Born to the Duke and Duchess of York in 1926, she acceded the throne on the death of her father in 1952.
You may not be a royalist and I am not an avid follower, but make no mistake, this grand old lady has worked and worked for this nation harder than most would have ever think, and she still does.
During World War II, she made stirring, morale boosting radio speeches, and after the war got dumped with the ultimate in responsibilities.
She has tried to uphold Royal tradition as she was taught it, but has had to adapt her own thoughts and ways to accommodate modern day life and values.
Her four children have introduced her to the harsh realities and stresses of modern life, and still she appears in public with that big smile of hers.
Among other things, she has met, sat with, had to listen to more people than any of us would have to do in a lifetime, and she knew them all by name, from whence they hailed, and why they were in her presence. I don’t suppose that too many were really interesting, but she was always attentive.
She has ‘red boxes’ delivered daily, all containing information relating to being Queen and having to know what is happening at home and abroad. There is nobody more knowledgeable than she is.
I think that she has done a fantastic job and against huge odds at times. During the large procession of watercraft on the Thames last year, she stood in horrid weather for every single boat that rowed, paddled, or sailed or chugged by her. If that had been me, I would have sat down, and anybody who didn’t like it would have been in the Tower before 5pm.
Despite the wealth around her, she has paid a high price, as did her sister and her children. Serving the nation is no easy task, and I wish her all the best and a huge thanks for being the epitome of serenity and class.
Long live Lilibet.. hip hip, hooray.. 
A note for those who do not fully understand the Royals or their place in British society, please take the time to read ‘The Queen’s Role’ in this website..
