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STORY: Key dates in the life of Britain's Queen Elizabeth

April 21, 1926

Elizabeth was born at 2:40 a.m. at 17 Bruton Street, London

She was later christened in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace

December 11, 1936

She became heir apparent, aged 10

when her uncle Edward VIII abdicated and her father became King George VI

"I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and to the service of our great imperial family."

November 20, 1947

She married Philip Mountbatten at London's Westminster Abbey

They had four children: King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward

February 6, 1952

She ascended the throne on the death of her father

She was crowned on June 2, 1953 at Westminster Abbey

It was the first ever coronation to be televised

During her reign, she was served by 15 British prime ministers

August 31, 1997

Diana was killed in a car crash in Paris

The Queen and the royal family were criticized for their reserved response

"First I want to pay tribute to Diana myself. She was an exceptional and gifted human being."

September 9, 2015

She became Britain's longest-reigning monarch

surpassing the 63 years, 7 months and 2 days

that her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria spent on the throne

2022

The Queen celebrated her Platinum Jubilee – the 70th anniversary of her accession