Queen Elizabeth II’s worldwide influence is undeniable.
Several television shows and films have been made about her unique life, including Netflix’sThe Crown.
But how much do you really know about Queen Elizabeth’s lifebeforeshe actually became queen?
What was her childhood like?
Was she prepared for royal duty since the day she was born?
How did she meet her husband?
What was their wedding like?
We’re here to answer all of those questions and many more.
This is the truth about Queen Elizabeth’s life before she was queen.
According to BBC’sHistory Extra, Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was not expected to ascend the throne at all.
On the contrary,9Honeyrevealed that he was known as a “tyrant King” by those close to the royals.
upon Princess Elizabeth’s birth, according toHistory Extra, perhaps fearing his father’s disapproval.
Nevertheless, young Princess Elizabeth had no trouble getting along with her grandpa.
She even spent a lot of time at his country home during her early years.
Princess Elizabeth’s early years, however, couldn’t have been more different.
her mother is known to have written following her birth (viaExpress).
Of course, the royal family did not approve, especially after Simpson finalized her second divorce.
The issue turned in a media circus and affected the royal family’s reputation greatly.
Ultimately, Edwardgave up his title for love.
He stepped down from his position to begin his future with Simpson.
Though it might seem unfathomable, this wasQueen Elizabeth’s reality.
Nevertheless, her feelings were unrequited at the time.
“The children won’t go without me.
I won’t leave without the King.
And the King will never leave,” she is famously known to have said.
Princess Elizabeth and her sister instead moved not far outside of London, to Windsor Castle.
Elizabeth stood firm, and she was finally given permission in 1945.
The 19-year-old princess ended up joining the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service where she received mechanic training.
Upon finishing her course, she worked as a mechanic with much “gusto,” perBiography.
The media dubbed her “Princess Auto Mechanic,” and her parents grew incredibly proud of her efforts.
According toBiography, the princess took part in a performance ofAladdinduring the holiday.
Sadly, King George VI was not impressed with his daughter’s budding romance.
They also didn’t approve of his German ties.
However, nothing could stop the pair from being together.
Philipproposedin 1946, Elizabeth accepted without consulting her parents, and the rest is history.
The princess also performed other duties such as making public speeches and launching battleships.
It is thought that the trip was arranged to strengthen the bond between the colony and the royals.
The trip was extra special for the princess, as it coincided with her 21st birthday.
She is still known to wear them on occasion, all of these years later.
It featured thousands of sewn-in pearls, and a 13-foot train.
Prince Philip wore his navy uniform (arguably easier to put together) and looked as handsome as ever.
The event was broadcast on the radio and was attended by 2,500 people.
His new wife gladly visited whenever she could.
According toTimes of Malta, one visit occurred around the time of the couple’s second wedding anniversary.
She visited one final time in 1951 before becoming queen.
Historian Robert Lacy toldTown & Countrythat the then-princess thrived on her children’s nanny’s day off.
Princess Elizabeth andher husband Prince Philipwere in Kenya at the time of the king’s death,Good Housekeepingexplained.
The next afternoon, Philip was informed of his father-in-law’s passing by a local reporter.
He told his wife the couple cut their trip short to make the long journey back home.
The royal family’swebsitestated that Queen Elizabeth’s coronation occurred on June 2, 1953.
