Queen Elizabeth II

Hello there. My name is Elizabeth, and I was once the Queen of the United Kingdom. But before I wore a crown, I was just a little girl called Lilibet. That was my special family nickname because I couldn't say 'Elizabeth' properly when I was very small. I was born a princess, but I never, ever thought I would be the queen one day. My life was full of fun with my little sister, Margaret. We loved to play games and dress up in our home in London. My greatest loves, besides my family, were my animals. On my 18th birthday, I was given a special gift, a corgi puppy I named Susan. From that day on, I almost always had a little pack of corgis trotting right behind me wherever I went. They were my furry friends. I also adored horses and learned to ride my pony when I was just a little girl. Galloping across the fields felt like flying.

When I was ten years old, something happened that changed my whole life. My uncle, King Edward VIII, decided he did not want to be the king anymore. It was a very big surprise to everyone. Because he stepped down, my dear papa had to become the new king. He became King George VI. And just like that, I was no longer just a princess, I was the person who would become queen after him. It was a little scary, but my father was very brave, so I knew I had to be brave too. Soon after, a big war, called World War II, began. It was a difficult time for everyone. I wanted to help, so when I was old enough, I joined the army as a mechanic. I learned to drive big trucks and fix their engines. I even made speeches on the radio to give hope to other children across the country, telling them that everything would be alright in the end.

After the war, I met a handsome young prince named Philip. He was funny and made me laugh. We fell in love and got married. It was a wonderful, happy day. We started our family and had our first two children, Charles and Anne. But one day, while we were on a trip far from home, I received some very sad news. My dear father, the King, had passed away. In that moment, my life changed forever. I was now the Queen. In 1953, it was time for my Coronation. I rode in a golden carriage to a special church called Westminster Abbey. The crown they placed on my head was very heavy, sparkling with beautiful jewels. That day, I made a promise to the people of my country and the world. I said, 'I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service.' I promised to be their queen for as long as I lived.

And I kept that promise for a very, very long time. I was queen for over 70 years. My journey took me all over the world, to so many different countries. I sailed on ships and flew on planes to meet wonderful people from all walks of life. I saw my own family grow, welcoming more children, then grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. It filled my heart with so much joy. Being your Queen was the greatest honor of my life. I worked hard every day to keep my promise, and I hope I made my father proud. I passed away in 2022, but I hope people remember that a promise is a very important thing, and serving others is a wonderful way to live your life.