Lesser-Known Facts About Queen Elizabeth II: From WWII Service to Her Love for Corgis

Lesser-Known Facts About Queen Elizabeth II: From WWII Service to Her Love for Corgis

Queen Elizabeth II is a beloved figure in British history, known for her grace, elegance, and dedication to her role as monarch. However, there are many lesser-known facts about the Queen that may surprise you. From her service during World War II to her love for corgis, there is much to learn about this fascinating and multifaceted figure.

Mechanic and Driver During WWII

During World War II, Queen Elizabeth II, then Princess Elizabeth, served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) as a mechanic and driver. At the age of 18, she became the first female member of the British royal family to serve in the armed forces.

A Passion for Pigeon Racing

Queen Elizabeth II has a surprising hobby: pigeon racing. She inherited a royal pigeon loft from her grandfather King George V and maintains a collection of racing pigeons at Sandringham Estate. Her birds have won numerous competitions over the years.

The Queen's Corgi Obsession

Queen Elizabeth II had a lifelong love for corgis. She received her first corgi, named Susan, as an 18th birthday present and owned more than 30 corgis since then. The Queen's corgis have become synonymous with her image, often accompanying her on trips and appearing in official portraits.

A Historic Reign

Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning British monarch in 2015, surpassing the previous record held by her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria. In 2016, she became the first British monarch to reach the age of 90.

The Queen's Secret Code

When attending social events, Queen Elizabeth II uses her handbag to send secret signals to her staff. If she places her bag on the table, it indicates that she wants to leave within the next five minutes. If she moves her bag from one arm to the other, it means she wants to end a conversation.

A Royal Love Story

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were married for over 73 years, making them one of the longest-married royal couples in history. They were distant cousins, both sharing a great-great-grandmother in Queen Victoria, and first met when Elizabeth was just 13 years old.

The Queen's Many Titles

Queen Elizabeth II has held numerous titles throughout her life, including Duchess of Edinburgh, Head of the Commonwealth, and Defender of the Faith. In addition to being the Queen of the United Kingdom, she is also the queen of 15 other independent countries.

A Talented Equestrian

Queen Elizabeth II was an accomplished horsewoman and has been an avid rider since childhood. She has a keen interest in thoroughbred horse racing and owns several racehorses that have won prestigious races, including the Epsom Derby.

Technologically Savvy Monarch

Queen Elizabeth II has embraced technology throughout her reign. In 1976, she became the first monarch to send an email, and in 2014, she sent her first tweet from the official British Monarchy Twitter account. She also holds a personal iPad for her use.

The Royal Stamp Collection

Queen Elizabeth II inherited one of the world's most valuable and comprehensive stamp collections from her father, King George VI. The Royal Philatelic Collection includes stamps from the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth and is considered an important part of the nation's heritage.

Whether you are a history buff or simply curious about the life of Queen Elizabeth II, these facts offer a glimpse into the fascinating world of British royalty. From her secret codes to her passions and hobbies, the Queen's life is full of surprises and hidden depths.

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