In 1930, princess Elizabeth gained a little sister, Margaret Rose. The family of four was very close
Princess Elizabeth's quiet family life changed in 1936 when her grandfather, King George V died.
The eldest son of King George V, came to the throne as King Edward VIII. King Edward VIII only lasted a year at the throne before giving it up in order to marry the love if his life
Upon this act Elizabeth's father took the throne
Princess Elizabeth was now first in line to the throne, and a figure of even more intense public interest.
Her Majesty's life has seen many changes, from fulfilling her role as Queen at the age of 25, to raising a family, to world travel on a scale unparalleled by previous monarchs
The Queen took up her new role with energetic commitment.
Political duties began immediately from the State Open of Parliament to weekly audiences for the Prime Minister
The queen took her role as Queen seriously
She began a wide range if programme of visits throughout different parts of the country
An important part of the work of The Queen is to support and encourage public and voluntary service.
One way the queen does is through involvement of charities and organizations
The Queen has over 600 patronages.
These cover every area of the charity and voluntary sector
Involvement with these organisations helps to recognise their achievements, and helps to recognise the contributions of many different sectors of public life.
She attends the Derby at Epsom, one of the classic flat races in Britain, and the Summer Race Meeting at Ascot, which has been a Royal occasion since 1911.
As an owner and breeder of thoroughbreds, she often visits other race meetings to watch her horses run