By the time Elizabeth became Queen in 1952 she was already a mother of two. Charles was born in 1948, the year after her wedding, and Anne two years later in 1950.
olTime spent visiting Prince Philip in Malta, where he was stationed with the Navy, and taking on her ailing father’s engagements meant Elizabeth was often separated from her young children – even before she was Queen.
But after ascending the throne at the age of just 25, the first few years of her reign were devoted solely to following in her father’s footsteps – and proving she was good enough for the job.
This meant more extended periods away from the children. It wasn’t until the 1960s when she gave birth to Andrew and Edward that she was able to balance her roles as monarch and mother more evenly.
Long periods away from home
The Queen and her children in Windsor in April 1965
As a child herself, Elizabeth grew up in a very close family.
Often referring to themselves as ‘we four’, she, Margaret, their mother and father spent lots of time…
