Elizabeth II was the queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 1952 until her death in 2022. She was the longest-reigning monarch in British history, known for her dedication to public service and her role in modernizing the monarchy. Born on April 21, 1926, Elizabeth became queen at the age of 25 after the death of her father, King George VI. Throughout her reign, she witnessed significant changes in society and the monarchy, maintaining a sense of stability and continuity during times of political and social upheaval.