Lyndon B. Johnson. Here, she stands in the grounds of Balmoral Castle, Scotland with President Eisenhower. They are joined by Prince Philip, Princess Anne, and Prince Charles.

1958: Queen Elizabeth II has met everyone who's anyone — from politicians to movie stars. In 1958, she met legendary actress and early Playboy playmate Jayne Mansfield at London's Odeon Theatre during the annual royal film festival.

1957: In this photo, the Queen and her sister, Princess Margaret, enjoy a day out at the horse shows in Badminton, Gloucestershire. The Queen is holding an old-fashioned movie camera as she takes pictures of the cross-country competition.

1955: The queen plays a key role in maintaining diplomatic relationships with other countries. Here, she arrives by car at the Portuguese Embassy in London's Belgrave Square to attend a dinner party thrown in her honour by the visiting Portuguese president and Madame Craveiro Lopes.

1954: Since coming to the throne, she has held regular audience with British prime ministers. In this photo, the Queen and Winston Churchill wait at Waterloo Station in London for the Queen Mother to arrive back from a month in the US.

1952: In 1952, the Queen's father, George IV, died. She immediately became queen and began what would be the longest reign of any monarch in British history. In this photo, a veiled Elizabeth accompanies her father's coffin to his final resting place in Windsor.

1951: This summer picture shows the soon-to-be Queen, husband Prince Philip, and their children Charles and Anne on the lawn at Clarence House, London.

1950: This is one of the first photos of Princess Elizabeth with her second child, Princess Anne, who was born on August 15.

1949: An eight-month-old Prince Charles is cradled by his mother on a warm July day at Windlesham Moor, their summer residence, in Ascot, England.

1948: Following the christening of Prince Charles in December 1948, this official photo was taken of the young royal, along with his mother, his grandfather King George VI, and his great-grandmother Queen Mary.

1947: The following year, Philip and Elizabeth married at Westminster Abbey in London in front of 2,000 guests. She was the first British monarch to have celebrated a diamond wedding anniversary. This family photo was taken at Buckingham Palace following the ceremony.

1946: Prince Philip of Greece acted as an usher, assisting Princess Elizabeth with her coat as they arrived at Romsey Abbey, for the wedding of Patricia Mountbatten. A year later, they themselves would walk down the aisle.

1945: Winston Churchill joined the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace minutes after the official announcement of Germany's unconditional surrender in WWII. Thousands of people gathered outside the royal residence to celebrate the end of the conflict.

1944: Though the young royals were moved to Windsor castle for their safety during the war, Princess Elizabeth regularly greeted the troops before they began bombing raids. She christened the plane in this photo the "Rose of York."

1943: Throughout the war, Princess Elizabeth helped by knitting garments for the poor, contributing funds to purchase cigarettes for the armed forces, and attending dances and programs for evacuated children.

1942: A 16-year-old Elizabeth often met with troops and spoke with them. She was appointed colonel-in-chief of the Grenadier Guards by her father in 1942 and made her first public appearance inspecting the troops that year.

1941: Princess Elizabeth discusses the pantomime with her mother, Queen Elizabeth of England, while her sister, Princess Margaret, looks on. The two princesses took the leading roles in the show and also produced the play for the benefit of the Royal Household Concert Wool Fund.

1939: Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, both keen swimmers, went to watch a swimming display given before the royal visitors at Dartmouth Naval College, on July 22, 1939.

1938: Elizabeth and her sister were animal lovers from a young age. The princesses can be seen here watching the Pony Show in London from the royal box. Since then, Queen Elizabeth has attended a huge number of races and pageants.

1937: The Queen Mother is shown here with her husband, King George VI, and their two daughters, Princess Elizabeth, centre, and Princess Margaret, in 1937. This is also the year Princess Elizabeth signed up as a Girl Guide — when she was 11 years old.

1936: In this picture, a young Elizabeth takes her pet dog for a walk in Hyde Park, London. She spent much of her childhood in 145 Piccadilly, a townhouse located next to The Ritz and bordering the city's Green Park.

1935: Even at the young age of 9, the future queen had perfected her royal wave. This photo was taken after the family had attended the Jubilee service at St. Paul's Cathedral.

1934: The royals have always been keen equestrians. This photo shows Princess Elizabeth at Olympia's International Horse Show.

1933: This photo shows the princess enjoying a carriage ride with her grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary of England.

1932: Here, the young princesses pose for a photo together.

1931: Elizabeth's family was completed after the birth of Princess Margaret in 1930. Here's a photo of the baby Margaret, Elizabeth, and their parents at a garden party the following year.

1930: The Queen was home-schooled by her father and the vice-provost of Eton, Henry Marten. She also learned French after spending time with French and Belgian governesses and regularly speaks the language when delivering speeches abroad.

1929: In this photo, 3-year-old Princess Elizabeth smiles sweetly for the camera.

1928: No one ever thought Elizabeth would become Queen. This became apparent only once her father's elder brother Edward abdicated, putting her father on the throne and making her first in line.

1990: The British Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, The Prince and Princess of Wales, Princess William and Harry, watched a flypast, which marked the Queen's 65th birthday, from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

1977: This year marked the Queen's silver jubilee — celebrating 25 years on the throne. As part of the festivities, she conducted a brief walkabout in London where she met and spoke with members of the public before attending a ceremony at St. Paul's Cathedral.

1968: To mark the 50th anniversary of the RAF, Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh toured the Royal Air Force Base in Abingdon, England. In this photo, they're driven past a collection of Bloodhound missiles.

1962: The royals have always been avid racegoers. In 1962, the Queen attended the Ascot races with her mother. Elizabeth wore a blue lace dress to Ladies Day while her mother opted for a floral print.