Queen Elizabeth II birth date and verified facts
Queen Elizabeth II was born on 21 April 1926 in Mayfair, London, England. As the first child of Prince Albert, Duke of York (later King George VI), and his wife, the former Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, her birth established the line of succession that would later make her queen. Official records including the Register of Births, Marriages and Deaths confirm the date and location. This profile clarifies common questions about her early life and provides reliable context referenced by biographers and official sources.
Key biographic details at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 21 April 1926 | Civil registration and royal archives |
| Place of birth | 17 Bruton Street, Mayfair, London, England | Family records and census-indexed documents |
| Full name at birth | Elizabeth Alexandra Mary | Royal household archives |
| Parents | Prince Albert, Duke of York (George VI), and Elizabeth, Duchess of York (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) | Biographies and official court notices |
| Birth order in line of succession | Third in line at birth, first in line within her immediate family | Succession records and royal historian analyses |
Birth registration and public record
In the United Kingdom, births are registered within days of occurrence. The entry for Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was filed in the Mayfair district of London and later indexed in national civil registration records. These documents confirm 21 April 1926 as the legally recognized date of birth used for identification, passports, and royal succession purposes.
The significance of 21 April 1926
Born during the reign of King George V, Elizabeth entered a family not initially expected to produce a future monarch. At birth she was third in line to the throne, behind her uncle Edward, Prince of Wales, and her father. Nevertheless, the timing of later events, including the abdication of Edward VIII and the death of George VI, elevated her to the position of heir, making her birth date a foundational milestone in modern British history.
Common questions and clarifications
- Is 21 April 1926 the only recognized date? Yes, civil and royal records consistently cite this date; no credible alternative has been established.
- Was she born at home? She was born at her family’s London residence at 17 Bruton Street, Mayfair, consistent with upper-class family practice of the era.
- Are there official citations? The Register of Births for St George Hanover Square registers the entry; royal offices and biographies reference this public record.
- How does her birth relate to today’s succession? Her birth established the direct line that continues through subsequent generations, shaping the modern rules of succession.
Historical context and public record
Elizabeth’s birth occurred in the interwar period, a time of technological change and shifting social norms. The introduction of radio and early television influenced how royal events were reported, yet her arrival was recorded through official channels and family correspondence. Over time, historians and archivists have drawn on these materials to produce reliable accounts of her origins. Contemporary biographies, parliamentary records, and royal archives all converge on 21 April 1926 as the key date.
Reliable sources and further verification
For authoritative confirmation, researchers commonly reference the General Register Office for England and Wales, the London Metropolitan Archives for St George Hanover Square registration district, and vetted royal biographies published by official historians. The consistency across these independent records reinforces confidence in the date. Updates to the royal family website and published indexes reflect the same information without material revision, confirming its enduring accuracy.
Why the date matters today
Although more than a century has passed since her birth, 21 April 1926 remains central to understanding the lineage and stability of the modern monarchy. Official events, such as Trooping the Colour and Accession Day observances, implicitly acknowledge the continuity from her birth to the present reign. Clear documentation protects against speculation and supports transparent public understanding of institutional history.