Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Queen Elizabeth II (courtesy of Thirteen/WNET).

What is Queen Elizabeth II's title?

She has several. In the U.K. her official title is "Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith."

In common practice Queen Elizabeth II is referred to simply as "The Queen" to differentiate her from her mother, who was called "Queen Elizabeth".


What is her real name?

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor. She belongs to Britains's Royal House (Family) of Windsor, and is the daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, who passed away recently.

When is her birthday?

The Queen was born on April 21, 1936 in London. Her birthday is officially celebrated in Britain on the third Saturday of June each year.


When was she crowned?

The Queen was crowned in Westminster Abbey in London on June 2, 1953. She ascended the British throne some months before on February 6, 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI.


When was she married?

The Queen was married to Prince Philip, the son of Prince and Princess Andrew of Greece, on November 20, 1947, in Westminster Abbey in London. The Queen, being a member of the House of Windsor, retains the name of Windsor.

What are her official residences?

Buckingham Palace in London, England; Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England; and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland are her official residences. She also has private residences: Sandringham in Norfolk, Engladn and Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Does she have children?

The Queen has 3 sons and 1 daughter.

H.R.H. - the Prince of Wales (Prince Charles Philip Arthur George) born November 4, 1948. He was married July 29, 1981, to Lady Diana Frances Spencer (Diana the Princess of Wales), born July 1, 1961. They were divorced in 1996. Princess Diana died in an automobile accident on August 31, 1997.

H.R.H. - the Duke of York (Prince Andrew Albert Christian Edward), born February 19, 1960. He was married on July 23, 1986, to a commoner, Sarah Margaret FErguson, born October 15, 1959. They were divorced in 1996.

H.R.H. - The Prince Edward (Antony Richard Louis) born March 10, 1964. He was married June 19, 1999, to a commoner, Sophie Rhys-Jones. At his marriage, the Queen bestowed the title of Earl of Wessex on Prince Edward. His wife will bear the title Countes of Wessex.

H.R.H. - The Princess Royal (Princess Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise) born August 15, 1950. She was married November 14, 1973, to Captain Mark Anthony Peter Phillips. They were divorced in 1992. She was married a second time to Captain Timothy James Hamilton Laurence on Dcember 12, 1992.


What is the line of succession to the British Throne after Queen Elizabeth?

1. Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales (the Queen's eldest son)

2. Prince William (Prince Charles' elder son)

3. Prince Henry (Prince Charles' younger son)

4. Prince Andrew, the Duke of York (the Queen's second eldest son)

5. Princess Beatrice (Prince Andrew's elder daughter)

6. Princess Eugenie (Prince Andrew's younger daughter)

7. Prince Edward (the Queen's youngest son)


Can the Queen abdicate?

Technically speaking, it is the monarch's duty to rule until death in accordance with the time-honored traditions and rules of succession. She can abdicate the throne only with the consent of the British Parliament and the parliament of the other nations that recognize her as their Head of State.