For this particular blog entry, we are going to be taking a look at the life, achievements, and watch collection of one of the most noted historical figures of the last century – Queen Elizabeth II. One of the last of the world’s living monarchs and a beloved figure around the world, the Queen, who is 95 years old, has seen an astonishing amount of history occur over her lifetime, and been part of it as well, making her a unique and admired figure around the world, particularly in the United States and Canada.
In honor of the Queen’s legendary 70-year reign, we thought it would be appropriate to learn more about her life, achievements, and of course, her watch collection.
Who is Queen Elizabeth II?
Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, to the Duke of York, who would later become King George VI, and the Duchess of York, who would go on to become Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Her grandfather, George V, was quite fond of her, and was struggling with his health in her early years. It is believed by several biographers of the family that her frequent visits to him helped raise his spirits during this time.
Her only sibling, a younger sister named Margaret, was born in 1930. The two young girls were educated at home by their mother and a governess named Marion Crawford. Prime Minister Winston Churchhill himself noted that, as a child, Elizabeth was… “a character. She has an air of authority and reflectiveness astonishing in an infant.”
A Presumptive Heir
In her very early youth, Elizabeth was third in line to the throne, behind her uncle, Edward, and her father. Although her birth generated significant public attention, she was not expected to become queen, as it was believed that Edward would marry and have children of his own, thus negating the possibility of her becoming queen.
However, Edward would fall in love with a divorced socialite, Wallis Simpson, and wanted to marry her. However, it is against the rules of the British Royal Family for a member of the family to marry someone who has been previously divorced. Choosing love over his title, Edward abdicated the throne, which meant that Elizabeth’s father would now become king, and she would become second in the line of succession.
World War 2 Service
In September of 1939, Britain entered the Second World War. Lord Hailsham believed that the Princesses should be evacuated to Canada in order to avoid the frequent bombings of London at the time, but their mother flat out rejected the notion, stating that “The children won’t go without me. I won’t leave without the King. And the King will never leave.”
Although Margaret was too young to serve in the war effort, Elizabeth was able to serve her country during this time. She served as both an ambulance driver and a mechanic in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, and on VE Day in Europe, they mingled anonymously among the people in the streets of London.
She stated during a rare interview that “We asked my parents if we could go out and see for ourselves. I remember we were terrified of being recognized … I remember lines of unknown people linking arms and walking down Whitehall, all of us just swept along on a tide of happiness and relief.”
Modern Times
In 2012, the Queen celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, which marked her 60th year on the throne. Many celebrations were held throughout the greater United Kingdom, and she issued a public statement stating that:
“In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship, and good neighborliness… I hope also that this Jubilee year will be a time to give thanks for the great advances that have been made since 1952 and to look forward to the future with a clear head and warm heart.”
The Queen is currently celebrating her 70th year on the throne, and has, for the most part, maintained a very popular standing among the people of the United Kingdom. This is likely due, in large part, to the fact that she normally presents as approachable on the rare occasion where she makes public appearances, which have slowed down in more recent years due to her advancing age.
What Watches Are in the Queen’s Collection?
One of the lesser-known facts about Queen Elizabeth is that she is a noted collector of luxury watches, and has been for quite some time. She is known for having the following timepieces in her collection:
- Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse
- Patek Philippe 4975/1G
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 101
- Contemporary Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 101
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
- Vacheron Constantin
- Omega Ladymatic
- Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars
She has also been known, on occasion, to give out watches as gifts to people, as she did for Princess Diana after her wedding to Prince Charles.
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