Remembering Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in British history, died Sept. 8 at 96 years old. Now we honor her legacy.
Published on September 08, 2022 by Madisson Haynes
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Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, died Thursday, September 8. She was 96 years old.

Queen Elizabeth II's life was full of notable achievements, even before she became the Queen. During World War II (which ended when she was 19) Queen Elizabeth — princess Elizabeth at the time — didn't sail to Canada as advised. Instead, she stayed in England and joined the army. 

Additionally, The Queen was only 25 years old when she ascended to the throne in February 1952 after the death of her father, King George VI. Queen Elizabeth II then reigned for 70 years and saw Britain through many cultural and political shifts.


The Procession to Lying-in-State

Watch highlights from the procession and lying-in-state for Queen Elizabeth II from Wednesday, September 14, 2022.


Queen Elizabeth: A Royal Life

The PBS Newshour takes a look at the life and legacy of the queen.


Early into her reign, Queen Elizabeth maintained a strict calendar of events and appearances. The Queen performed both symbolic and formal duties over the course of her tenure. She was also faced with the difficult task of navigating public opinion toward the royal family throughout her reign.

Queen Elizabeth II married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 1947. Together they had four children; Prince Charles (1948), Princess Anne (1950), Prince Andrew (1960) and Prince Edward (1964), all of whom survive. Prince Philip died on April 9, 2021 at Windsor Castle.

Queen Elizabeth II's performed her last major constitutional act on Sept. 6, when she accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and asked Liz Truss, his successor, to form a new government. The included programming highlights many moments throughout Queen Elizabeth II's life.


You can stream these titles and more on PBS.org or on the PBS Video App.

Available on PBS Passport

Lucy Worsley's Royal Photo Album

Secrets of Royal Travel