Early life and education of Queen Elizabeth II’s hobbies and interests

When Princess Elizabeth was born in Mayfair in 1926, neither she nor her family anticipated her eventual ascension to the throne. However, the course of history took a significant turn in December 1936 when her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne. This unexpected event led to her father’s accession as King, consequently placing Princess Elizabeth next in line to the throne.

The Queen was born at 2:40 a.m. on April 21, 1926, at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London. This residence belonged to her maternal grandparents, the Earl and Countess of Strathmore. She was the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York, who would later ascend to the throne as King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Her christening took place at Buckingham Palace on May 29 of the same year, where she was named Elizabeth Alexandra Mary.

At the time of her birth, Princess Elizabeth stood third in line to the throne, following Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII), and her father, The Duke of York.

The Princess’s christening took place in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace, where she was named Elizabeth Alexandra Mary. Her first name honored her mother, while her two middle names paid tribute to her paternal great-grandmother, Queen Alexandra, and her paternal grandmother, Queen Mary.

Family life

The Princess’s early years were spent at 145 Piccadilly, the London house taken by her parents shortly after her birth, and at White Lodge in Richmond Park. 

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Princess Elizabeth enjoyed spending time at various residences, including those of both her paternal and maternal grandparents. These included Windsor Castle, Balmoral Castle, and Sandringham House, belonging to her paternal grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary, as well as Glamis Castle in Angus, Scotland, and St Paul’s Walden Bury in Hertfordshire, belonging to her maternal grandparents, the Earl and Countess of Strathmore.In 1930, Princess Elizabeth’s sister, Princess Margaret Rose, was born, further solidifying the close-knit family bond. The family of four shared a strong and affectionate relationship.When Princess Elizabeth turned six, her parents made Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park their own country home. Within the grounds of Royal Lodge, she was gifted her own small house, Y Bwthyn Bach (the Little Cottage), by the people of Wales for her sixth birthday in 1932.

The Abdication of King Edward VIII 

Princess Elizabeth’s tranquil family life was disrupted in 1936 following the death of her grandfather, King George V. His eldest son ascended to the throne as King Edward VIII. However, by the end of the year, King Edward VIII made the unprecedented decision to abdicate the throne in order to marry Mrs. Wallis Simpson.

Upon King Edward VIII’s abdication, Princess Elizabeth’s father ascended to the throne as King George VI. In May 1937, both Princesses attended their parents’ Coronation at Westminster Abbey.

With this transition, Princess Elizabeth became the heir apparent and garnered even more intense public interest.

During the tumultuous years of World War II, in 1940, amidst the height of the Blitz, the young Princesses were relocated to Windsor Castle for their safety. Throughout the war, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret remained at Windsor, where they continued their education, participated in air raid drills, and endured the same rationing and hardships experienced by the rest of the country.

During the war years, while Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret remained at Windsor Castle, the King and Queen made efforts to join them whenever possible. However, they continued to stay in London, where they embarked on tours across the country to support the war effort. This included visiting communities that had endured bombing raids, offering solace and solidarity.

It was a period marked by austerity and anxiety for the entire nation, including the Royal Family. Yet, amidst the challenges, there were moments of respite. During Christmas time, the young Princesses organized pantomimes with the children of Royal Household staff, providing a brief period of light relief and joy for their family and employees.

Education

Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret received their education at home, a common practice for girls from affluent families during that era.

Upon her father’s accession to the throne in 1936 and Princess Elizabeth’s ascension as heir presumptive, she began to study constitutional history and law in preparation for her future role. She received guidance from her father, King George VI, and had sessions with Henry Marten, the Vice-Provost of Eton. Additionally, her religious education was overseen by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Princess Elizabeth also received French tuition from various French and Belgian governesses. This proficiency in French has proved invaluable to The Queen, particularly during visits to French-speaking Canada and other French-speaking countries.

Princess Elizabeth’s education extended beyond academics to encompass art and music. She developed proficiency in riding horses and became a skilled swimmer. Additionally, she actively participated in youth organizations, enrolling as a Girl Guide at the age of eleven and later becoming a Sea Ranger.

Her talents extended to sporting endeavors as well. At the age of thirteen, Princess Elizabeth achieved success by winning the Children’s Challenge Shield at London’s Bath Club.

Even during the challenging wartime years spent at Windsor, Princess Elizabeth continued to engage in her passions. In 1944, she competed at the inaugural Royal Windsor Horse Show. Driving a Norwegian pony named Hans in a carriage with her sister as a passenger, Princess Elizabeth emerged victorious in the Single Private Driving Class, showcasing her equestrian prowess and competitive spirit.