Queen Elizabeth celebrated her 63rd anniversary as ruler of Britain on September 9^th. That makes her the longest ruling Monarch of Britain. Who is this woman beyond the big hats and the yippy dogs?

Elizabeth was born April 26, 1926. Her parents were King Gorge the 6^th and Queen Elizabeth the 1^st.

Elizabeth ascended the throne in February 6, 1952 at the age of 25. When she was crowned Queen she also became ruler of the Commonwealth and Queen Regent of 7 independent commonwealth countries; United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zeeland, South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Today the Commonwealth includes 16 countries.

Today, you when you look at the Queen you see a refined woman who has probably never gotten her hands dirty, not true. In World War 2 then Princess Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial service, which was the woman’s branch of the British Army. She was a driver and a mechanic.

Then Princess Elizabeth married Prince Phillip the Duke of Edinburgh in 1947. When she was planning her wedding she used ration coupons to by the fabric for her dress. Elizabeth and Philip had 4 children, Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward.

When she became Queen she kept her maiden name. When the Queen is crowned the name of the royal family usually changes to that of her husband but with the help of Winston Churchill Elizabeth kept the Windsor name, not changing the ruling houses name to Mountbatten, which is Phillip, her husbands, name. Phillip was not pleased; “I am the only man in the country not allowed to give his name to his own children.”

When Elizabeth dies or steps down the crown will go to her son Charles, then his son William and then his son George, Continuing the house of Windsor for many years to come.

Some unique perks to being queen, Elizabeth drives a car without a license and she travels the world but does not hold a passport. The British Passports are issued in her name so she doesn’t need one.

She keeps up with changing technology. She is considered to be the first head of state to send an email. Sending her first electronic message March 26,1976.

She constantly gives back; She is involved with 600 charities.

Even in her 80’s She has been known to photo bomb her fans.

since of humor that was best seen in the video of her and Daniel Craig at the opening ceremony of the London Olympics.

The Queen has had a 63 year reign, a marriage that has lasted even longer and large and loving family (mostly), beautiful great grandchildren and a net worth of half a billion dollars (yep I meant the B).

The Queen is a true role model for women everywhere who are strugling trying to have it all. She has had a marriage, career and a family balancing it all while the world is watching her every move.

Congratulations Queen Elizabeth on your spectacular reign and thank you for showing the world that you can be a strong, independent woman with a career and a family and still be a lady.