Queen Elizabeth II has died after 70 years on the throne, marking the sombre end of an era for the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the world.
Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, the queen was 96 years old when she died — the longest-reigning monarch in British history. Alongside her late husband, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II played a crucial role in modernizing the monarchy.
Born in 1926, the queen has had a front-row seat to the most pivotal moments in world history, including the Second World War, the Korean War and the Cold War.
Here is a look back at her historic reign and some of the key moments during her rule.
Queen Elizabeth II was crowned at the age of 27 on June 2, 1953, following the death of her father King George VI. Her coronation was the world’s first televised event, with many Britons buying their first television in order to watch the ceremony.
She became first in line for the throne in 1936 after her uncle, Edward VIII, became the first British monarch to abdicate the throne over his decision to marry Wallis Warfield Simpson, an American divorcée.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip the Duke of Edinburgh ride along the Mall in an open-top car on their way to watch a parade in celebration of the Golden Jubilee on June 4, 2002 in London, England.
Anwar Hussein / Getty Images
The monarchy voted in favour of abolishing a rule that recognizes male precedence in the order of succession to the throne on Oct. 28, 2011, overthrowing centuries of tradition.
The Succession to the Crown Act, which went into effect in 2013, also ended a rule that disqualified members of the Royal Family from the line of succession for marrying Roman Catholics.
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The queen celebrated 60 years on the throne on Feb. 6, 2012, marking the occasion with a tour to 250 countries across the Commonwealth, culminating in a pageant held in London, England.
The last (and only other) Diamond Jubilee in British history was in 1897 under the reign of Queen Victoria, making Queen Elizabeth II the world’s longest-reigning British monarch.
