Queen Elizabeth II would have celebrated her 100th birthday on Monday, April 21, 2026, marking a centennial milestone for Britain's longest-serving monarch. The late queen, who passed away in 2022 at age 96, left an indelible mark on British history through her unprecedented 70-year reign and steadfast dedication to public service.
Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor in London on April 21, 1926, she was never originally expected to ascend to the throne. Her path to the crown shifted dramatically in 1936 when her uncle, Edward VIII (later the duke of Windsor), abdicated in favor of her father. Following the death of King George VI in 1952, Elizabeth took the crown and would go on to become the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
The young princess demonstrated remarkable poise early in life, making her first radio broadcast at just 14 years old on the BBC's Children's Hour. During World War II, she served her country in a hands-on capacity, training as a driver and mechanic in the Auxiliary Territorial Service. This practical wartime experience would become one of many defining characteristics of a monarch who helped modernize the British royal family.
Her 1953 coronation made history as the first to be televised, ushering in a new era of public engagement with the monarchy. Throughout her reign, Elizabeth met 13 sitting U.S. presidents, from Harry Truman to Joe Biden, and traveled extensively despite never needing a passport—since official documents are issued in the queen's name. She reportedly visited 116 countries during her time on the throne.
Elizabeth married Prince Philip in 1947, purchasing her own wedding dress with ration coupons due to post-World War II austerity. The couple remained together for more than seven decades, welcoming four children: King Charles in 1948, Princess Anne in 1950, Prince Andrew in 1960, and Prince Edward in 1964. She lived to see the birth of 12 of her great-grandchildren, with a 13th born after her passing.
Beyond her official duties, the queen maintained several personal traditions and quirks that endeared her to the public. She celebrated two birthdays each year—her actual birthday in April and her official birthday in June. Her signature nail polish color was Essie's "Ballet Slippers," which she reportedly wore exclusively for over 30 years. She was also the only person in the United Kingdom allowed to drive without a driver's license.
The queen's lifelong love affair with corgis became legendary, as she owned more than 30 of the dogs over her lifespan. She is even credited with helping to create a new breed: the "dorgi," a cross between a dachshund and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Her eight grandchildren include Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall; Prince William and Prince Harry; Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie; and Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex.
Elizabeth remained remarkably active throughout her life, logging hundreds of official engagements per year even in her later years. In 2016 alone, she reportedly carried out over 330 engagements. She held weekly audiences with her prime ministers, a tradition that began with Winston Churchill and continued throughout her reign. She sent her first email in 1976 and her first tweet in 2014, demonstrating her willingness to embrace technological change.
Following Elizabeth's death in 2022, King Charles ascended the British throne, making Prince William the heir apparent. On the day of the queen's funeral, flights over London were canceled to ensure quiet as a mark of respect, reflecting the profound impact of her passing on the nation.
London will mark the centenary of Queen Elizabeth with several commemorative events, including a fashion exhibition at Buckingham Palace and the opening of a new memorial garden in Regent's Park. These tributes serve as lasting reminders of a monarch who dedicated her entire adult life to service, navigated profound social and political changes, and became one of the most recognized figures in modern history.