The Record-Breaking Reign:
Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne for over 70 years, making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
At just 14 years old, the young princess made her first radio broadcast during World War II to boost the morale of children who had been evacuated from their homes.
Aside from her royal duties, Queen Elizabeth is a skilled horseback rider and has a keen interest in equestrian sports.
She is known for her love of corgis and has owned more than 30 of them during her reign.
During World War II, she trained as a mechanic and military truck driver.
When traveling, Queen Elizabeth II often signals her staff with subtle cues, such as crossing her legs at the ankle, to indicate that she's ready to move on to the next conversation.
The Monopoly Controversy:
The royal family has a tradition of playing board games on Christmas Day, but Monopoly was reportedly banned because it got too competitive.
The First Monarch to Visit the Vatican:
Queen Elizabeth II made history by becoming the first British monarch to meet a Pope when she visited Pope John Paul II in 1980.
Every year, Queen Elizabeth delivers a Christmas speech to the nation, a tradition that has been ongoing since 1952.
The Queen is known to be particularly fond of Scotland and often spends her summer vacations at Balmoral Castle.
She can speak French fluently, which is a useful skill during state visits and diplomacy.
Queen Elizabeth II is the only British citizen who doesn't require a passport to travel abroad.
In 2007, the Queen launched the Royal Channel on YouTube, embracing modern technology to connect with the public.
The Queen owns one of the largest and most valuable art collections in the world, featuring works by Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
In 2026, a grand memorial will be unveiled to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 100th birthday, a historic event that will be celebrated around the globe.