Queen Elizabeth – Biography, Cause of Death and Full Name

Queen Elizabeth II served as the monarch of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death on 8 September 2022. Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on 21 April 1926 in London, she became the longest-reigning British monarch in history, with a reign lasting 70 years and 214 days.

Her life spanned nearly a century of profound change, from the postwar era into the digital age. As head of state, she witnessed 15 UK Prime Ministers and countless global events, all while maintaining a steady public presence. She married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1947, and together they had four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward.

What Was Queen Elizabeth II’s Cause of Death?

• Born: 21 April 1926, London
• Reign: 6 Feb 1952 – 8 Sept 2022 (70 years)
• Died: 8 Sept 2022, Balmoral Castle (age 96)
• Husband: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

• Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning British monarch.
• Her reign spanned 70 years and 7 months (70 years, 214 days).
• She was succeeded by her son, King Charles III.
• She was a direct descendant of Queen Victoria.
• Her coronation in 1953 was the first major state occasion broadcast on television.
• She celebrated her Platinum Jubilee in 2022, marking 70 years on the throne.

The official cause of death, as recorded by the National Records of Scotland, was listed as “old age.” The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on the afternoon of 8 September 2022, surrounded by senior members of the Royal Family. No further medical details have been publicly disclosed, as per standard practice regarding private health matters of the monarch. This information was confirmed by Royal.uk in an official statement following her death.

What Was Queen Elizabeth II’s Full Name and Biography?

Her Full Name at Birth

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London. She was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Her full name combines the names of her mother, her great-grandmother Queen Alexandra, and her grandmother Queen Mary. Detailed biographical records are maintained by Britannica and other authoritative sources.

Marriage to Prince Philip

On 20 November 1947, she married Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark. The couple had first met in 1939 when Elizabeth was 13. Philip renounced his foreign titles and became the Duke of Edinburgh. Their marriage lasted 73 years until Philip’s death in 2021. According to BBC Bitesize, the wedding took place at Westminster Abbey and was a moment of national celebration after the Second World War.

Children and Grandchildren

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip had four children: Charles (born 1948), Anne (born 1950), Andrew (born 1960), and Edward (born 1964). The Queen also had eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren at the time of her death. Her lineage is traced through the House of Windsor, as recorded by History.co.uk and other historical resources.

Early Life and Education

Elizabeth and her younger sister Margaret were educated at home under the supervision of their mother and governess. She studied constitutional history, law, and religion in preparation for her future role. During the Second World War, she trained as a driver and mechanic in the Auxiliary Territorial Service. Her early experiences shaped her sense of duty, as described in resources from Royal Collection Trust.

How Did Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign Compare to Other Monarchs?

Queen Elizabeth II vs. Queen Elizabeth I

Queen Elizabeth I reigned from 1558 to 1603, a period known as the Elizabethan era, marked by naval expansion and cultural flourishing. Queen Elizabeth II, in contrast, reigned during a time of decolonization, technological revolution, and social change. While Elizabeth I never married and had no children, Elizabeth II married and had a direct family line. Both monarchs gave their names to their respective ages, but their contexts were vastly different.

Historical Context of the British Monarchy

The British monarchy evolved significantly during Elizabeth II’s lifetime. Her reign saw the transition from empire to Commonwealth, the rise of mass media, and the increasing scrutiny of the royal family. She worked with 15 Prime Ministers, from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss. Her role as a constitutional monarch remained largely ceremonial, but she provided stability and continuity through decades of change.

Record Reign Length

On 9 September 2015, Elizabeth II surpassed Queen Victoria to become the longest-reigning British monarch in history. Victoria had reigned for 63 years, 216 days. Elizabeth’s final reign length was 70 years and 214 days. This milestone is documented by BBC Teach and other educational sources.

Key Moments in Queen Elizabeth II’s Life

1. 1926: Born in London
2. 1947: Married Prince Philip
3. 1952: Became Queen upon her father’s death
4. 1953: Coronation at Westminster Abbey
5. 2022: Platinum Jubilee (70 years)
6. 2022: Death on 8 September

What Do We Know and What Remains Uncertain About Queen Elizabeth II?

The following table separates established facts from areas where information is limited or not publicly confirmed.

What Was Queen Elizabeth II’s Place in Modern British History?

Queen Elizabeth II reigned during a period of decolonization, technological change, and social transformation. Her reign saw the end of the British Empire and the evolution of the Commonwealth. She was a constant figure in British public life, appearing on television, on currency, and at national events. Her Platinum Jubilee in 2022 was a moment of national reflection on seven decades of service.

She was also head of state for numerous milestones, including the end of the Cold War, the rise of the internet, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership style was described as steady and reserved, yet she adapted the monarchy to modern expectations. For a broader look at the institution she led, see our article on British Monarchy History.

Where Can You Find Reliable Information About Queen Elizabeth II?

Several authoritative sources provide verified details about her life and reign. The official Royal Family website offers official statements and historical records. Britannica publishes expert-reviewed biographical articles. Wikipedia maintains a comprehensive, frequently updated article with extensive citations. People.com and other news outlets cover contemporary events and personal stories. For educational resources, the Royal Collection Trust provides school materials. Always cross-reference multiple high-authority sources to ensure accuracy.

“She was a constant presence in the lives of the British people for over 70 years.” — This sentiment, widely expressed by public figures and media, reflects her enduring role as a symbol of national continuity.

What Is Queen Elizabeth II’s Lasting Legacy?

Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy is defined by her record-setting reign, the modernization of the monarchy through television and public engagement, and her role as head of state during significant national and global events. Her death marked the end of a historic era, and she was succeeded by her son, King Charles III. To learn more about the transition, read our article on King Charles III: Succession.

Frequently Asked Questions